Steamy Situations
Hello my foodie friends! The town I was born in is famous for steaming everything from vegetables to cheeseburgers! If you have not heard about this secret to healthy cooking then please read on.
“Accentuate the natural flavor of foods. Retain nutrients and vitamins while cooking with less fat or oil.” – Helen Chen
- Handmade of 100% natural bamboo
- Ideal for vegetables, seafood, meats and fruits
- Perfect for cooking, reheating and serving your favorite dim sum
- Strong and durable
- Recipes and instructions included
- Tightly constructed and woven to trap steam for quick and efficient cooking
- Bamboo absorbs condensation so no water will drip back onto the food
- Steaming preserves minerals and vitamins in foods
- Healthy, low-fat cooking method
Our natural bamboo steamer is handmade and securely assembled with bamboo pegs and bamboo lacing. Unlike wood, bamboo is a grass, so it’s a renewable and sustainable resource.
How steamers work: A bamboo steamer is designed to sit over another pot containing boiling water (specially designed steaming rings, make it easy to steam on 11" or 13" diameter stockpots). As the water boils, the steam enters the steamer through the open slats in the bottom and is contained in the steamer by the lid. The bamboo steamer absorbs any condensation, keeping water from dripping back onto the food. When heated, it forms a hot container and, with the cover in place, can keep food warm for up to half an hour. The bamboo steamer is also an attractive serving piece and may be brought right to the table. Foods that are steamed require little or no added oils or fats, and they retain vitamins and minerals and cook quickly and evenly.
Tips for steaming the Asian way: When steaming dry foods such as breads and dim sum, line the bottom of the steamer tier with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking. 9.5" parchment rounds do the job easily. However, for foods that are seasoned such as seafood, meats and tofu, steam them in a heat-proof shallow dish (such as a Pyrex pie plate) to catch the flavorful and nutritious juices. The dish should be about 1 inch smaller than the diameter of the steamer and the food should not touch the inside of the lid to allow steam to circulate freely around the food for even cooking. The added benefit of using a dish is that the bamboo steamer stays clean. Use specially designed Plate Retriever Tongs for added safety.
Caring for Your Bamboo Steamer: Before using your steamer for the first time, rinse the bamboo steamer and lid with cold water. After each use, wash steamer with hot water and a brush, if necessary. Do not use soaps or detergents — bamboo may absorb fragrance and impart unwanted flavors to foods. Allow steamer to thoroughly air dry before storing in a well-ventilated place.
Steaming food is delicious and if you ever get a chance to have a real steamed cheeseburger with steamed cheddar cheese and sometimes the bun steamed you will never go back to fried. Some people even put a big old slice of fresh onion on it. Don’t wear your onion goggles over the steamer because your vision will become blurred. Remember my Foodie Friends; “Life Happens in your Kitchen!”
Take Care, John and Paula