Steam Bath Cooking: A Guide To Making Delicious Meals

Steaming is a cooking technique that is common in Taiwan and other parts of Asia. It is considered a basic cooking skill in Asian kitchens and is used to cook and reheat a variety of foods, including vegetables, proteins, buns, breads, dumplings, and desserts. To steam food, you need a setup that allows hot steam to circulate around the food without the boiling water touching it. There are several ways to create a steam bath for cooking, and you may already have the necessary equipment in your kitchen.

Use a wok with a lid and a heat-proof dish

Steaming is a crucial skill in Asian cooking, and you can steam with things you already have in your kitchen. Here's how to create a steam bath using a wok with a lid and a heat-proof dish:

Firstly, you'll need a wok with a lid. The lid should be dome-shaped to provide more overhead room for steam to collect and prevent your food from being squashed. You'll also need a heat-proof dish that can fit inside the wok. This could be an oven-safe dish or a glass pie plate. If you want to save any liquid from steaming (e.g. when steaming proteins like chicken), make sure your dish has a rim to keep the liquid in.

Next, you'll need something to prop up the dish above the water, such as a metal steam rack or a clean, empty metal can with both ends removed. The wider the can, the better, as it will provide a more stable surface for your food. A 28-ounce (794g) tomato can is a good option if you want something a little taller. If you're steaming for a long time and need to use more water, you may want to use a can in addition to a metal rack to raise the food higher above the water.

Now, simply fill the pot with 2 inches of water (more if you're steaming for longer, but make sure the water level is at least 1 inch below the rack so that the bubbling water doesn't touch the bottom of the dish). Place the steaming rack or empty can in the centre of the wok, and put your heatproof dish of food on top. Cover the wok with the lid, making sure there's enough space between the outer edges of the dish and the sides of the wok for the steam to circulate and cook the food.

Finally, turn the heat to medium or high to bring the water to a simmer, and your food will steam!

Use a stainless steel steamer

Using a stainless steel steamer is a healthy cooking choice as it helps retain more than 90% of the nutrients lost when boiling or microwaving food. The first step is to find a deep vessel to cook in, such as a wok, pot, or deep pan. The size of the vessel depends on the size of the food and/or the cooking container. If you are steaming in a bowl or on a plate, ensure that it fits completely inside the vessel.

Next, you will need a lid to trap the steam. When covered, the lid should not be touching the food. It is helpful to have a dome lid, which provides more overhead room for steam to collect and prevents your food from getting squashed.

Finally, you will need something to keep the food from touching the water. You can use any heatproof item, such as an inverted wide bowl, or even three aluminium foil balls. However, a round cooking rack is preferred. Place the rack in the centre of the pot and add about an inch of water, ensuring that it is not touching the rack. Cover the pot and turn the heat to medium. When you hear the water boiling or see steam, add your food, re-cover the pot, and let it cook according to your recipe.

Use a bamboo steamer

Bamboo steamers are a great way to cook food, and they're simple to use. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a bamboo steamer:

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Choose the ingredients you want to steam. This could be vegetables, rice, seafood, dumplings, buns, or any other food that benefits from gentle, moist cooking.

Step 2: Line the Bamboo Steamer (Optional)

To prevent food from sticking to the bamboo base, you can line it with parchment paper, cabbage leaves, or bamboo leaves. This step is optional but can make cleaning easier and enhance food presentation.

Step 3: Boil Water in a Pot or Wok

Select a pot or wok large enough to accommodate the bamboo steamer. Fill it with water, ensuring the water level is below the bottom tier of the steamer when placed on top. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 4: Arrange the Food

While the water is boiling, place the food you want to steam onto the bamboo base or your chosen lining. Make sure there is enough space between each piece for steam to circulate. Keep in mind that different ingredients may require different cooking times, so consider their individual needs when arranging them in the steamer.

Step 5: Stack the Tiers

If you have multiple tiers in your bamboo steamer, stack them on top of each other, ensuring the lid fits securely on the top tier.

Step 6: Place the Bamboo Steamer on the Pot or Wok

Carefully place the bamboo steamer on top of the pot or wok, making sure the water does not touch the bottom of the steamer. The steam will cook the food without direct contact with the water.

Step 7: Cover with the Lid

Place the fitted lid on top of the bamboo steamer, ensuring it fits snugly. The lid helps trap the steam within each tier, creating a gentle cooking environment.

Step 8: Steam the Food

Allow the food to steam for the recommended cooking time, which can vary depending on the ingredients and desired doneness. Check the food periodically to avoid overcooking.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Once the food is cooked to your liking, carefully remove the bamboo steamer from the pot or wok using oven mitts or kitchen tongs. Be cautious of the hot steam when removing the lid. Transfer the steamed food to a serving platter and enjoy while it's hot and flavourful.

Tips for Using a Bamboo Steamer:

• If steaming through multiple baskets, put the food that takes the longest to cook in the bottom tray, closest to the heat source.
• When steaming vegetables with stems (like broccoli or asparagus), point the firmest end towards the middle of the steamer for even cooking.
• When cooking marinated meats or fish, lay a piece of parchment or greaseproof paper underneath to avoid the scent infusing into the bamboo.
• For extra flavour, swap the water in your pan for broth or stock and layer fresh herbs between foods.
• Space out the contents of each basket to ensure even cooking. If it's overcrowded, spread the food over other layers.
• Leave the lid closed during steaming to allow steam and convection to cook your food without outside interference.

Create a steam bath in your oven

Creating a steam bath in your oven is a great way to cook or reheat food without using oil. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create a steam bath in your oven:

Step 1: Gather Your Equipment

You will need a few basic items for this setup: a deep vessel like a wok, pot, or deep pan, a lid, and something to keep the food from touching the water, such as a heatproof bowl or a round cooking rack. If you're using a bowl, make sure it's wide enough to act as a stable stand for your plate or cooking container.

Step 2: Prepare the Vessel

Place your chosen vessel on the stove and add about an inch of water. The amount of water you add will depend on the size of your vessel and the cooking time required. Ensure that the water level is not too high, as you don't want it touching the highest part of the rack or the bottom of your cooking container.

Step 3: Set Up the Steaming Rack

Place the steaming rack or inverted bowl in the centre of the pot. If you're using a bowl, make sure it's stable and can support the weight of your food. The rack or bowl should be high enough so that the water doesn't touch the food or the bottom of the cooking container.

Step 4: Add Your Food

Once the water is simmering, carefully place your food on the rack or bowl. Use heatproof dishes or plates that can fit completely inside the vessel. If you're steaming food in a bowl or on a plate, ensure that it fits inside the vessel without touching the lid. This will prevent your food from getting smashed or stuck to the lid.

Step 5: Cover and Steam

Cover the pot with the lid and let the food steam according to your recipe or preference. Make sure there is enough space between the lid and the food for the steam to circulate and cook the food effectively. You can also use a dome-shaped lid, which provides more room for the steam to collect.

Tips for Safe Steaming:

Always use caution when working with hot steam. Be careful when opening the lid, as the escaping steam can cause burns. Additionally, when adding water during steaming, use boiling water to maintain a consistent temperature. Avoid using cold water, as it can interrupt the cooking process.

Use a spritzer bottle to spray the walls of the oven

Using a spritzer bottle to spray the walls of the oven is a great way to create steam for baking bread. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect steam bath for your baking needs:

Prepare your oven: Preheat your oven to the desired temperature, usually around 240°C (450°F) for bread baking. Place a baking stone or thick tray on a shelf in the oven to retain and conduct heat. You may also want to place a deep tray on a lower shelf to catch any water drips. Ensure your oven is well-preheated before proceeding to the next steps.

Prepare your dough: Prepare your dough according to your recipe. When it is ready, place your loaf on a lightly floured peel and score it. The scoring is important as it dictates how the gas escapes during the final rise, ensuring your bread rises evenly.

Place your loaf in the oven: Open the oven door and carefully slide your dough from the peel onto the preheated baking stone or tray. Be careful not to burn yourself!

Create steam with the spritzer bottle: Using your spritzer bottle, carefully spray the walls of the oven with water, avoiding the light bulb, oven glass, and baking stone as these can shatter. Spray for a few seconds, then quickly shut the oven door to trap the steam inside. You can repeat this process once or twice during the first few minutes of baking to create more steam if needed.

Allow the bread to bake: Your bread will now be baking in a steam environment, which will help keep the outside of the loaf moist and supple, allowing for a better rise. After about 10-15 minutes, the steam will have done its job, and the oven spring will end. The steam will be released, and the crust will begin to harden and brown.

Enjoy your freshly baked bread: Once your bread is baked to a beautiful golden brown, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Then, enjoy the fruits of your labour! Your bread will have a crisp crust and a light, airy interior thanks to the steam bath you created with your spritzer bottle.

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