The Bamboo Steamer

Bamboo steamers are designed to fit inside a wok and can be used one at a time or stacked one atop the other to make efficient use of the same heat source. Never wash the steamer with detergent; the bamboo absorbs the flavor of the detergent. To wash it, simply rinse it well with hot water.

The food to be steamed can be placed on a plate in the steamer, or the steamer can be lined with cheesecloth or muslin and the food placed on top of the cloth. The liner keeps food from sticking.

Cover the steamer with its bamboo lid and set it over boiling water in a wok. The water should be at least 1 inch below the bottom of the steamer. Have hot water on hand to replace evaporated water as needed.