Bamboo Steamer Directions

The domed lid of a bamboo steamer traps steam for cooking.

A bamboo steamer cooks meat, fish, vegetables or dumplings without added fats and oils while holding in nutrients and flavor. The steamer's slotted bottom and natural bamboo composition allows steam to circulate and cook the food evenly without trapping too much liquid. For convenience, several bamboo steamers can stack under one lid, steaming a variety of dishes for a single meal at the same time. Once the food is cooked, use the steamer as a tray and serve the food from it. Traditionally used for Asian cuisine, a bamboo steamer can cook a variety of foods in any home. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Things You'll Need

• Parchment paper
• Wok

Instructions

1. 

   Fill the wok half-full with water.

   Fill a wok half-full with water and heat it over medium-high heat until the water begins to boil.

2. Line the bottom of the bamboo steamer with parchment paper to allow the food to release easily after it is cooked. Lay the food to be steamed on the parchment paper.

3. Place the steamer with the food that requires the most cooking on the bottom--usually meat or fish-- and end with the one that requires the least cooking on top--like sliced vegetables--if you are using multiple stacking steamers.

4. Place the steamer or stacked steamers in the wok over the water so that the bottom of the bottom steamer rests just above the water line. Put the lid on the steamers.

5. Reduce the heat under the wok to medium. Allow the water to simmer. The steaming time depends on the type and size of food being steamed. Check it for doneness after a few minutes.

Tips & Warnings

• Add herbs, lemon rind or juice, or other seasonings to the water in your wok to help flavor the food because the flavor will circulate in the steam that permeates and cooks the food.

• Undercooked meat, fish and shellfish can be harmful to your health. Use a meat thermometer to check that you are cooking to the correct temperature for safety.

• Take care when removing the lid or steamers, since steam can escape quickly and burn you.

References

• Asia Recipe: Bamboo Steamer
• Chinese Food 101: Utensils
• Chinese Cooking: Basic Cooking Techniques

Resources

• Food Safety