Steaming Dumplings: Bamboo Steamer Method For Frozen Treats

Cooking frozen dumplings in a bamboo steamer is a great way to enjoy delicious, tender, and stretchy dumplings without having to defrost them first. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect steamed dumplings using a bamboo steamer:

First, you'll need to prepare your bamboo steamer by placing it into a wok or a wide-rimmed pan. Fill the container with water, ensuring it reaches about a quarter to half an inch above the bottom rim of the steamer. This prevents the steamer from scorching while allowing the food to steam effectively.

Next, line the bamboo steamer baskets with something porous to prevent the dumplings from sticking. You can use Napa cabbage leaves, lettuce leaves, parchment paper (with holes poked in it), or even reusable cloth or silicone liners.

Then, place your frozen dumplings inside the steamer, making sure they're spaced out with about an inch between each dumpling. This is important as they will expand while steaming.

After that, place the steamer into the wok or pan. You can either preheat the water to a simmer before placing the steamer or put the steamer in when the water is still cold and then turn on the heat.

Once the water is simmering, let the dumplings steam according to the recipe's instructions, usually around 7-10 minutes for frozen dumplings. Keep an eye on the water level and add boiling water as needed to maintain the simmer.

Finally, remove the dumplings from the steamer using tongs, and they're ready to serve!

Enjoy your perfectly cooked frozen dumplings, and remember to dry your bamboo steamer thoroughly before storing it to prevent mould or mildew.

How to line a bamboo steamer

To line a bamboo steamer, you can use parchment paper, napa cabbage leaves, lettuce leaves, layers of cheesecloth, or squares of perforated parchment paper. You can also use reusable cloth or silicone liners.

• Cut a length of baking paper that is wide enough to fit inside your steaming basket:
• Fold the paper into quarters (in half and then again). Crease the folds so that the paper lays flat:
• Place the folded corner of the parchment paper in the centre of the basket:
• Push the paper into the basket and use your fingertips to crimp the paper along the curved inside edge of the basket:
• Remove the paper from the basket. It should now look like a slice of pizza:
• Fold two more times so that you have a thin wedge shape:
• Using scissors, cut holes along the folded edges of the paper:
• Unfold the paper and you will now have a circle of paper with holes in it:
• Place this inside the steaming basket to prevent your dumplings from sticking to the basket.

You can also use paper cupcake liners for small, individual items, or in the absence of parchment paper. Place one under each item of food, or flatten them out and shingle them over the inside of the liner.

If you are steaming marinated meats and/or vegetables, you will want to steam them in a heatproof plate or bowl to collect any juices.

How to prepare the dumplings

To prepare dumplings in a bamboo steamer, you will need a wok or a wide-rimmed, shallow pan, like a skillet, and a bamboo steamer with multiple levels or baskets.

First, fill your wok or pan with enough water to come up above the bottom rim of the steamer by about a quarter to half an inch. The water level should be high enough to submerge the bottom rim of the steamer, but not so high that the bubbling water touches the food. If your bamboo steamer is new, soak the bottom rim in water for 30 minutes to prevent scorching.

Next, line your bamboo steamer baskets with something porous to prevent the dumplings from sticking. You can use napa cabbage leaves, lettuce leaves, layers of cheesecloth, parchment paper, or reusable cloth or silicone liners. If using parchment paper, poke a few holes in it to let the steam through.

Now, place your frozen dumplings in the steamer, leaving about one inch between each dumpling to allow room for expansion. Do not overcrowd the steamer.

Finally, place the steamer in the wok or pan. You can either preheat the water to a simmer before adding the steamer, or place the steamer in the wok/pan when the water is still cold and then turn on the heat. Ensure that the water is boiling before you add the steamer with the dumplings.

Once the water is simmering, allow the dumplings to steam for 7 to 15 minutes, depending on the recipe and the ingredients. Keep an eye on the water level and add boiling water as needed.

After steaming, remove the dumplings from the steamer using tongs and serve.

How to prepare the wok or pan

To prepare the wok or pan for cooking frozen dumplings in a bamboo steamer, follow these steps:

Firstly, place the bamboo steamer into your wok or another wide-rimmed, shallow pan, such as a wide skillet. If you are using a new bamboo steamer, it is recommended to soak the bottom rim in water for around 30 minutes to prevent scorching. Ensure that the water level is about a quarter to half an inch above the bottom rim of the steamer. This ensures that the rim is submerged in water, but the bubbling water does not touch the food inside the steamer.

Secondly, prepare the bamboo steamer by lining it with something to prevent the dumplings from sticking. You can use large, soft napa cabbage leaves, lettuce leaves, layers of cheesecloth, parchment paper, or reusable cloth or silicone liners. If using parchment paper, cut out a circle that fits the steamer and fold it into quarters. Cut a triangle off the folded paper, unfold it, and place it inside the steamer. Poke a few holes in the paper to allow the steam to circulate. Alternatively, you can use perforated parchment paper liners made specifically for bamboo steamers.

Thirdly, place the dumplings inside the bamboo steamer, leaving about an inch of space between each dumpling to allow for expansion during steaming.

Finally, you can either preheat the water in the wok or pan to a simmer before placing the bamboo steamer with the dumplings inside, or you can place the steamer into the wok/pan when the water is still cold and then turn on the heat. If you are using an electric stove, it is recommended to use a flat-bottomed wok at maximum temperature.

How to steam the dumplings

To steam frozen dumplings in a bamboo steamer, you will need a wok or a wide-rimmed, shallow pan, a bamboo steamer, and some parchment paper, Napa cabbage leaves, or lettuce leaves.

First, fill your wok or pan with water. The water level should be about a quarter to half an inch above the bottom rim of the steamer. This will prevent the steamer from scorching but ensure the bubbling water does not touch the food.

Next, line your bamboo steamer with parchment paper, Napa cabbage leaves, or lettuce leaves. This will prevent the dumplings from sticking to the bamboo. Cut the parchment paper to size, and if using, punch holes in it or cut it like a snowflake to let the steam through.

Now, place your frozen dumplings in the steamer, ensuring they do not touch each other and that there is about one inch between them. Dumplings will increase in size as they steam, so they need room to expand.

Then, place the steamer into the wok or pan. You can either preheat the water so that it is already simmering, or you can place the steamer in when the water is still cold and then turn on the heat.

Once the water is simmering, allow the dumplings to steam for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the water level and add boiling water as needed—do not add cold water as this will interrupt the cooking process.

Finally, use two pairs of tongs to lift out the tray of dumplings and serve.

How to care for your bamboo steamer

Before First Use

Before using your bamboo steamer for the first time, wash all pieces with hot, soapy water, and rinse well. Then, soak the steamer in hot water for around 30 minutes. After soaking, steam all baskets and the lid for about 30 minutes while empty.

Cleaning

To clean your bamboo steamer, wash it with a sponge and mild dish soap, then immediately and thoroughly rinse it. Let the steamer air-dry for at least two days before storing it to prevent any mould or mildew.

Do not put your bamboo steamer in the dishwasher, and do not soak it in water in the sink for more than five minutes.

Oiling

Coating the steamer in oil after each washing will keep it from drying out. To do this, dab a piece of paper towel with cooking oil and run the oiled paper towel along the outer and inner surfaces of the bamboo steamer. Any cooking oil will do—for example, vegetable oil or olive oil.

Soaking

Before using your bamboo steamer, soak it for about 20 minutes to prevent the bamboo from burning during use.

Frequently asked questions