Bamboo steamers might seem like a luxury, but there’s more than meets the eye. They are inexpensive and are actually quite useful kitchen accessories that every home cook needs in their kitchen arsenal. The act of steaming is an excellent way to bring out the natural flavors of vegetables, fish, and other proteins. It locks in moisture while also adding subtle nuances of sweetness and enhancing the natural taste of your ingredients.
Read on to learn how to wash bamboo steamer in three easy steps: We love using bamboo steamers because they’re a super-easy way to steam food and retain all those healthy vitamins that are usually leached out when you boil or fry your veggies. Bamboo is naturally porous which makes it an ideal material for steamers because it helps lock in moisture while making it easy to clean!
3 Easy Steps to Wash Bamboo Steamer
Before you can even begin to wash a bamboo steamer, you have to decide what materials it’s made out of. Since bamboo is the most common, we’ve written this guide based on that assumption. If you’re not sure which type of steamer you have, check the packaging. Bamboo steamers can be easily distinguished by their natural color and grain. If you have a bamboo steamer, the next thing you should do is remove the bamboo leaves and wash them in warm, soapy water.
If there are any stubborn stains on them, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water to remove them. Next, you can turn your attention to the steamer itself. There will usually be a removable plate where you can wash any excess food and grime that has built up on the basket and around the edges. If not, you can also use a sponge or dishcloth with warm, soapy water to get the job done.
Rinse with hot water
The next step is to rinse your bamboo steamer with hot water. This will help remove any remaining food particles and grease left behind by the steamer. Rinsing your steamer with soap-free water will help remove any excess oil if you were cooking with oil-based food, like fried chicken or fries. Once you’ve rinsed your bamboo steamer, you can put it in the dishwasher or wash it by hand with warm water and dish soap.
If you’re washing your steamer by hand, make sure that you use a soft sponge or dishcloth to avoid gouging the surface of the bamboo. Finally, you can dry your bamboo steamer in one of two ways. You can leave it on the countertop to air-dry. Another option is to put it in the oven on a low heat setting until it’s completely dry.
Shake off any excess water and let it air dry
When your bamboo steamer is almost completely dry, the last thing you should do is shake off any excess water and put it away. Make sure it’s completely dry before storing it, though. To speed up the drying process, you can put your steamer in the warm oven for about 10 minutes. It’s also a good idea to clean out the bottom tray of your oven while you’re at it! Once your bamboo steamer is completely dry, you can put it in a drawstring bag or shallow bowl. Or, you can simply stack it on top of a plate or in a cupboard.
Tips for Cleaning Bamboo Steamers
Wash bamboo steamer before use
Before you use a bamboo steamer for the first time, it’s important to wash it. This will remove any dirt, dust, or debris that may have accumulated on the steamer during transit or storage. To wash your bamboo steamer, simply rinse it with warm water and dish soap. You can also use a mild bleach solution to disinfect your steamer if you’re concerned about bacteria. Once you’ve washed your steamer, make sure that you dry it completely before using it.
Line the bamboo steamer
One of the best ways to protect your bamboo steamer is to line it with parchment paper. This will create a barrier between the steamer and the food, making it easier to clean. It also helps prevent sticking and makes it less likely that your food will burn. To line a bamboo steamer, simply cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of the basket. You can also use silicone steamer mats if you prefer.
Use Fresh Lemons or White Vinegar
One natural way to clean your bamboo steamer is to use fresh lemons or white vinegar. Lemons are a great way to remove any lingering smells from your steamer. Simply cut a lemon in half and rub it all over the inside of the basket. You can also add a few drops of lemon juice to a bowl of water and use this to wash the steamer. White vinegar is another good option for cleaning bamboo steamers. Simply add equal parts vinegar and water to a bowl and use this to scrub the steamer. Rinse with hot water when you’re finished.
Conclusion
Bamboo steamers are an indispensable kitchen gadget you can use to steam a variety of foods, including vegetables, fish, rice, and even desserts like cheesecake! Steaming is a healthy cooking method that uses natural aromatics to flavor food. It’s also low-calorie and inexpensive! If you want to make tasty, nutritious meals at home, you need a good steamer. But how do you wash a bamboo steamer? Follow these 3 easy steps to clean your bamboo steamer quickly and easily in no time at all!
