How To Use A Bamboo Steamer

Have you got a bamboo steamer lying in your pantry that’s collecting dust or is it still in its original packaging? Don’t let it go to waste, a bamboo steamer is a handy tool for making delicious piping hot dumplings and bao buns just like your favourite restaurant.

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Getting started

Now that you’ve ripped the plastic off your new favourite kitchen essential, it’s recommended to soak the entire thing in water for around 30 minutes. This will help with the heat distribution, and prevent the bamboo from drying out and burning during cooking.

Pick the right pot

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Be sure to use a pot or even better a wok that your steamer slots nicely into. A pot that is too wide will delay the cooking time and potentially oversteam your food.

how to use a bamboo steamer — *(Credit: Getty)* *(Credit: Getty)*

Lining the steamer

For glutinous foods like dumplings, buns and baos, line the steamer with baking paper or a round liner to prevent food from sticking to the bamboo. If you’re using your own baking paper, poke a few holes to allow the steam to come through.

For additional flavour, banana leaves can be placed inside the steamer instead of baking paper.

When cooking juicy and saucy dishes, place the meat, fish or prawns in a plate or bowl first to prevent the juices from your food from overflowing into the boiling water below. This will also make clean-up a lot easier.

How to use a bamboo steamer

If you are up for the challenge and want to cook in multiple layers, place foods that have a longer cooking time at the bottom. You can also place foods with similar consistencies and cooking times in the same basket for efficiency. But remember for glutinous foods you need to space them at least 1cm apart, so they don’t stick together.

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Strawberry lychee margarita

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Watermelon Daiquiri

Cucumber spritz with lychee

Native ad body.

Sponsored by %%sponsor_name%%

Spicy mango paloma cocktail

Tequila old fashioned

Native ad body.

Sponsored by %%sponsor_name%%

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Safety Tips

Always use a pot or wok, don’t place the steamer directly on your stovetop, as it will burn.
Keep an eye on the water and make sure it’s filled up to the rim of the steamer. Top it up as you go, if needed.
When moving the steamer from your stove to your table, always use oven mitts or tongs.
Don’t forget how hot steam can be, open the lid of the steamer in the direction away from you.

Cleaning the steamer

Rinse the steamer under hot water, wash with detergent and scrub off any food residue. Air dry on a rack before storing it away to prevent mould spores from forming.