If you love Chinese dumplings as much as we do, you probably know that they are steamed in specially designed bamboo steamer baskets which are mostly round in shape. These bamboo steamer baskets are a common sight in Chinese restaurants that serve dim sum.
Nowadays, you can buy premade dumplings at the store that can be boiled, pan-fried, and even microwaved. While this may be convenient, they fall far short of dumplings that are steamed in the traditional way.
Why Bamboo Dumpling Steamer Baskets Are the Best
But have you ever wondered why these traditional steamer baskets are made using bamboo and not stainless steel? There are a few reasons for this, although you can find ones from other materials.
Bamboo steamers, also called “zhēng lóng” in Chinese, are lightweight, porous, and they retain moisture. Because of this, they allow steam to pass through them evenly and they produce the most moist and most succulent dumplings. They also are great at preventing the dumplings from sticking to its surface, unlike stainless steel ones.
How Chinese Bamboo Steamer Baskets Are Made
Another important fact is that bamboo is an abundant material and, therefore, much cheaper than stainless steel. Bamboo is also very durable but also can be shaped relatively easily. The tough skin of the bamboo is removed and then soaked in water to make it pliable. It is then shaped, most commonly into a circle, and secured with nails.
The bottom of the steamer is constructed using bamboo strips woven close together and these allow steam to pass through easily and evenly. A bamboo lid is also made to fit tightly on the top, thereby trapping most of the steam in the steamer. The steamers are also made with a little ridge on the bottom so that they can be stacked on top of one another. This allows you to cook a large number of dumplings using a small surface area, something that is especially convenient if you have a small kitchen.
How to Use Your Dumpling Steamer Basket
The steamers come in different sizes and are often used by heating up water in a wok and then placing the appropriately-sized bamboo steamer over the boiling water. You can also use a pan or a pot.
Bamboo dumpling steamers can also be used to steam vegetables, tofu, mushrooms, etc, so they are quite versatile. Steaming locks in the flavor and color of various foods and is said to be much healthier than boiling which reduces the amount of nutrients left in the food.
Before using your bamboo steamers for the first time, we recommend giving them a gentle wash with a mild soap and slightly warm water. You can use a soft brush to help clean them. We also recommend soaking the bottom steamer baskets in luke warm water for 10-20 minutes to prevent them from getting scorched while cooking.
Steaming dumplings is usually done on medium heat after the water comes to a boil. You can use parchment paper or special liner paper to line your steamer baskets to ensure nothing sticks, although bamboo generally prevents that on its own. Make sure to check the water level and make sure that there is enough water at all times. In case the water runs out, refill it with boiling water that you can boil in a kettle or pot. You do not want to stop the cooking process at this point.
How to Clean Dumpling Steamer Baskets
Clean your bamboo steamers with a very mild soap and warm water. It is essential to let them air dry after cleaning so that they do not develop any mold. Only store them when they are completely dry.
The Best Dumpling Steamer Baskets
Below are the three best bamboo steamer baskets for dumplings that we recommend. All of them are well-made and will last for a very long time if you treat them right.
1. Prime Home Direct Bamboo Steamer Basket 10-inch | 2-Tier Steamer for Cooking
2. Joyce Chen 2-Tier Bamboo Steamer Baskets, 10-Inch
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