Many Uses For A Bamboo Steamer

The bamboo steamer is a multi-layer container that allows you to separate and cook different types of foods at one time. They layers have an open-weave bottom that allows steam to pass through to cook the food.

Your steamer needs to be placed over a pot of boiling water.  While it is common to use a wok for this purpose it may not be the best use for your wok.  Boiling water in a wok will remove your careful "seasoning".  Unless you keep a special wok just for steaming then the best choice is to select a metal pot that is slightly wider than your steamer.  Make sure the steamer fits far enough into the pot to balance safely.

You can lay food directly on the steamer layers but this will make for more work at cleanup time.  To save yourself some work you can use a variety of materials to line the steamer.  Some of these products made add flavor to the food so make sure you select one that will work well with the foods you are steaming.  Here are some examples.

Lettuce leaves - Lettuce has neutral flavor.  Spread leaves evenly over the steamer layer.

Parchment paper - cut parchment paper in a circle and lay across the bottom of the steamer. Parchment won't leave any residual flavor.

Corn Husks - corn husks, fresh or dried have a distinctive flavor. Use when heating tamales or mixiotes.

Banana Leaves - fresh or "thawed frozen" banana leaves make an excellent liner for your steamer.  They do impart some flavor to you food and this can be a plus for many dishes. 

Steaming Process
Place about 2 inches of water in your selected pan and bring to a boil.  Sit the steamer layers on top of the pan. Fill steamer with foods per your recipe and place the steamer lid atop the steamer.  Steam until your food is cooked.   Be careful when removing the steamer lid as hot steam can burn.

Use bamboo tongs to remove foods from the steamer.

Place a penny (or any coin) in the bottom of the boiling water.  You'll hear the coin "jangling" in the pot as the water boils.  If the sound stops you know  you are out of water.

After each use rinse the steamer trays with warm soapy water. Do not allow them to soak for an extended period of time in water. Use a nylon scrubber (not metal) to scrub off any stubborn food bits. Do not place in dish washer.

Always allow your steamer to air dry before you put it away.  This is especially important in humid climates because the damp wood may begin to mold.

A Simple Centerpiece

Jeanie Bennedict shows how to make a quick and colorful centerpiece using one layer of the bamboo steamer.

Tamales

Bamboo steamers work well for steaming small quantities of tamales. 

 

Dim sum
The steamer is commonly used for steaming and serving dim sum.

 

Fish, Meats, Vegetables 
Steaming vegetables helps to preserve vitamins and minerals.  Given you can stack the layers you can steam meats or fish at the same time.

 

Pie carrier
Use your steamer to transport a pie, cake and even cookies.  You can leave the steamer as a housewarming gift for your host.

 

Gift box
The steamer is very attractive and can be used as a presentation box for gift giving. 

 

Wedding Favors

WeddingThings.com uses small bamboo steamers for storing wedding favors.

Heating Tortillas
I use my bamboo steamer at home to heat tortillas.  I sit the steamer over a pan of simmering water.  I wrap the tortillas in a clean dish towel and steam them until they are warm.

Steam-Dye Fabrics
George Weil suggests using the bamboo steamer for steam-dying small amounts of fabric.

Pet Treat Basket

Martha Stewart suggests making a pet treat basket using a bamboo steamer as natural gift basket.

Fruit Basket

Fruit For You provides an exotic styled fruit basket using a bamboo steamer as a base. WeddingThings.com uses small bamboo steamers for storing wedding favors.Wedding Favors