Bamboo steamers are affordable and versatile trays commonly used in Asian cuisine. They can stack to cook multiple dishes at once and are used to cook both fresh and frozen foods. They are naturally antibacterial and should be washed by hand.
Bamboo steamers are commonly used trays in creating Asian cuisine. Like other bamboo cookware, they can also, of course, be used in preparing food from other cultures. They are extremely affordable and easy to use and are stocked by most Asian restaurant supply stores. They come in a range of sizes and styles designed to meet the needs of different cooks.
A basic bamboo steamer is shaped like a circle, with a latticed bottom and wraparound top. The steamer is placed in a wok or pan with a surface layer of water with the food in it. The steam travels through the steamer holes to cook the food. In most cases, steamers are designed to fit inside a wok, as this all-purpose pan is found in many Asian cuisines.
The stacking ability of bamboo steamers is what makes them so unique and useful. Multiple steam trays can be stacked on top of each other to cook simultaneously. Thus, one burner can be used to produce multiple steamers filled with food, which is very useful in a busy restaurant or at home when a large meal is being cooked. Large steamers designed for extra-large pots can be used for large trays of food, and smaller ones are employed in kitchens with limited space.
Both fresh and frozen foods can be cooked in bamboo steamers. To prevent food from sticking, parchment paper or greens are laid first, so that the food can be easily removed. Dim sum and fresh vegetables are both commonly cooked in bamboo steamers and are sometimes brought to the table in steamers as well. In busy dim sum parlors, diners may select steamers from large carts filled with food, and the steamers are tallied at the end of the meal to settle the tab.
Individual meals can also be cooked in bamboo steamers. They’re excellent for quick reheating, as you can simply set a heat-sealed plate inside the steamer and take the plate out when it’s ready. When using these steamers for this purpose, be sure to use a plate that does not completely obscure the lattice bottom of the steamer.
Bamboo is naturally antibacterial, so if you take good care of bamboo steamers, they should last for years. Cookware should be washed with mild soap and warm water after use and should be drained completely before storage. Never put bamboo steamers in the dishwasher and try to avoid direct contact between food and steam.
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