Try these authentic bamboo steamer recipes, like classic BBQ pork buns and tasty mango sticky rice!
These recipes will introduce you to one of the most essential kitchen tools for the Chinese cook.
What is a Bamboo Steamer?
Bamboo steamers are a tool for steaming food in Chinese cuisine. They're made of bamboo and typically have multiple trays that stack up and are covered with a lid.
You can steam all sorts of foods in them, from dumplings to veggies and even desserts.
Why use it
- More tender results - Steaming in a bamboo steamer is gentler than other methods. This is due to the lid's numerous holes, which allow steam to escape and prevent pressure from building up.
- Less soggy - Bamboo steamers are better than stainless steel or glass ones because they absorb condensation, keeping delicate foods like dumplings from turning mushy.
How to use it
Steamer baskets are designed to rest on top of a wok or pot filled with hot water.
To begin, boil 1.5 inches of water in a wok or pot. If you're preparing buns or dumplings, line the trays with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Use a small plate that allows steam to pass through for meat or vegetables.
Position the bamboo steamer on the wok or pot, and cook following the recipe's instructions.
Steamed BBQ pork buns are a favorite at Chinese bakeries. This recipe makes ten buns and takes about 3 hours.
The sweet and savory filling is made with onions, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, chicken stock, and Chinese BBQ Pork.
I love them because you can eat them at any time. They make an excellent snack, breakfast, quick lunch, or filling dinner.
These Har Gow shrimp dumplings are delicious and take about 1 hour and 20 minutes to make!
The wrapper is made from a mix of starches, giving it a springy texture and a slightly see-through, crystal-like appearance.
The tender shrimp filling is made with oyster sauce, vegetable oil, white pepper, sesame oil, salt, sugar, and ginger. Serve these with soy sauce or chili oil for a tasty snack!
Mango sticky rice is a tasty Thai dessert made from sweet sticky rice, coconut sauce, and mango! Making it at home is easy and allows you to customize the sweetness.
Simply soak the sticky rice, steam it, and mix it with the coconut sauce ingredients.
Serve with mango slices and garnish with toasted sesame seeds for extra color~
4. Steamed Tofu
This steamed tofu is ready in about 15 minutes and features tender silken tofu with a savory soy sauce garlic dressing.
To prepare it, you'll cut the tofu into cubes and then steam it. The sauce has garlic, scallions, and condiments like oyster sauce and soy sauce.
Serve this with a side of Chinese veggies for one of the easiest bamboo steamer recipes.
These Chinese scallion flower rolls are a total showstopper. Not only are they visually appealing, but they're delicious with soft buns and scallion flavor.
This recipe makes about six rolls, but if you have a multi-layered steamer basket, you can double the recipe and make more!
These taste delicious for breakfast, served with congee, preserved vegetables, and fermented bean curd.
Make perfect Chinese steamed eggs with this easy recipe! These eggs are silky smooth and incredibly soft.
Simply beat the eggs, add warm water, and steam for 10-12 minutes.
To season, just add a touch of light soy sauce and toasted sesame oil for a simple and flavorful meal.
Learn how to make this Steamed Ribs with Glutinous Rice recipe! It takes a bit of time and multiple steps but makes for a splendid centerpiece for Chinese New Year.
On day one, soak the ribs, marinate them overnight, and prepare a dried lotus leaf by submerging it underwater. The next day, soak the rice, mix it with the marinated ribs, and steam for 60 minutes.
Finally, garnish with scallions, and enjoy!
8. Chinese Steamed Chicken Breast
In this recipe, chicken breasts are steamed and served with a fragrant ginger scallion sauce! It's flavorful and ready in under one hour.
Chicken breasts can be challenging to cook correctly because they're a lean protein that dries out quickly.
But this recipe will help you understand the food science behind ensuring your chicken breasts stay juicy!
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This recipe for Siu Mai takes about 40 minutes to make, and it yields 20-24 pieces!
It features a classic filling of juicy pork and prawns seasoned with dried shiitake mushrooms, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and soy sauce.
Steam the dumplings in a bamboo steamer for 8 minutes, then serve with soy sauce, vinegar, and chili paste!
10. Fish Siu Mai
These Fish Siu Mai remind me of the delicious dumplings available on Hong Kong's streets. They're tender and juicy, with a savory fish flavor.
This recipe calls for homemade fish paste, which is far superior to store-bought. The ingredients are fresher, and you can tailor the flavor to your preferences.
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Cheung Fun is a popular breakfast dish served at dim sum restaurants.
It features rice flour batter steamed into a thin, soft sheet, then rolled with shrimp (or dried shrimp) and green onions.
It only takes 30 minutes to make. Serve with extra green onions and homemade dipping sauce on the side!
Did you enjoy these Bamboo Steamer Recipes? Be sure to check out the other delicious recipes on this blog by checking out our Recipe Index.
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