Steaming Veggies The Chinese Way: A Healthy, Tasty Guide

Chinese steamed vegetables are a quick, easy, and healthy dish to make. The dish is packed with vitamins and can be served with a sweet soy dipping sauce or steamed rice. The vegetables are usually blanched or steamed and seasoned with sauces such as soy sauce, oyster sauce, or hoisin sauce. Common vegetables used include broccoli, zucchini, carrots, string beans, and cabbage. The dish can be made more flavorful by steaming the vegetables in chicken stock and seasoning with salt, sesame seeds, or sesame oil.

Choosing your vegetables

When choosing your vegetables for a Chinese steamed dish, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you'll want to select a variety of vegetables that complement each other in terms of flavour and texture. Here are some popular options:

• Broccoli
• Zucchini/Courgette
• Carrots
• Green Beans
• Cabbage
• Bok Choy
• Bell Peppers
• Snow Peas/Peapods
• Spinach
• Eggplant
• Water Chestnuts
• Celery

Once you've chosen your vegetables, you'll want to cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. For example, cut broccoli into florets, carrots into batons or julienne strips, and zucchini into slices or batons. You can also add ingredients like garlic and ginger to enhance the flavour of your dish.

When preparing your vegetables, it's important to blanch or steam them until they are just tender, but still crisp. This will ensure they retain their nutrients, colour, and texture. You can also add ingredients like peanut butter, hoisin sauce, or oyster sauce to enhance the flavour of your dish.

Additionally, consider the presentation of your dish. You can cut the vegetables into uniform sizes and shapes for a neat and tidy look, or you can keep them varied for a more rustic appearance. You can also garnish your dish with ingredients like sesame seeds, cilantro, or green onions.

Finally, when choosing your vegetables, consider the overall flavour profile you want to achieve. For example, a mix of broccoli, zucchini, and carrots steamed in chicken stock can add flavour to your dish. Alternatively, you can use vegetable soup base water, or a combination of soy sauce, peanut oil, and garlic for a more savoury dish.

Preparing your vegetables

Firstly, select your vegetables. You can use a variety of vegetables, such as broccoli, zucchini, carrots, string beans, cabbage, eggplant, bell pepper, bok choy, onion, snow peas, spinach, and more. You can also add some protein, like tofu or chicken, to make it a more substantial meal.

Once you have your vegetables, wash them thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or chemicals. For vegetables with thick skins, like carrots or eggplant, you may want to peel them. For vegetables with leaves, like bok choy, separate the leaves and stems, chopping them into similar-sized pieces. For harder vegetables, cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

After washing and chopping, you may want to blanch your vegetables. This step is optional but can help retain the colour and texture of your vegetables. To blanch, bring a pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt and a few drops of vegetable oil. Add your vegetables and cook until just tender, which usually takes around 1-3 minutes, depending on the vegetable. Immediately rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process, then drain and set aside to dry.

If you don't want to blanch, you can simply steam your vegetables. Place a steamer basket in a saucepan or wok with a small amount of water, ensuring the water doesn't touch the basket. Place your vegetables in the basket, cover, and heat until the water boils. Then, reduce the heat and steam until the vegetables are crisp-tender, usually around 5-8 minutes.

Now your vegetables are ready for the next step—steaming!

Cooking your vegetables

The key to cooking Chinese steamed vegetables is to prepare a variety of vegetables, steam them to a crisp-tender consistency, and then season them with a combination of sauces and spices. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you cook delicious Chinese steamed vegetables:

Selecting and Preparing the Vegetables:

For Chinese steamed vegetables, you can choose from a wide range of options, including:

• Broccoli
• Zucchini
• Carrots
• String beans
• Cabbage
• Baby bok choy
• Cauliflower
• Celery
• Japanese or regular eggplant
• Red bell pepper
• Snow peas or pea pods
• Spinach
• Onions
• Garlic
• Ginger

Feel free to mix and match according to your preference and availability. Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces or strips. For bok choy, you can quarter them, and for snow peas, you can leave them whole.

Steaming the Vegetables:

There are a few different methods you can use to steam the vegetables:

• Bamboo Steamer Baskets: Using two bamboo steamer baskets allows you to cook the vegetables more quickly. Place the carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, and beans in the first basket. After two minutes, place the zucchini and bok choy in the second basket on top of the first. Steam for an additional 2-3 minutes or until all vegetables are tender.
• Stockpot or Saucepan: Place a steamer insert or basket over about two inches of water in a stockpot or saucepan. Add the vegetables in batches if necessary, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Cover and steam for 5-8 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
• Skillet or Wok: Bring water to a simmer in a skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the vegetables and simmer for 6-8 minutes until tender. Drain any remaining water.

Seasoning and Serving the Vegetables:

There are several ways to season and serve your steamed vegetables:

• Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix soy sauce, creamy peanut butter, hoisin sauce, grated ginger, and chopped garlic until blended. Add the steamed vegetables to the bowl and toss to coat. Serve over hot cooked brown rice.
• Vinaigrette: Mix grated ginger, sesame oil, fish sauce or reduced-sodium soy sauce, and chopped garlic. After steaming the vegetables, transfer them to a large bowl, add the ginger mixture, and toss to combine. Sprinkle with chopped unsalted dry-roasted peanuts, fresh cilantro, and julienned ginger before serving.
• Simple Seasoning: For a simpler option, drizzle the steamed vegetables with soy sauce, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds. You can also add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet or wok before steaming the vegetables for additional flavor.
• Garlic Oil: Heat peanut oil or vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add coarsely chopped garlic and stir until the edges turn golden. Immediately pour the hot garlic oil over the plated vegetables. Drizzle with soy sauce and serve.

Making a sauce

Soy-based sauce

A popular choice for Chinese steamed vegetables is a soy-based sauce. You can mix soy sauce with other ingredients such as peanut butter, hoisin sauce, ginger, and garlic. For a more complex flavour profile, consider adding some sesame oil, fish sauce, or oyster sauce to the mix. If you're looking for a sweeter sauce, kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) is a great option.

Peanut sauce

For a nutty and savoury option, you can make a peanut sauce by mixing fresh ginger, sesame oil, fish sauce or soy sauce, and unsalted dry-roasted peanuts. This sauce pairs well with steamed vegetables like green beans, broccoli, carrots, and spinach.

Chicken stock

While not a traditional sauce, steaming your vegetables in chicken stock adds flavour and moisture to your dish. This method is a great way to enhance the taste of your vegetables without making a separate sauce.

Tips for making sauces:

• Start with small quantities and adjust as needed. It's easier to add more ingredients than to dilute an overpowering sauce.
• Taste your sauce as you go and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
• Don't be afraid to experiment and add your own twist to the sauce. You can try adding spices, herbs, or other ingredients like honey or citrus juice to create a unique flavour profile.

Remember, the key to a great sauce is balancing the flavours and tailoring it to your taste preferences. Happy cooking!

Serving suggestions

Chinese steamed vegetables are a healthy and delicious side dish that can accompany a variety of main courses. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:

Rice and Noodles

Chinese steamed vegetables go well with rice or noodles, providing a nutritious and well-rounded meal. For a wholesome option, serve the vegetables with steamed rice. To make it more interesting, try using brown rice or fried rice. Alternatively, you can pair the vegetables with noodles, such as rice noodles or even bread for a simple yet satisfying combination.

Proteins

For a more substantial meal, consider adding a protein source to your plate. Steamed vegetables can be served alongside teriyaki chicken or beef dishes. If you're looking for something lighter, try pairing it with tofu or eggs, such as a simple omelette or scrambled eggs.

Sauces and Dressings

To enhance the flavour of your steamed vegetables, consider serving them with a dipping sauce or dressing. You can opt for a simple soy sauce or get creative with a sweet soy dipping sauce made by combining kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), oyster sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, and sesame oil. For a more complex flavour profile, try a ginger-sesame vinaigrette or a peanut sauce made with creamy peanut butter, hoisin sauce, and ginger.

Other Vegetables

Feel free to experiment with different types of vegetables to create a vibrant and nutritious dish. You can use seasonal green vegetables or a variety of Chinese greens, such as bok choy, spinach, Chinese broccoli, or broccolini. For added crunch and texture, include water chestnuts or zucchini.

Presentation

When plating your Chinese steamed vegetables, consider presentation to make your dish more appealing. Arrange the vegetables with minimal overlapping on a bed of rice or noodles. Garnish with ingredients such as chopped peanuts, cilantro, or julienned ginger. You can also sprinkle sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, or even a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for added flavour and colour.

With these serving suggestions, you can create delicious and varied meals centred around Chinese steamed vegetables. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations to find your favourites!

Frequently asked questions