How to Use a Bamboo Steamer

A bamboo steamer keeps the nutrients in the food, making it a healthier way of cooking.

Boiling is a popular way to prepare vegetables, but it's not the best choice because it allows the nutrients to escape the food during cooking. A better way to prepare them is with a bamboo steamer. The steamer comes in several sections so you can cook more than one kind of food at a time if desired. Easy to use, it keeps the nutrients in the food, making it a healthier way of cooking.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Bamboo steamer
• Wok or large pan
• Food to steam
• Water
• Parchment paper or lettuce leaves

1. Place the wok on the burner. A deep pan will do as long as the steamer fits in the pan snugly and the pan is deep enough for the number of bamboo layers you will use.

2. Layer your steamer with parchment paper or lettuce leaves, then place your food on the paper or lettuce leaves, putting the food requiring the longest cooking time on the bottom. Repeat these steps for each section of steamer you are using.

3. Place the bottom layer of your steamer in the wok, leaving a little room around the sides but still making a snug fit.

4. Pour water into the wok or deep pan until it reaches the steamer's bottom rim. Stack any other bamboo steamers you are using on top.

5. Turn on the stove burner and bring water to a boil. Follow your specific recipe for heat level and cooking time.

6. Turn off the burner and remove from heat when desired cooking time is finished.

7. Separate the steamers if you have more than one and remove the lids to allow steam to escape. Turn the food onto plates or serve from the bamboo steamers.

Tips & Warnings

• Bamboo steamers can be used for more than vegetables. They also can be used for fish, chicken, rice and other foods.

• Do not get too close when removing the bamboo steamer lids to avoid being burned by the hot steam.

• Check the boiling water during steaming to make sure it does not all boil away or that it is not coming through the steamer to the food.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Gourmet Sleuth: The Many Uses of a Bamboo Steamer