Bamboo Steamer

Circular frames of bamboo with woven bamboo mesh bases and covers, these come in various sizes, but those 12 to 13 inches in diameter are preferred, for they sit quite nicely in a wok. Foods rest on the woven bamboo and steam passes up through the spaces. They can be stacked two or three high so that different foods can be steamed simultaneously. Steamers are also made of aluminum, and of wood with bamboo mesh bases. There are also small steamers, usually of bamboo or stainless steel, that are often used for individual dim sum brunch servings. For use with the recipes in this book, two bamboo steamers and a cover should be sufficient.