Unusual Tips for Steaming with Bamboo Steamers

1.Use Tea Instead of Water

An interesting way to add flavor to your steamed foods is to use tea instead of water. Green tea, jasmine tea, or even black tea can impart a subtle aroma and flavor to your dishes. Simply boil the tea and use it as a base to generate the steam. It is perfect for cooking fish or rice, adding a new dimension of flavor.

2.Layers of Flavors

Instead of just using parchment paper or lettuce leaves, try placing aromatic ingredients like sliced onion, garlic, ginger, fresh herbs, or even banana leaves directly onto the steamer trays. These layers will infuse their aromas into the food, creating a more complex flavor profile.

3.Multiple and Simultaneous Cooking

Bamboo steamers are designed to cook multiple dishes at once. A useful trick is to make the most of this. For example, you can cook rice on the lower tray and vegetables or fish on the upper trays. The steam from the rice will help cook the ingredients above, making everything ready at the same time.

4.Reuse of Cooking Broth

The liquid left after steaming is a rich source of nutrients and flavors. Do not waste it; use it as a base for soups, broths or even to cook other dishes. This concentrated broth can enhance the flavor of many recipes.

5.Add Aromas with Essential Oils

Although less common, adding a few drops of edible essential oils such as lemon, ginger or mint to the steamer water can add a delicate and distinctive aroma to your food. Make sure you only use essential oils suitable for consumption.

6.Precise Humidity Control

For some dishes, controlling humidity is crucial. If you want to keep certain foods crispy, such as dim sum or steamed buns, open the lid slightly during the last few minutes of cooking to let excess steam escape. This will help maintain a nice texture.

7.Use the Steamer to Reheat

Reheating foods by steaming is a great way to prevent them from drying out. Unlike the microwave, which can cause food to lose its moisture, the steamer heats food evenly and keeps it juicy. This method is ideal for reheating rice, steamed breads, and leftovers in general.

8.Cooking desserts

Yes, you read it right. Bamboo steamers aren't just for savory dishes. You can prepare delicious steamed desserts, such as rice cakes, red bean sweet stuffed buns, or even semolina cakes. Steam cooking allows desserts to be fluffy and light, with a unique texture.

9.Experiment with Different Steam Temperatures

Not all foods require the same intensity of steam. For delicate ingredients like seafood, it's best to use a gentler steam, while for harder vegetables you can use a more intense steam. Play with the temperatures by adjusting the amount of water and heat at the base of the steamer.