Steam Bowl Cooking: Healthy, Quick, And Tasty!

Steam bowl cooking is a cooking method that uses steam to cook food. It is a moist heat cooking method where boiling water evaporates into steam, and the steam is trapped in a pot with a tight-fitting lid, creating a hot environment for the food to cook in. This technique is commonly used in Asian cooking and is considered a basic piece of cooking equipment in many Asian households. Steam bowl cooking is a simple and healthy way to cook, as it requires minimal ingredients and no oil, allowing the true flavours of the food to come through.

Steamer setup: the equipment you'll need to steam bowl cook

Steaming is a moist-heat cooking method that is simple, healthy, and versatile. It is a crucial skill in Asian cooking, used for everything from vegetables and proteins to buns, dumplings, and desserts. Here is a guide to the equipment you will need to set up a steamer for bowl cooking:

Steamer Setup #1: A Pot (or Wok) with a Lid and Heat-Proof Dish

For this basic setup, you will need:

• A pot or wok with a lid: The size of the vessel will depend on the size of the food you plan to steam. If using a wok, its larger diameter will accommodate larger plates of food, such as steamed whole fish.
• A heat-proof dish that can fit inside the wok or pot: Oven-safe dishes and glass pie plates work well. If you want to save any liquid from steaming (e.g., when steaming proteins), use a dish with a rim to keep the liquid in.
• Something to prop up the dish above the water: This can be a metal steam rack, a clean empty metal can with both ends removed (such as a tuna can), or even aluminium foil balls. The wider the can, the better, as it provides a more stable surface.

Steamer Setup #2: A Stainless Steel Steamer

A stainless steel steamer is a user-friendly option that allows you to steam single or multiple levels of food. For this setup, you will need:

• A stainless steel steamer with tiers: You can place heat-proof dishes of food directly on the tiers or line them with cabbage leaves, cheesecloth, or perforated parchment paper to cook buns or dumplings directly on the racks.
• A lid: The lid may collect condensation, so you can use a kitchen towel or tea towel tied around the lid to catch any drips.

Steamer Setup #3: A Bamboo Steamer

A bamboo steamer is a traditional and popular option, especially for serving food. For this setup, you will need:

• A bamboo steamer: Place the bamboo steamer in a wok with enough water to come up to the bottom rim by about half an inch. The bamboo steamer must always sit in water to prevent scorching, so you will need to keep adding boiling water as it evaporates.
• A lid: The bamboo lid does not collect condensation, so there is no need for additional covering.

Additional Equipment

• Plate gripper: This tool resembles a pair of tongs and allows you to safely remove hot plates or dishes from the steamer.
• Hot dish clip: Useful for handling hot dishes and avoiding steam burns.
• Steamer basket: A steamer basket can be used in place of a plate or dish, especially if you want to steam loose vegetables.

With these setups, you can steam a wide variety of foods, from vegetables and proteins to buns, dumplings, and more. Remember to always be cautious when working with hot steam and always ensure there is enough water in your steamer to prevent scorching.

Steaming techniques: how to steam bowl cook

Steaming is a moist cooking method that uses hot steam to cook food. It is considered a healthy cooking option as it requires little to no oil. It is also a delicate cooking method, making it ideal for cooking more fragile meats and vegetables.

To steam bowl cook, you will need a pot or wok with a lid, a heat-proof bowl, and something to prop up the bowl above the water, like a metal steam rack or a clean metal can. Here are three different ways to steam bowl cook:

Steamer Set-up #1: A Pot (or Wok) with a Lid and Heat-proof Bowl

You don’t need any special equipment for steaming. A pot with a lid works just fine, especially when it comes to reheating food.

For this steamer set-up, you’ll need:

• A pot or wok with a lid
• A heat-proof bowl that can fit inside the wok or pot
• Something to prop up the bowl above the water, like a metal steam rack or a clean metal can

Simply fill a pot with 2 inches of water. (Or more, depending on how long you need to steam the food, though the water level shouldn’t come any closer than 1 inch below the rack.) Put a steaming rack or empty can in the center to set your heatproof bowl on. Make sure that any bowl you’re using to hold the food is heatproof. Once the bowl of food is positioned on your rack over the water, cover the lid. Note that there must be enough space between the outer edges of the bowl and the sides of the pot so the steam can circulate and cook the food.

Steamer Set-up #2: A Stainless Steel Steamer

A stainless steel steamer is user-friendly and allows you to steam a single level of food or use multiple tiers for big batches.

Simply put a few inches of water in the bottom of the steamer, and set up however many tiers you like. You can either place heat-proof bowls of food on the tiers or line the tiers with cabbage leaves, cheesecloth, or perforated parchment paper and place buns or dumplings directly on top.

The one downside of this type of steamer is that condensation can collect on the lid and drip down on your food.

Steamer Set-up #3: A Bamboo Steamer

To use a bamboo steamer, simply place it in a wok with enough water to come up the bottom rim of the steamer about a half-inch or so. The bamboo steamer must sit in water at all times to prevent the bottom rim from getting scorched. However, you can’t overfill the water, or it might touch the bottom of the inside bed of the steamer and the food on top of it. Keep adding boiling water as needed as the water in the wok evaporates.

You can buy bamboo steamers in all kinds of sizes, but a 10-inch steamer is most practical for home use.

What to steam bowl cook: foods suited to this cooking method

Steaming is a cooking method that uses moist heat. It is considered an essential cooking technique in Asian cooking, comparable to the importance of baking and roasting in Western cooking.

Steaming is a versatile technique that can be applied to almost any cuisine. It is a great way to cook a wide variety of foods, including vegetables, proteins, seafood, grains, and even desserts. Here are some foods that are well-suited to the steaming method:

Vegetables

Steaming is an excellent way to cook vegetables, as it helps retain their nutrients, flavour, and colour. Some vegetables that can be steamed include:

• Broccoli
• Sweet potatoes
• Baby bok choy
• Asparagus
• Eggplant

Proteins

Steaming is also a gentle way to cook proteins, such as:

• Chicken
• Fish
• Tofu
• Eggs
• Meat, such as pork ribs

Seafood

Steaming is a popular method for cooking seafood, as it helps retain moisture and delicate flavours. Some seafood options that can be steamed include:

• Shrimp
• Crab
• Scallops
• Fish fillets
• Clams

Grains

Steaming is a convenient way to cook grains, such as rice, and can also be used to reheat leftover rice.

Dim Sum and Dumplings

Dim sum dishes, such as dumplings, spare ribs, and steamed buns, are often steamed. Steaming is also a common method for cooking Chinese steamed cakes and custard buns.

Desserts

Steaming is not just for savoury dishes; it can also be used to make desserts, such as steamed milk pudding.

Benefits of steam bowl cooking: why you might choose this method

Steam bowl cooking is a method of cooking that uses hot steam to cook food. It is a common technique in Asian cooking and is considered a basic piece of cooking equipment in many Asian households. Steam bowl cooking offers several benefits that make it a popular choice for home cooks and professional chefs alike.

One of the main advantages of steam bowl cooking is its ability to preserve the true flavours of the food. Unlike other cooking methods that may require large amounts of oil or other ingredients, steaming uses minimal ingredients, often just water, allowing the natural flavours of the food to shine through. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter, healthier cooking option.

Steam bowl cooking is also versatile and can be used to cook a wide variety of dishes, including vegetables, proteins, dumplings, breads, desserts, and more. It is particularly popular for cooking delicate items such as fish and dumplings, as it provides a gentle and even cooking process that helps retain moisture and texture.

Another benefit of steam bowl cooking is its convenience and ease of use. With just a few simple pieces of equipment, such as a pot, a lid, and a heat-proof dish, anyone can set up a steamer at home without needing any special appliances or skills. Additionally, steaming is an efficient way to cook, as it often requires shorter cooking times compared to other methods like baking or roasting.

For health-conscious individuals, steam bowl cooking is an excellent option as it is a low-fat cooking method. Unlike frying or roasting, steaming requires little to no oil, reducing the overall fat content of the dish without sacrificing flavour or texture. This makes it a popular choice for those looking to improve their dietary habits or maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Finally, steam bowl cooking is also a safe and reliable method of cooking. The controlled environment of a steamer helps prevent overcooking or burning, ensuring that the food is cooked evenly and thoroughly. Additionally, the moist heat of steaming helps retain nutrients in the food, making it a healthier option compared to other cooking techniques.

In conclusion, steam bowl cooking offers numerous benefits that make it a popular and appealing choice for cooks of all skill levels. Its simplicity, versatility, and health benefits make it a valuable technique to have in any kitchen, whether for reheating leftovers or creating delicious, flavourful meals from scratch.

Other cooking methods: how steam bowl cooking compares to alternatives

Steam bowl cooking is an indirect cooking method that uses hot steam generated from water to cook food. It is a healthy way to cook vegetables, meats, and fish, helping food retain its nutrition, colour, and texture.

Steaming is a moist heat cooking method that is incredibly versatile and can be applied to almost any cuisine. It is a simple way to cook, allowing the true flavours of the food to come through.

Steaming is often compared to boiling, as both use water to cook food. However, steaming uses the steam from boiling water to cook food, not the water directly. This means that steaming is a healthier option, as vitamins are easily destroyed when food is cooked in water for long periods of time.

Steaming is also a healthier alternative to frying, as it requires little to no oil, whereas frying requires a significant amount.

Steaming can also be compared to baking or roasting, as all three are dry heat cooking methods. However, steaming is a more gentle cooking method, as food is not exposed to high temperatures. This makes steaming a better option for delicate foods such as fish or vegetables, which can dry out or burn easily when baked or roasted.

Steaming can also be used as an alternative to microwaving when reheating food, as it prevents food from drying out.

Overall, steaming is a versatile and healthy cooking method that can be used to cook a variety of foods. It is a simple and gentle way to cook, allowing the flavours and nutrients of the food to shine through.

Frequently asked questions