Steaming Delights: Dim Sum In Bamboo Steamers

Bamboo steamers are a great way to cook dim sum. They are hand-woven appliances made of bamboo strips that have been shaped into a circle. They are lightweight and allow enough steam to cook food in minutes. The interlocking baskets stack on top of each other and are placed over a wok or pot of simmering water. The steam rises through the open ridges at the bottom of each basket, cooking the food inside. Before using a bamboo steamer, ensure that it fits snugly over your wok or pot to prevent steam from escaping. You can line the basket with paper steamer liners, cabbage leaves, or parchment paper to prevent sticking and add flavour. Place the dim sum on top, leaving a 1-inch gap between each piece. Cover the steamer and let the food steam for 8-11 minutes, depending on the recipe. After use, clean the bamboo steamer with mild dish soap and water, and let it air dry completely to prevent mould growth.

Preparing your bamboo steamer: Soak it in warm water first to prevent scorching

Preparing your bamboo steamer is an important step in the cooking process, and it's especially important to soak it in warm water first to prevent scorching. Here's a detailed guide on how to do this:

Firstly, give your bamboo steamer a good clean. Use hot, soapy water and a sponge or brush to scrub away any dust or dirt. Rinse it thoroughly to ensure no soap residue remains. This step is crucial, especially if your steamer is new, as it removes any dust or residue from the manufacturing process.

Next, fill a pot with warm water and soak the entire bamboo steamer, including the lid and all baskets, for at least 20 minutes to an hour. Some sources recommend soaking for 30 minutes to 8 hours or even overnight for the first treatment. However, always refer to the manufacturer's instructions, as some bamboo steamers may not be suitable for soaking in hot water. Soaking the steamer softens the bamboo fibres and helps prevent scorching or burning when you start steaming your food.

After soaking, remove the steamer from the water and allow it to air dry completely. You can also use a cloth or paper towel to ensure all surfaces are dry. It is very important to ensure your steamer is dry before storing it, as bamboo can be susceptible to mould if left damp.

If your steamer is new, you may notice a strong odour. This is normal due to the natural bamboo material. To help eliminate the smell, you can steam the steamer for about an hour, ensuring you have enough water, and then soak it again in hot water for 30 minutes. Repeat these steps if necessary. You can also try soaking the steamer in a mixture of white vinegar and water, or sprinkling it with baking soda, to help neutralise the odour.

Once your bamboo steamer is clean, dry, and odour-free, it's ready for use! Remember to follow the manufacturer's care instructions for any specific guidelines or precautions.

Lining the basket: Use parchment paper, cabbage leaves, or paper liners to prevent sticking

Lining the basket of your bamboo steamer is essential to prevent your dim sum from sticking. You can use a variety of materials for this, each adding a unique flavour to your dish.

One option is to use parchment paper. Cut this to the size of your basket and, if you like, punch holes in it to allow for more steam to pass through. You can also buy pre-cut parchment with holes that fit most common bamboo steamer dimensions. Alternatively, use perforated parchment paper liners, which are designed specifically for bamboo steamers.

If you don't have parchment paper, you can use cabbage leaves. Opt for large, soft napa cabbage leaves and cut and flatten them to fit your basket. You can also use lettuce leaves, which will impart a subtle flavour on your dim sum.

For an extra layer of flavour, you can use thinly sliced vegetables as a liner, such as king oyster mushrooms or zucchini. These will prevent your dim sum from tearing and spilling out their juices.

Finally, you can use cloth or silicone liners, which are reusable and convenient.

Stacking your baskets: Stack multiple steamers to cook more food at once, rotating halfway

Stacking your baskets is a great way to cook more food at once. Bamboo steamers are designed with interlocking baskets that stack on top of each other, and you can use this feature to your advantage by stacking multiple steamers to cook multiple types of food at the same time.

To do this, simply place one steamer on top of another. You can even stack three or four steamers on top of each other, depending on how much food you need to cook. Just remember to rotate the baskets halfway through to ensure even cooking.

When stacking your baskets, it's important to follow a few key tips. First, make sure that the food in each basket has enough room to expand. Dumplings, for example, should be placed with about an inch of space between them, and larger buns should have about 1 1/2 inches of space. Second, ensure that the steam can circulate around the food by leaving enough open space around the dishes. Third, place the dishes with the longest cooking time in the bottom basket, as this will be the warmest part of the steamer. Finally, always use the lid that comes with your bamboo steamer to trap the steam and ensure even cooking.

By stacking your bamboo steamers, you can cook more food at once and make the most of this versatile cooking tool.

Water level and boiling: Simmering water should not touch the steamer's bottom

When cooking dim sum in a bamboo steamer, it is important to ensure that the water in the wok or pot is at a level that does not touch the bottom of the steamer. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you get it right:

Firstly, fill your wok or pan with water. The amount of water required will depend on the size of your cookware. As a general guide, for a 12-inch skillet or sauté pan, use between 3.5 and 5 cups of water, and for a 14-inch wok, use between 4 and 6 cups. The water level should be just below the slats or ridges at the bottom of the steamer, about a quarter to half an inch below. This ensures that the bottom rim of the steamer is submerged, preventing it from scorching, but also that the bubbling water does not touch the food inside the steamer.

If you are using a new bamboo steamer, it is recommended to soak the bottom rim, which will be in direct contact with the pan, for about 30 minutes to prevent scorching.

Once you have filled your wok or pan with the appropriate amount of water, place your bamboo steamer inside. You can do this before or after turning on the heat. If you choose to preheat the water, make sure it is simmering, not boiling, when you place the steamer inside.

As the water simmers, it will start to evaporate. Keep an eye on the water level and add boiling water as needed to maintain the correct level. Do not add cold water, as this will interrupt the cooking process.

If you are steaming for an extended period or cooking multiple batches of dim sum, keep a kettle of water boiling to easily replenish the water in your wok or pan without stopping the cooking process.

By ensuring that the simmering water does not touch the bottom of the bamboo steamer, you avoid the food from being boiled and allow it to cook gently and evenly through the rising steam. This traditional cooking method helps retain the natural flavours, textures, and nutrients of the dim sum.

Maintaining moisture: Cover the lid with a cloth to prevent condensation from dripping onto the food

Maintaining moisture is an important part of cooking dim sum in a bamboo steamer. To do this, cover the lid with a cloth to prevent condensation from dripping onto the food. This ensures that the moisture is directed back into the dim sum, keeping it juicy and flavourful.

When cooking with a bamboo steamer, it is also important to ensure that the lid fits snugly to prevent steam from escaping. The bamboo steamer should be placed over a pan of bubbling, boiling water, with the steam rising up and contained by the closed lid. The steam then travels around the steamer, cooking the dumplings gently.

You can also experiment with different liners to add an extra layer of flavour to your dim sum. For example, you can use cabbage leaves, parchment paper, or specifically designed paper liners. Additionally, you can try using lettuce leaves or thinly sliced vegetables as a liner, which will impart a subtle flavour to your dish.

After steaming, remember to always allow your bamboo steamer to air dry completely before storing it away. This is an important step to prevent mould growth and extend the life of your steamer.

Frequently asked questions