Steaming Dim Sum: No Steamer, No Problem!

There are several ways to cook dim sum without a steamer. You can use a metal steamer basket, but be warned that the dumplings will stick, so it's best to use non-stick cooking spray or line the basket with lettuce or cabbage leaves. Alternatively, you can use a plate propped up by either a wire rack or aluminium foil balls in a pot of water. You can also steam dim sum in the microwave or by frying them in a pan with a little water and oil.

Microwave dim sum for 2.5 minutes

Microwaving dim sum is a convenient way to enjoy this Cantonese dish without the need for a steamer. Here's a step-by-step guide to cooking dim sum in the microwave for 2.5 minutes:

Step 1: Prepare the Dim Sum and Microwave-Safe Container

Start by gathering your ingredients and ensuring your dim sum is ready for cooking. If your dim sum is frozen, check the packaging for any specific thawing instructions. Some brands may recommend thawing in the refrigerator before microwaving. Refer to a reliable source or the package instructions for the best results.

Choose a microwave-safe container that comfortably fits your dim sum without overcrowding. It's important to avoid overcrowding as it can lead to uneven cooking. Microwave-safe glass or ceramic containers are ideal.

Step 2: Arrange the Dim Sum

Place the dim sum in a single layer inside the container, ensuring proper spacing to allow hot air to circulate around each piece. If necessary, microwave in batches to maintain proper spacing.

Step 3: Add Water for Steaming

Add a small amount of water to the bottom of the container. This water will generate steam, ensuring that your dim sum stays moist and cooks evenly. Be careful not to add too much water, as it may affect the texture.

Step 4: Cover the Container

Cover the container with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. This step is crucial to trap the steam and moisture, ensuring even cooking and preventing splattering. Avoid using regular plastic wrap, as it may melt.

Step 5: Microwave for 2.5 Minutes

Place the covered container in the microwave and set the timer for 2.5 minutes. This timing may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave and the thickness of the dim sum, so adjust accordingly. It's always better to start with less time and add more if needed.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

After microwaving, carefully open the container, being cautious of the hot steam. Check if the dim sum is steaming hot and releasing steam. You can also carefully touch one of the dim sums to ensure it is hot throughout. If they still feel cold, continue microwaving in short intervals until they are warmed through.

Step 7: Resting and Serving

Allow the dim sum to rest for a minute or two after removing them from the microwave. This step helps distribute the heat evenly and prevents burns from hot fillings. Finally, serve your dim sum with your favorite dipping sauces, such as soy sauce, chili oil, or vinegar-based concoctions. Enjoy!

Tips for Best Results:

• Use a microwave-safe cover: A cover helps trap steam and ensures your dim sum stays moist.
• Add a splash of water: Enhance the steaming effect by adding a small amount of water to the container before cooking.
• Arrange strategically: Place larger or thicker dim sum on the outer edges of the container and smaller or thinner ones towards the center for even cooking.
• Rotate or flip: To ensure even cooking, consider rotating or flipping your dim sum halfway through the cooking time.
• Experiment with garnishes: Try garnishes like chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of hoisin sauce for added flavor and visual appeal.

Use a wire rack to prop up a plate

If you don't have a steamer, one of the easiest ways to DIY one is by using a wire rack to prop up a plate in a pot filled with water. Any kind of elevated metal rack will work well for this purpose.

To steam dumplings using this method, simply fill a pot or wok with a few inches of water, and then place your wire rack at the bottom, and use it to hold up a plate or dish, making sure that the water doesn’t touch the dish.

Before adding your dumplings, either brush the plate with a thin layer of oil, add some parchment paper, or some leafy vegetables like cabbage to prevent your dumplings from sticking to the plate.

Then carefully place your dumplings on the dish, giving them some space so they don’t stick together. Bring the water to a boil, then put a lid over your pot/wok, and let it steam for about 10 minutes, or until cooked through.

When your dumplings are done, remove your dish from the DIY steamer (be careful – the plate will be hot!) and enjoy your dumplings with your favourite dipping sauce.

Use aluminium foil to prop up a plate

If you don't have a steamer, you can use aluminium foil to prop up a plate and steam your dim sum. Here's how:

Firstly, you'll need to make three balls of aluminium foil. They should be roughly the same size and shape – about the size of a golf ball. Next, fill a pot with around half an inch to an inch of water and place your foil balls inside. The balls of foil act as a buffer between the bottom of the pot and the plate that you'll be steaming your dim sum on.

Now, take a heat-safe ceramic plate and place it on top of the foil balls. Make sure the plate fits just inside the pot, allowing the steam to circulate. Space out your dim sum on the plate, ensuring they aren't touching, so they cook evenly. If you're steaming frozen dim sum, brush the plate with a little oil or line it with parchment paper first to prevent sticking.

Once your dim sum is on the plate, turn the stove to high heat and bring the water to a boil. Then, put a lid on the pot to trap the steam. If your lid doesn't have a vent, wrap a towel around it to capture any condensation.

Let your dim sum steam for around 10 minutes. After this time, remove the lid and take your dim sum out. They're now ready to serve!

Steam-fry dim sum in a pan

If you want to cook dim sum dumplings without a steamer, one option is to steam-fry them in a pan. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Heat Oil in a Pan

Pour about 1 tablespoon of cooking oil into a pan with a lid. Turn the stove burner to medium heat. Swirl the oil around to coat the entire pan evenly. You can use any cooking oil of your choice for this step.

Step 2: Fry the Dumplings

Place the dumplings in the pan, ensuring they are spaced evenly apart. Let them cook without moving them for at least a minute. Check the bottoms of the dumplings with a spatula to ensure they turn golden brown and crispy before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Add Water

If you're cooking fresh dumplings, add about 2-3 tablespoons of water to the pan, just enough to cover the bottoms of the dumplings. If you're cooking frozen dumplings, use enough water to cover the bottom third of the dumplings.

Step 4: Steam the Dumplings

Turn the stove to medium-high heat so the water starts to evaporate. As soon as you see steam rising from the water, cover the pan with a lid to trap the steam and cook the dumplings. Fresh dumplings will take about 6 minutes to cook, while frozen dumplings will need closer to 10 minutes to thaw and cook through. You can cut open a dumpling to check if it's cooked to your liking.

Step 5: Remove the Lid

Once the dumplings are cooked, removing the lid for the final minute will make the wrappers extra crispy. Keep heating the dumplings until the water completely evaporates, then serve!

Use a metal steamer basket

If you want to steam dim sum using a metal steamer basket, be aware that the dumplings will likely stick to the metal. To prevent this, spray the basket thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray. You can also line the basket with lettuce or cabbage leaves.

To cook your dim sum, first fill a pot with about an inch of water and bring it to a boil. Then, place your metal steamer basket in the pot and add your dumplings. Cover the pot and let the dim sum steam for about 10 minutes.

When the dim sum is done, carefully remove the steamer basket from the pot—it will be hot! Then, slide the dumplings onto a serving platter and enjoy.

Frequently asked questions