Unlocking The Art Of Cooking With A Bamboo Steamer

Bamboo steamers are a great way to cook food, and they have a variety of benefits over other types of steamers. They are affordable, lightweight, easy to clean, and efficient. With stackable layers, you can cook a whole meal at once, and the bamboo absorbs condensation to prevent sogginess. Here's a step-by-step guide to using a bamboo steamer:

Step 1: Choose the right size of the bamboo steamer for your needs. They typically come in sizes ranging from 6 inches to 12 inches in diameter.

Step 2: Gather your ingredients. Bamboo steamers can be used to cook a variety of foods, including vegetables, rice, seafood, dumplings, buns, and more.

Step 3: Line the bamboo steamer with parchment paper, cabbage leaves, or bamboo leaves (optional). This prevents food from sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 4: Fill a pot or wok with water, ensuring it is large enough to accommodate the steamer. The water level should be below the bottom tier of the steamer when placed on top.

Step 5: Arrange your food in the steamer, allowing enough space for steam to circulate. Different ingredients may require different cooking times, so plan their arrangement accordingly.

Step 6: If you have multiple tiers, stack them on top of each other and secure the lid on the top tier.

Step 7: Place the bamboo steamer on top of the pot or wok, ensuring the water does not touch the bottom of the steamer.

Step 8: Cover the steamer with the lid to trap the steam inside.

Step 9: Allow the food to steam according to the recommended cooking time, periodically checking to avoid overcooking.

Step 10: Once the food is cooked, carefully remove the steamer from the pot or wok using oven mitts or tongs. Serve and enjoy!

Remember to clean your bamboo steamer with mild soap and hot water, and let it air dry completely before storing.

Choose the right size bamboo steamer for your needs

Choosing the right size bamboo steamer is essential for efficient and effective cooking. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect size for your needs:

• Consider what you plan to steam: If you intend to steam smaller items like veggies or steamed buns, a smaller bamboo steamer basket will suffice. However, for cooking larger items like a whole fish or dumplings, opt for a bigger basket.
• Quantity matters: If you're cooking for personal use or a small family, a 6-inch bamboo steamer is adequate. However, for larger gatherings or cooking for more people, opt for an 8-10 inch handmade bamboo steamer.
• Storage and stove space: Keep in mind the available storage space in your kitchen cabinets and the size of your stove top. A larger bamboo steamer may not fit in your cabinets and will occupy more burner space during cooking.
• Pan size: When using a bamboo steamer, ensure your pan or wok is large enough to accommodate the steamer. The pan should be about two inches wider than the basket to ensure stability.
• Stacking options: Bamboo steamers with multiple stacking baskets allow you to cook different foods simultaneously. If you plan to stack steamers or use multiple baskets, ensure you have sufficient space to do so.
• Cost and availability: Bamboo steamers are generally affordable, ranging from $20 to $40. If you live near Chinatown, you may find them at even lower prices.

Remember, choosing the right size bamboo steamer is like finding the perfect fit. Consider your specific needs, the quantity of food, and the available storage and cooking space to make an informed decision.

Line the steamer with parchment paper, cabbage leaves, or silicone liners

When lining a bamboo steamer, it's important to use a material that is porous enough to allow steam to circulate and cook the food evenly. You can use parchment paper, cabbage leaves, or silicone liners for this purpose.

If you're using parchment paper, you can either buy pre-made perforated parchment paper liners or make your own by cutting a circle out of folded parchment paper and snipping small triangles out of the folded edge to create holes. This will increase airflow and ensure that steam can easily pass through the paper. You can also use paper cupcake liners for small, individual items.

Cabbage leaves are another great option for lining your bamboo steamer. They are thin, durable, and relatively flavourless, so they won't take up too much space or impart any unwanted flavours to your food. Simply lay the leaves side by side or slightly overlapping on the bottom of the steamer basket.

If you plan on using your bamboo steamer regularly, investing in a silicone liner is a good option. Silicone liners are easy to clean and can be reused multiple times, making them a convenient and eco-friendly choice.

By using one of these lining options, you can prevent food from sticking to your bamboo steamer and make the cleaning process much easier.

Arrange food with enough space for steam to circulate

When arranging food in a bamboo steamer, it is important to leave enough space for steam to circulate and cook the food effectively. This is a key principle of steaming food and one of the reasons bamboo steamers are so effective—their woven structure allows steam to gently pass through the stacked layers, infusing food with flavour.

When placing dumplings, shumai, or buns in the steamer, do not overcrowd them. Leave about 1 inch (2.5 cm) between dumplings and about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) between larger buns. Their size will increase as they steam, so they need room to expand, much like cookies on a cookie sheet.

If you are steaming a variety of foods with different cooking times, such as chicken, rice, and broccoli, you may want to use separate tiers so you can add them at different times. Start with the food that takes the longest to cook, placing it in the bottom tray, closest to the heat source.

If you are steaming vegetables with stems, such as broccoli or asparagus, point the firmest end towards the middle of the steamer to ensure even cooking.

If you are steaming marinated meats or fish, it is a good idea to place a piece of parchment or greaseproof paper underneath to avoid the scent infusing into the bamboo.

Always make sure there is enough space between the food and the sides of the steamer for the steam to circulate and cook the food.

Stack multiple steamers to cook different foods

Bamboo steamers are a great way to cook different foods at the same time. They usually come with multiple tiers that can be stacked on top of each other, with a lid on top. The steam rises through the open ridges at the bottom of each basket, cooking the food inside.

• Choose the right size: Bamboo steamers come in various sizes, so pick one that fits your needs. A 10-inch tiered steamer is a good option for most purposes.
• Prepare the food: Cut the foods into equal-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Leave enough space between the pieces to allow steam circulation.
• Use liners: If you're placing food directly on the steamer bed, use liners such as cabbage leaves, lettuce leaves, cheesecloth, or parchment paper. This prevents the food from sticking to the bamboo and makes cleaning easier.
• Arrange the food: Place the food that takes the longest to cook in the bottom tray, closest to the heat source. If steaming vegetables with stems, point the firmest end towards the middle of the steamer for even cooking.
• Stack the tiers: Place the tiers on top of each other, ensuring the lid fits securely on the top tier. You can use multiple tiers to cook different foods simultaneously.
• Control the heat: Keep an eye on the water level and add boiling water as needed. The water level should be below the bottom tier of the steamer and should not touch the food.
• Prevent condensation: To prevent condensation from dripping onto the food, especially when steaming buns or cakes, tie a thin kitchen towel or cloth around the lid to catch the moisture.
• Serve and enjoy: Once the food is cooked, carefully remove the bamboo steamer using oven mitts or tongs. Transfer the food to a serving platter and enjoy it while it's hot.

Clean and dry your bamboo steamer properly after use

To clean and dry your bamboo steamer properly after use, follow these steps:

Firstly, it is important to note that bamboo is an extremely porous wood. Therefore, it is recommended to clean your bamboo steamer with mild soap and warm water. Avoid using harsh detergents or dishwashing liquids, as these can be absorbed by the bamboo and may cause a soapy smell during your next use. Wash your steamer with a sponge and mild dish soap, then immediately and thoroughly rinse it.

You can also use a nylon scrubber to gently remove any caked-on bits of food. Do not use steel wool or other abrasive cleaning tools, as these can damage the bamboo fibers.

If your steamer has a persistent fishy smell, cut a lemon into wedges and rub it across the surface to neutralize the odor.

After cleaning, ensure you dry your bamboo steamer thoroughly. Air-dry the steamer for at least two days before storing it away. This is crucial because bamboo is highly absorbent, and any remaining moisture can lead to the development of mildew or mold.

Additionally, you can coat the steamer with a thin layer of cooking oil, such as vegetable or olive oil, after washing and drying. This will help prevent the bamboo from drying out.

Always ensure your bamboo steamer is completely dry before storing it, as storing a damp steamer can lead to mold growth.

Frequently asked questions