Have you ever try using a bamboo steamer? It is a really great tool to invest in! If you love to cook Asian foods, then you should have one of those in your kitchen.
It doesn’t only allow you to cook rice, steamed dumplings, and buns but also it can be a terrific tool to re-heat many kinds of foods.
When you reheat foods using a bamboo steamer, you will infuse moisture into them. You can just throw fishes, vegetables, or even cakes into them and they will become fresh and juicy again.
Moreover, unlike other steamer types, the lid on a bamboo steamer will not collect water condensation from the steam. It is a great advantage because when the condensation drops back into your food, it will affect the food’s texture.
Now, we will give you a brief explanation of how to use a bamboo steamer for the first time. But, first, you will have to grab your bamboo steamer, a wok (or if you want to steam without a wok, you can use a shallow pan), and some parchment paper.
How to use a bamboo steamer in the right way
1. Prepare your bamboo steamer
Do it by soaking it in water for more or less 30 minutes. This step is especially important for a brand new bamboo steamer so that it can distribute the heat evenly when you use it.
2. Add water to the pan
Fill the pan with half an inch of water, just enough to touch the rim of your bamboo steamer basket then heat it up.
Remember, later if you think you need to add some more water, top it with hot water to prevent a significant temperature drop.
3. Put your food inside the bamboo steamer
The most important rule here is to avoid placing too many foods inside the steamer. Leave some room between them so that the foods are cooked evenly and perfectly. You will need parchment paper to avoid your food sticking to the steamer’s surface. If you don’t have any parchment paper, you can use lettuce or napa cabbage leaves as alternatives.
4. Move the steamer into the wok
Now that your water is already simmering, you can put the bamboo steamer inside the wok and let it cook. How much time you need to cook depends on what kind of food you are cooking.
For a fish, you will need at least 4 minutes to cook. For meat, you can cook it for up to 10 minutes to make sure it is properly cooked. And, please keep an eye on the water level to ensure there’s enough water in it.
Besides, if you decide to use a bamboo steamer that has multiple levels, you should stack up the foods accordingly. Place the ones that need longer cooking time on the bottom level and vice versa.
Congratulations! You have mastered the art of cooking with a bamboo steamer. Before you go, there are a few things you need to know to take good care of your bamboo steamer.
To clean your bamboo steamer, you can use a brush and soapy water. Brush it gently and ensure there’s no food residue left. You can also use vinegar as an alternative to the soap.
Once you are done cleaning it, you can pat it with a paper towel and air dry it for a few minutes. You should dry it properly before storing it to prevent any mold from growing inside your bamboo steamer.
In conclusion, a bamboo steamer is a must-have for your kitchen. It’s inexpensive, very versatile, and it can be an excellent cooking tool for you who want to avoid fried foods.
