How to Use a Bamboo Steamer With a Wok

Using a bamboo steamer is a great way to cook vegetables, meat and rice without adding too much fat to the meal. Bamboo steamers are designed to be used with woks. Woks are treated to maintain an evenly heated surface and the bamboo steamer slides right into the bowl-shaped pan. Though cooking times depend on the food being prepared, the process of steaming food in a wok is simple.

Things You'll Need

• Wok
• Bamboo steamer
• Lettuce leaves
• Food to be steamed

Instructions

1. Pour water into the wok and fit the bottom steamer tray into the pan to see where the water hits. The water should not be touching the bottom basket of the bamboo steamer. Rather, it should hit about 1/2-inch below the basket to ensure that it doesn't bubble up and splash the food.

2. Line each stacking basket in the bamboo steamer with a layer of lettuce leaves to keep the food from sticking. Arrange the food in a single layer on top of the lettuce leaves.

3. Bring the water in the wok to a boil and then turn down the heat slightly to maintain a simmer. Gently ease the bamboo steamer into the wok over the bubbling water. Double-check that the water isn't touching the steamer basket.

4. Allow the food to steam until it is ready. Cooking time varies depending on personal taste and the type of food being prepared. Vegetables take less time than rice or meat.

5. Check the water level periodically. If it looks low, add a bit to to wok so that the bamboo steamer doesn't burn. The baskets can catch fire if they are left in a hot, dry pan.

Tips & Warnings

• Add herbs or citrus fruit slices to the boiling water to infuse the food while it steams.