How To Use A Bamboo Steamer? Quick and Easy Tips

Bamboo steamers are a unique and versatile cooking tool that every home cook should try. Steaming with a bamboo steamer has many advantages over other cooking methods. This article will explore How To Use A Bamboo Steamer? guide you through choosing and preparing your steamer, share steaming techniques and recipes, and provide tips for maintaining these eco-friendly kitchen tools. After reading, you’ll be ready to start steaming delicious dishes in your own bamboo steamer!

What makes bamboo steamers so special?

Bamboo steamers have been used for centuries in Asian cooking to make dim sum, steam fish, vegetables, and more. Here are some of the things that set bamboo steamers apart:

• Natural material: Bamboo is sustainable, biodegradable, and imparts no chemicals or flavors into food.
• Even heating: The bamboo allows steam to circulate evenly and efficiently cooks food.
• Simple yet versatile: Bamboo steamers can be used to make a huge variety of everyday dishes and special treats.
• Healthy cooking: Steaming retains nutrients, flavors, and moistness better than boiling or frying.
• Traditional technique: Using a bamboo steamer connects you to centuries of Asian cooking tradition and history.

Why should home cooks try using a bamboo steamer?

Here are some of the top reasons to start using a bamboo steamer in your own kitchen:

• Cook healthy meals with less oil and fat
• Retain more nutrients compared to other cooking methods
• Prepare traditional Asian dishes like dim sum at home
• Infuse flavor from the bamboo into your food
• Reduce cleanup with food cooked over boiling water, not directly in it
• Appreciate the natural simplicity of steaming in bamboo
• Experience a unique hands-on cooking method
• Make weeknight meals and sides faster than oven or skillet cooking
• Impress guests with beautiful presented bamboo-steamed dishes

What are the unique benefits of cooking with a bamboo steamer?

Some specific benefits that cooking with a bamboo steamer offers include:

• Lower calorie dishes with less fat and oil
• Tender and juicy results from gentle steam heating
• Bright, vivid colors and Firm, crisp textures retained
• Intensified flavors infused into food from steam
• Nutrients preserved rather than destroyed by high heat
• Reduced mess with no pots or pans to scrub after
• Naturally nonstick bamboo surface

Steaming in bamboo is simple, healthy, and fun. The natural bamboo imparts subtle flavor while the steaming action results in delicious, nutrient-packed dishes you can feel good about eating. It’s an easy way to get creative in the kitchen!

Choosing a Bamboo Steamer

With the benefits of bamboo steaming clear, let’s discuss how to select the right steamer for your needs. Here are the main considerations when buying a bamboo steamer:

What are the different types of bamboo steamers available?

There are a few key varieties:

• Tiered steamers – Stackable sets of multiple steamer baskets. Allows steaming different foods separately.
• Round steamers – Single round bamboo basket design. Good for large batches or big dishes.
• Square steamers – Single square basket style. Provides more steaming surface area.
• Steamer plates – Flat plates suspended over steam. Good for dumplings, fish.
• Steamer bowls – Deep steamer baskets in bowl shapes. Suit soups, porridge.

How do I choose the right size and style of steamer for my needs?

Consider these factors when selecting a bamboo steamer:

• Household size – Choose a steamer with adequate capacity to cook dishes for your family.
• Foods you’ll steam – Larger or tiered steamers work better for batches of dumplings or small plates.
• Frequency of use – Opt for a high-quality steamer if you plan to use it regularly.
• Budget – Prices range widely based on size, design, and durability.

What features should I look for when buying a bamboo steamer?

Seek out these useful features when shopping for a bamboo steamer:

• Rings on the edge of the lid allow stacking tiered steamers
• Handles on basket and lid stay cool and make lifting easy
• Tightly woven lightweight bamboo that won’t warp
• Food-grade sealant ensures safety and durability
• Nesting design for compact storage

Seeking out a well-constructed steamer made of natural bamboo will give you years of reliable service.

Preparing the Steamer

Before using your fancy new bamboo steamer, you need to get it ready with a few simple preparation steps:

Why is soaking the bamboo steamer important?

Soaking serves multiple functions:

• Seals the bamboo to prevent leaks
• Removes manufacturing residue or dust
• Allows the bamboo to expand for a tighter weave

How do I properly soak the steamer?

Follow this process:

1. Submerge the basket, lid, and any chopsticks or accessories in cool clean water for at least 30 minutes.
2. Drain and dry thoroughly with a towel. Watch for any cracks that may indicate low quality bamboo.
3. Repeat soak and dry cycle 2-3 times until you see no moreresidue in the water.
4. The steamer is now ready for first use!

What are the best ways to line a bamboo steamer?

Lining helps food separate cleanly from the bamboo. Use:

• Cabbage or lettuce leaves – Place directly into basket.
• Parchment paper – Cut circles to fit steamer size.
• Cheesecloth – Lightyet effective barrier.

Never use waxed paper, which can melt and get into food.

Steaming Techniques

Once your steamer is prepped, it’s time to start cooking. Here are some key techniques:

How do I place the steamer over boiling water?

• Use a wok or pot wide enough to suspend the steamer basket above the water.
• Fill with 1-2 inches of water and bring to a rolling boil.
• Set steamer above, not touching, the water.
• Cover tightly to trap steam.
• Add more boiling water during longer steaming if needed.

How long should I steam different types of food?

Steaming times vary by food:

• Vegetables – 5-8 minutes until fork tender
• Fish – 8-12 minutes until opaque throughout
• Dumplings – 6-10 minutes depending on size
• Chicken breasts – 12-15 minutes until cooked through

Use a thermometer to confirm food safety if unsure.

What are some tips for adding flavor to steamed dishes?

• Add herbs, citrus, spices or sauces into the steaming water. Vapors will impart flavor.
• Put aromatics like ginger or lemongrass right in the steamer.
• Marinate meats, seafood or tofu before steaming.
• Drizzle with oil and seasonings after steaming.
• Top with dipping sauces to serve.

Recipes and Inspiration

Bamboo steamers allow you to make simple, boldly flavored Asian dishes at home.

What are some classic dim sum dishes that can be made in a bamboo steamer?

Popular steamed dim sum include:

• Siu mai – Pork and shrimp dumplings
• Har gow – Shrimp dumplings with translucent skin
• Chicken feet – Braised then steamed
• Steamed buns – Filled with roasted pork or other fillings
• Turnip cakes – Savory radish cakes

What other types of food can be steamed in a bamboo steamer?

Anything that takes well to moist gentle cooking. Ideas:

• Vegetables – broccoli, carrots, squash, beans
• Proteins – fish fillets, chicken breasts, eggs, tofu
• Grains – rice, couscous, quinoa
• Fruit – apples, pears, figs
• Desserts – steamed puddings, custards

Can you share some easy and delicious bamboo steamer recipes?

Here are two sample recipes to try:

Ginger Salmon with Bok Choy

Ingredients
4 (6 oz) salmon fillets
1 Tbsp minced ginger
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 lb baby bok choy

1. Place salmon in steamer skin-side down. Sprinkle with ginger and soy sauce.
2. Steam 7-10 minutes until just opaque.
3. Add bok choy to steamer top for last 3 minutes.
4. Serve salmon atop bok choy.

Chinese Steamed Egg Custard

Ingredients
6 eggs
1 cup chicken stock
1 Tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp salt

1. Beat eggs well with stock, oil and salt.
2. Steam egg mixture for 15 minutes until set.
3. Let cool slightly, then serve warm.

Maintenance and Care

Caring properly for your bamboo steamer will keep it looking and performing its best:

How do I clean a bamboo steamer?

• Rinse off any food debris with hot water promptly after use.
• Scrub gently with a soft brush and mild soap if needed.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners or steel wool that can damage the bamboo.
• Disinfect occasionally by steaming plain water for 5-10 minutes.

What are the best cleaning practices for a bamboo steamer?

• Always allow to dry thoroughly after cleaning before storing to prevent mold.
• Store lined steamer with a sheet of paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
• Re-soak the steamer if it starts to warp or leak.
• Reseal annually with a food-safe bamboo sealant if needed.
• Discard if cracks form or the bamboo smells musty.

How do I store a bamboo steamer properly?

• Nest stackable steamers flat to retain shape.
• Avoid hanging steamers from handles, which can warp the bamboo.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Never put in dishwasher or microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to steam food directly in a bamboo steamer without a liner?

Yes, as long as you thoroughly clean after each use. A liner prevents sticking and absorbs excess moisture.

What are the health benefits of steaming food?

Steaming retains more vitamins and minerals compared to boiling, frying or baking. The steam heat preserves nutrients that can be lost through other cooking processes.

What ingredients are best for steaming in a bamboo steamer?

Foods that benefit from gentle moist heat work best. This includes seafood, chicken, dumplings, vegetables, eggs, rice, fruit and some desserts.

Is steaming in a bamboo steamer healthier than other cooking methods?

Yes, steaming is one of the healthiest cooking methods. With no added fat or oil, steaming provides low-calorie dishes that highlight the natural flavors of fresh ingredients. Vitamins and other nutrients are retained better thanks to the gentle steam heat.

Conclusion

Bamboo steamers provide a simple, natural way to infuse Asian flavors into everyday meals. Steaming seals in moisture and nutrients without added fat or oil. Beyond traditional dim sum, bamboo steamers can be used to prepare all kinds of dishes from eggs to fish to veggies.

With some guidance choosing the right steamer, preparing it properly, and utilizing steaming techniques, anyone can unlock the benefits of bamboo steaming. Rinse and dry your steamer promptly after use to maintain its quality and performance. Steaming in bamboo is a hands-on cooking method that connects you to centuries of Asian culinary tradition.

The next time you want an easy, healthy meal, give your new bamboo steamer a try. Bamboo’s natural properties gently flavor the steam, while trapping heat and moisture produces tender juicy results. Set up a multi-tiered steamer to cook complete dim sum-style meals for your family. Steaming in bamboo is good for your health, pocketbook and the environment.