Endnotes on Steaming Leftovers

One never has to worry about foods drying out in steaming, but reheated foods may go limp if they were crisp to begin and may increase in liquid content if the bowl is not covered. About the first, one can do nothing—if a hot, soft leftover snow pea seems more appealing than a crisp, cold one, then plunk it into the steamer to reheat it. However, one can halt an increase in liquids by covering the bowl tightly. Last night’s fish will thus not have its sauce diluted, or the day-before-yesterday’s Buddha’s Feast won’t wind up in a watery pool. You may use foil or you may resteam food in a covered heatproof dish, of which there are some very pretty, inexpensive sorts available in Oriental stores. Dumplings, steamed buns, and the like need not be covered, as the dough can absorb moisture repeatedly and suffer no fate worse than fluffiness.