Cooking With Bamboo Steamers: A Beginner's Guide

Bamboo steamers are a traditional East Asian cooking tool, used in restaurants and home kitchens across the world. They are made from woven bamboo and consist of interlocking or stackable baskets with a lid. Bamboo steamers are versatile, lightweight, and can be used to cook a wide variety of ingredients. They are also an affordable and healthy way to cook, as steaming helps retain moisture in food. Before using a bamboo steamer, it is important to soak the bottom rim in water for about 30 minutes to prevent scorching. To cook with a bamboo steamer, fill a wok or a large pot with water, place the steamer inside, and bring the water to a boil. Line the steamer baskets with parchment paper, cabbage leaves, or reusable silicone liners, and arrange your food inside. Cover the steamer with a lid and let the steam cook your food.

How to prepare a bamboo steamer for cooking

Bamboo steamers are a great way to cook a wide variety of foods, from vegetables to proteins, breads, rice, and dumplings. They are versatile, lightweight, and easy to use. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare a bamboo steamer for cooking:

Step 1: Prepare the Bamboo Steamer

First, wash all the pieces of the bamboo steamer with hot soapy water and rinse them thoroughly. Then, soak the bottom rim of the steamer, which will be in direct contact with the wok or pan, in lukewarm water for about 20 to 30 minutes. This will prevent the steamer from scorching or charring during its first use.

Step 2: Prepare the Wok or Pan

Place the bamboo steamer into a wok or a wide-rimmed, shallow pan. Fill it with enough water so that it comes about a quarter to half an inch above the bottom rim of the steamer. Ensure that the water level is not so high that it touches the bottom of the inside bed of the steamer, and not so low that the rim of the steamer is left dry and at risk of scorching.

Step 3: Prepare the Food

Line the bamboo steamer baskets with a porous liner to prevent food from sticking. You can use napa cabbage leaves, lettuce leaves, cheesecloth, parchment paper, or reusable cloth or silicone liners. Leave some spaces uncovered to allow steam to circulate. If steaming marinated meats or vegetables, use a heatproof plate or bowl to collect juices. Place the food in the steamer, leaving space for it to expand, and ensuring the steam can circulate.

Step 4: Steam the Food

Place the bamboo steamer in the wok or pan. You can either preheat the water to a simmer before placing the steamer in, or place the steamer in when the water is still cold and then turn on the heat. Once the water is simmering, let the food steam according to your recipe, keeping an eye on the water level and adding boiling water as needed.

Step 5: Post-Cooking Care

After cooking, turn off the heat and carefully remove the bamboo steamer from the wok or pan. Lift the lid away from you to avoid the escaping steam. Transfer the food to serving dishes. Wash the steamer with hot soapy water and rinse well. Allow it to air dry completely before storing to prevent mould or mildew.

With these steps, you can prepare your bamboo steamer for cooking and enjoy the benefits of steamed foods!

What foods can be cooked in a bamboo steamer?

Bamboo steamers are a great way to cook a wide variety of foods. They are particularly good for steaming foods, which is a cooking method that is ubiquitous and important in Asian cuisine.

You can steam buns, dumplings, breads, vegetables, rice, proteins, and even cakes and other desserts.

For example, you can steam a whole duck, or if that's too much, try steamed fish with aromatics like ginger and garlic. You can also steam chicken breasts, with a liner of parchment paper to prevent smells from lingering.

Vegetables are also a great option for bamboo steamers. Try steaming asparagus, snap peas, green beans, baby beets, peewee potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, any type of squash, enoki mushrooms, or Japanese sweet potato. Arrange heavier, slower-cooking vegetables like beets, squash, and potatoes on the bottom tier and add more delicate vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, and mushrooms to the second basket.

You can also steam mussels, green beans, and tofu.

If you want to steam dim sum or dumplings, it's a good idea to use a liner to prevent sticking. You can use perforated baking paper, napa cabbage leaves, or reusable silicone liners.

You can also use bamboo steamers to reheat food. Because steaming reintroduces moisture, it's a great way to make leftovers feel fresh again.

How to cook with stackable bamboo steamers

Stackable bamboo steamers are a great way to cook a wide variety of foods. They are affordable, lightweight, and easy to use and clean. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook with stackable bamboo steamers:

Prepare the Bamboo Steamer:

Before using a new bamboo steamer, it is recommended to soak the bottom rim, which will be in direct contact with the wok or pan, in lukewarm water for about 20 to 30 minutes. This helps prevent the steamer from scorching or charring. Additionally, washing all the pieces with hot soapy water and then steaming the baskets and lid for about 30 minutes can help remove any odour or taste from the bamboo. Make sure to dry the steamer completely before storing it after use.

Choose the Right Size and Number of Tiers:

Bamboo steamers come in various sizes, typically ranging from 6 inches to 30 inches in diameter. The most commonly used size is 10 inches, which fits nicely in standard woks or large skillets. The number of tiers you use will depend on how much food you are cooking. If you are cooking a large quantity, you can use multiple tiers to create stackable layers, allowing you to cook a whole meal at once.

Prepare the Pot or Pan:

Use a pot, deep saucepan, or wok that is large enough for the bamboo steamer to fit snugly on top. The rim of the steamer should rest securely just above the rim of the pot to prevent it from slipping inside. Fill the pot or wok with enough water to reach about a quarter to half an inch below the bottom of the steamer. The water level should be deep enough so that it doesn't run dry during cooking but not so deep that it reaches the food inside the steamer.

Line the Bamboo Steamer Baskets:

If you are placing food directly on the bamboo surface, it is recommended to use liners to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. You can use parchment paper, perforated baking paper, napa cabbage or lettuce leaves, corn husks, banana leaves, or reusable silicone liners. If using plates or bowls inside the steamer, you can skip this step. Just ensure there is space around the dish for steam to circulate.

Place the Food in the Steamer:

Arrange the food in a single layer in each basket, leaving space around each item to allow steam to circulate. If using multiple baskets, place the food that takes the longest to cook in the bottom basket and the food that needs the least cooking time in the top basket. Remember not to overcrowd the baskets, especially when cooking dumplings or buns, as they will expand during steaming.

Steam the Food:

Place the bamboo steamer in the pot or wok, ensuring that the bottom rim is submerged in water while the bottom floor of the steamer remains dry. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the steamer with its lid and cook according to your recipe's instructions, regularly checking the water level and adding boiling water as needed.

Serve and Clean:

Once the food is fully cooked, turn off the heat and carefully remove the steamer from the pot. Open the lid away from you to avoid the escaping steam. Transfer the food to serving dishes and enjoy! Clean the bamboo steamer by washing it in hot soapy water, rinsing it well, and allowing it to air dry completely before storing. Do not put the steamer in the dishwasher.

How to line a bamboo steamer

A bamboo steamer is a great kitchen tool to have, as it can be used to cook a wide variety of ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to line a bamboo steamer:

Firstly, you will need to cut a piece of parchment paper, also known as baking paper, that is wide enough to fit inside your steaming basket. It is important to use good-quality parchment paper to avoid it falling apart or tearing easily. Then, fold the paper into quarters (in half and then again). Make sure to crease the folds so that the paper lays flat.

Next, 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. Once you have done this, remove the paper from the basket. It should now look like a curved triangle. Cut along the curved edge, discarding the excess paper, so that you are left with a folded piece of paper shaped like a slice of pizza.

Now, fold the paper two more times so that you have a thin wedge shape. Using scissors, cut small triangles along the folded edges of the paper to create holes. Unfold the paper, and you will now have a circle with holes in it. Place this inside your steaming basket to prevent your food from sticking to the basket. You can also buy pre-made perforated parchment paper liners, or use reusable cloth or silicone liners.

If you are steaming marinated meats or vegetables, you may want to use a heatproof plate or bowl to collect any juices. If you are steaming buns or dumplings, be sure to leave about an inch of space between them, as they will expand during cooking.

Now that your bamboo steamer is lined, you can begin the steaming process. Place your bamboo steamer in a wok or a wide-rimmed, shallow pan filled with about an inch of water. Make sure the water level is below the bottom of the steamer to avoid the bubbling water touching the food. Bring the water to a simmer, add your steamer, and cover to trap the steam.

Finally, allow your food to steam according to your recipe's instructions, adding boiling water as needed. Enjoy your delicious, healthy meal!

How to clean a bamboo steamer

Cleaning and maintaining your bamboo steamer is essential to ensure it stays in good condition and doesn't develop mould. Here is a detailed guide on how to clean your bamboo steamer:

Before First Use:

If your bamboo steamer is brand new, it is recommended to soak the bottom rim of the steamer for around 30 minutes. This will prevent scorching when you use it for the first time.

After Cooking:

Rinse your bamboo steamer immediately after use. You can use hot water and a sponge with mild dish soap, then thoroughly rinse it. Alternatively, you can use a slice of lemon as a natural disinfectant. Rinse the steamer after using lemon to remove any residue.

Another option is to use a black tea bag soaked in hot water. Gently rub the tea bag over the steamer to remove food residue and bacteria. Make sure to rinse with warm water after to remove any remaining tea.

If there is stuck-on food, you can use a soft nylon brush with soapy hot water to scrub the bamboo steamer gently. Then, rinse with cold water to remove the soapy residue.

Drying and Storing:

After rinsing, allow the bamboo steamer to air-dry completely before storing. Do not put it away damp, or it may develop mould. It is best to let it air-dry for at least two days before storing. Ensure you store it in a dry place, not a humid environment.

Preventative Measures:

To make cleaning easier and to protect your bamboo steamer, you can use liners such as parchment paper, aluminium foil, cheesecloth, or even lettuce leaves. This will also make it easier to remove any food residue.

What Not to Do:

• Do not put your bamboo steamer in the dishwasher.
• Do not soak it in the sink for extended periods, as it may cause the bamboo to fall apart.
• Avoid using harsh detergents, as they can be challenging to rinse off and may damage the bamboo.

By following these steps, you can keep your bamboo steamer clean, hygienic, and in good condition for a long time.

Frequently asked questions