How to Use a Bamboo Steamer

Learning how to use a bamboo steamer can help you prepare delicious, more nutritious food. While boiling food is a common option, like it is for vegetables, many of the food’s nutrients are lost and the color and texture can become unappealing as well. There are also foods like fish that are difficult to grill and can become overcooked easily. The bamboo steamer is a great alternative because it allows food to cook in the steam while preserving color, texture, and flavor.

Another advantage that bamboo steamers offer is the ability to stack multiple layers, allowing more than one type of food to be cooked at once.

Preparing a New Bamboo Steamer

The bamboo steamer needs a bit of care before it is used. Wash the steamer using mild soap and water first, and then while it is still wet, allow it to steam above boiling water for about 30 minutes. The bamboo is porous, so steaming it will help remove impurities.

Step 1 – Assemble the Steamer

Before lighting the burner, place your wok or pan on the burner and set the steamer above it. The steamer should fit snugly while being suspended above the boiling water. The steamer should not sit in the water.

Step 2 –Add Food to the Steamer

To keep food from sticking or being absorbed into the bamboo, line the steamer with a piece of parchment paper or vegetable leaves. If you are using multiple steamer layers, each layer should be prepared in this manner. Place the food on top of the paper or vegetable leaves, and then assemble the steamer. The foods that require the longest cooking time should be on the bottom closest to the boiling water.

Step 3 – Add Water to the Pan

Place water in the pan so that it reaches the bottom rim of the steamer.  Place the steamer onto the pan.

Step 4 – Cook the Food

Referring to your recipe, turn on the burner to the correct setting, which is usually medium-high to high. Cook the food according to the recipe.

Final Step – Remove the Pan from the Heat

When the food has cooked for the proper amount of time, turn off the burner and remove the pan from the heat. The steamers can then be removed and opened to allow the rest of the steam to escape. The food can then be placed into serving bowls or served right out of the bamboo steamers.

Caring for Your Bamboo Steamer

Bamboo steamers require only simple care. Rinse out the steamer, using mild soap if necessary, and store the steamer in a well-ventilated area. The steamer cannot go in the dishwasher.

Vegetables aren’t the only foods that can be cooked in a bamboo steamer. Chicken, fish, and rice are some other suggestions. The steamer can also be used to warm up foods that might otherwise dry out or harden, such as tortillas and other bread items.

Bamboo steamers are relatively inexpensive. They provide an alternate way to cook food that preserves more of its nutrients, texture, and color.