Healthy Steaming: Bamboo For Delicious Dim Sum And Vegetables

Bamboo steamers are a versatile and healthy way to cook a wide variety of foods. They are relatively inexpensive and lightweight, with stackable layers that allow you to cook a whole meal at once. You can steam almost anything, from vegetables, grains, fish, and poultry to breads and dumplings. Bamboo steamers are particularly good for cooking Chinese cuisine, including dumplings, buns, and sticky rice. They are also great for cooking foods with different cooking times, as you can simply add another tier to the stack and let the steam work its way through the slats.

Chicken and fish

Chicken

Chicken breasts, thighs, or tenders can be cooked in a bamboo steamer. For chicken breasts, line the inside of the basket with parchment paper to make cleanup easier and to prevent unwanted smells from lingering. You can also marinate the chicken in a mixture of ginger, lemon, cilantro, and oyster sauce to infuse the chicken with layers of flavor. Then, steam the chicken in a heat-proof dish for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.

Alternatively, you can make Cantonese steamed chicken, which involves marinating bite-sized pieces of chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, Chinese rice wine or dry sherry, sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and ginger. Place the chicken in a heat-proof bowl and surround it with soaked and sliced Chinese dried black mushrooms. Sprinkle shredded ginger and green onion on top and steam for 15-20 minutes.

Fish

Fish fillets are also a great option to cook in a bamboo steamer, as they cook quickly and don't require any extra oil. You can also experiment with steaming fish in sake, wine, beer, dashi, or vegetable broth instead of water for a subtle flavor shift. Just be aware that the worst-case scenario is "boozy fish," which may or may not be a desirable outcome.

Vegetables

Bamboo steamers are incredibly versatile and can be used to cook a wide variety of vegetables. Here are some tips and guidelines for using a bamboo steamer to cook vegetables:

Preparing the Bamboo Steamer:

Before using your bamboo steamer, it is important to prepare it properly. If your steamer is new, it is recommended to soak the bottom rim that will come into contact with the wok or pan in lukewarm water for about 30 minutes to prevent scorching. Additionally, make sure to dry the bottom thoroughly after each use to avoid mold formation.

Choosing a Cooking Vessel:

The traditional vessel for using a bamboo steamer is a wok, as it has a broad base that can accommodate steamers of various sizes. However, you can also use a large, shallow sauté pan or a flat-bottomed pan with sloped sides, ensuring that it is about two inches wider than the steamer.

Preparing the Water:

Fill your chosen cooking vessel with about one to one and a half inches of water and bring it to a boil. You can add aromatics like lemon, herbs, wine, or sake to the water to infuse your vegetables with additional flavor.

Arranging the Vegetables:

When steaming vegetables, it is essential to arrange them in the steamer according to their cooking times. Place the heavier, slower-cooking vegetables like beets, squash, and potatoes on the bottom tier and start steaming them first. While they cook, prepare and arrange more delicate vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, and mushrooms in the second basket.

Steaming the Vegetables:

Once the water is boiling, place the steamer basket(s) into the cooking vessel, ensuring that the bottom floor of the steamer remains dry. Cover the steamer with the lid and let the vegetables steam until they are crisp-tender. Keep an eye on the water level and replenish it with boiling water if needed. Avoid adding cold water, as it interrupts the steaming process.

Cleaning the Bamboo Steamer:

After each use, clean your bamboo steamer thoroughly by scrubbing it with a sponge, mild dish soap, and mildly hot water. Rinse the steamer and lid, then allow them to air dry completely before storing. Avoid using a dishwasher or soaking the steamer for extended periods, as it can damage the bamboo.

Using a bamboo steamer is an excellent way to prepare and enjoy a variety of vegetables, from asparagus and snap peas to baby beets, peewee potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, squash, and more. With proper preparation, cooking techniques, and cleaning practices, your bamboo steamer will become an indispensable tool in your kitchen.

Breads and grains

Bamboo steamers are incredibly versatile and can be used to cook a wide variety of breads and grains. Here are some ideas and instructions for getting the most out of your bamboo steamer:

Steaming Rice

Rice is one of the most popular dishes to cook in a bamboo steamer. To do this, simply place the rice in the bottom half of the steamer, add any desired seasonings or herbs, and stir to prevent clumping. Then, put the lid on the steamer and fill the top half with boiling water. Your rice will be ready in around 5 to 10 minutes. Remember to use boiling water when refilling the steamer to prevent interrupting the cooking process.

Steaming Breads and Buns

Bamboo steamers are perfect for steaming breads, buns, and dumplings. To prevent sticking, line the steamer with something porous, such as parchment paper, cheesecloth, or cabbage leaves. When placing buns or dumplings in the steamer, be sure to leave enough space for them to expand—about 1 inch between dumplings and 1.5 inches between larger buns.

Steaming Grains

In addition to rice, you can also steam other grains in a bamboo steamer. For example, you can make sticky rice, a popular ingredient in dishes like steamed chicken sticky rice. Just be sure to place your grains in a heat-proof bowl or plate and leave enough space for steam to circulate.

Advantages of Using a Bamboo Steamer

Bamboo steamers offer several benefits for cooking breads and grains. They are lightweight, stackable, and allow you to cook multiple foods simultaneously, saving time and energy. Additionally, bamboo steamers do not collect condensation like metal or glass steamers, preventing soggy bread and buns. The stackable design also lets you cook a whole meal in layers.

Meat

Bamboo steamers are a great way to cook meat, with their stackable layers allowing you to cook a whole meal at once. They are also lightweight, beautifully crafted, and gentle on food.

When preparing meat in a bamboo steamer, it is important to line the baskets with something to prevent the food from sticking. You can use parchment paper, napa cabbage leaves, lettuce leaves, cheesecloth, or silicone liners. If you are steaming marinated meat, it is best to use a heatproof plate or bowl to collect any juices.

You can steam a variety of meats in a bamboo steamer, including chicken, fish, and pork. Chicken breasts and fish fillets are great options as they cook quickly and don't require any extra oil. For chicken, a popular dish is steamed chicken with scallions and ginger. You can also steam mussels, shrimp, and chicken feet.

When preparing meat in a bamboo steamer, it is important to ensure that the food is placed in the steamer before the water starts to simmer. This will help prevent overcooking. Additionally, keep an eye on the water level and add boiling water as needed to maintain the simmer.

With its gentle cooking method, a bamboo steamer is an excellent way to prepare meat that is moist, tender, and perfectly cooked.

Dim sum and dumplings

Bamboo steamers are a great way to cook dim sum and dumplings. They are a traditional way of cooking and reheating food, especially in Asian cuisine.

To cook dim sum and dumplings, first fill a wok or a wide-rimmed, shallow pan with about a quarter to half an inch of water. The water level should be high enough to submerge the bottom rim of the steamer to prevent it from scorching, but not so high that the bubbling water touches the food. If your steamer is new, soak the bottom rim in water for 30 minutes to prevent scorching.

Next, line the steamer with napa cabbage leaves, lettuce leaves, cheesecloth, or parchment paper. This will prevent the dumplings from sticking to the bamboo. You can also use perforated parchment paper liners or reusable cloth/silicone liners made specifically for bamboo steamers. Whatever you use, ensure it is porous so that steam can circulate.

When placing the dumplings in the steamer, do not overcrowd them. Leave about 1 inch between each dumpling to allow room for expansion.

Place the bamboo steamer into the wok/pan and turn on the heat. You can either preheat the water so it is simmering when you place the steamer in, or place the steamer in the pan when the water is cold and then turn on the heat.

Once the water is simmering, the food can steam. Keep an eye on the water level and add boiling water as needed to maintain the simmer.

After cooking, wash the bamboo steamer with a sponge and mild dish soap, then immediately rinse and air dry for at least 2 days before storing. Do not put the steamer in the dishwasher or soak it in water for more than 5 minutes.

Frequently asked questions