When the weather starts warming, dinner parties come on fast and furious. The pressure of figuring out what to serve, who to invite, and how to make everything feel special again intensifies. Fortunately, there are things like the bamboo steamer with stainless steel banding that can be your best friend when it comes to putting together an interesting meal in a short period of time. The steamer is also an essential piece of equipment for any home chef who wants to start exploring Asian cuisine without breaking their budget or sacrificing quality ingredients.
A bamboo steamer is perfect for those who want to keep things simple. It’s easy on storage space and requires very little prep work before using it. Because they are so versatile, you can use a bamboo steamer no matter what kind of meal you’re planning: summer luncheon, casual dinner party or intimate date night at home. Here’s how you can use a bamboo steamer with stainless steel banding to make cooking even more enjoyable this season…
What is a Bamboo Steamer With Stainless Steel Banding?
A bamboo steamer is an expandable, pliable, rectangular basket made from natural bamboo. It’s designed to fit into a wok or pot and help steam food gently to retain nutrients and flavour.
The bamboo steamer with stainless steel banding is built with a round basket that is held together with a stainless steel banding. This type of steamer is durable and will last you for many years of cooking. The stainless steel banding also makes it easier to clean than a traditional bamboo steamer.
Pros of Using a Bamboo Steamer With Stainless Steel Banding
If you’re looking for a steamer to put in your kitchen and you’re not sure which one to pick, the bamboo steamer with stainless steel banding is a great option.
Here’s why it’s a smart choice:
- Versatility: Bamboo steamers are very versatile and can be used for everything from vegetables and fish to water chestnuts or dim sum. You can also use it to steam a variety of different grains including rice, couscous, quinoa, barley and grits. - Health benefits: Using a bamboo steamer will allow food to retain most of its nutrients as opposed to using a metal steamer which will affect the taste and flavour of the food.
- Ease of use: Bamboo steamers are very easy to use and clean. They require little effort and can be folded up to make them more compact when they aren’t in use.
- Easy storage: Bamboo steamers are very easy to store and can be folded up to take up very little room in your kitchen cabinets.
Cons of Using a Bamboo Steamer With Stainless Steel Banding
Unfortunately, nothing is perfect, and the bamboo steamer with stainless steel banding does have its drawbacks.
Here are the most common disadvantages of using this type of steamer:
- No non-stick coating: There is no non-stick coating or special coating on the steamer. This can make it difficult to remove food from the basket if it is oily or sticky. The best way to remove it is to let the food sit in the steamer for a bit longer. This helps the food to cool down and become easier to remove.
- Limited use: Bamboo steamers are limited to steaming food. You cannot use them for other cooking methods such as stir-frying or braising.
- Price: Bamboo steamers with stainless steel banding can be more expensive than other types of steamers on the market. They range in price from $15-$30 depending on the size and brand.
How to Use a Bamboo Steamer With Stainless Steel Banding
If you’ve ever used a regular bamboo steamer before, using one bamboo steamer with stainless steel banding will be a breeze. Here are the most common ways you can use a bamboo steamer with stainless steel banding:
Placing the Bamboo Steamer in a Wok or Pot: The first step is to find a pot or wok that is big enough to fit your bamboo steamer. You want there to be at least an inch of space between the sides of the pot and the basket. If you’re using a wok, you can place the bamboo steamer on the ring that goes around the edge of the wok. This helps to keep it in place.
Filling the Basket With Food: Once you’ve placed the bamboo steamer in the pot or wok, it’s time to fill it with food. The type of food you put in the basket will determine how long it needs to cook. For example, denser foods like chicken or fish will take longer to cook than vegetables. If you’re cooking multiple items, make sure they are all roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
Covering the Basket: Once you’ve added food to the basket, it’s time to cover it. You can use the lid that came with the steamer or a plate that fits snugly on top of the basket. Make sure there are no gaps around the edges so the steam can’t escape.
Cooking Time: The next step is to add water to the pot or wok. The amount of water you need will depend on the size of your pot or wok and how much food you’ve added to the basket. You want there to be enough water so it reaches halfway up the sides of the basket. Once you’ve added water, bring it to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the bamboo steamer cook for the recommended time.
Removing the Basket From the Heat: Once the food is cooked, it’s time to remove the basket from the pot or wok. Be careful when you do this as there will be a lot of steam. Use oven mitts or towels to protect your hands. Lift the basket out of the pot or wok and set it on a heat-resistant surface.
Letting the Food Cool Before Eating: You want to let the food cool for a few minutes before serving or eating it. This gives the steam time to escape and prevents you from burning yourself. If you’re in a hurry, you can use a fork to eat around the edge of the food so you don’t have to wait for it to cool completely.
Cleaning the Basket After Use: Once you’re done using the bamboo steamer, it’s time to clean it. The best way to do this is to rinse it with warm water and let it air dry. You can also use a mild soap if needed. Avoid using harsh detergents or scrubbing the basket too hard as this can damage the bamboo. If your bamboo steamer is starting to look old or worn, you can sand down the surface with fine-grit sandpaper to help refresh it.
3 Recipes to Try Using a Bamboo Steamer With Stainless Steel Banding?
- Asian-Inspired Rice Bowl: You can make a satisfying Asian-inspired rice bowl by steaming rice and adding flavourful ingredients like broccoli, carrots and edamame.
- Perfectly Crispy Fish: Steaming fish is a great way to keep it tender and moist. You can try steaming halibut or cod with a bit of lemon and ginger for a delicious flavour combination.
- Steamed Vegetables: Steamed vegetables make for a great healthy side to any meal. You can steam broccoli, carrots, asparagus, green beans and beets using a bamboo steamer.
Conclusion
The bamboo steamer with stainless steel banding is an excellent addition to any kitchen and can be used for a variety of different dishes. It’s versatile and easy to use, and it can help to retain the nutrients in your food while adding flavour and moisture. If you’re looking to expand your kitchen tools or start exploring Asian cuisine, a bamboo steamer is a great place to start. It’s easy to use and very versatile, making it a smart choice for any home chef.
