Foods that are steamed are unparalleled in flavor and texture. Steaming is such a gentle way of cooking that it's a perfect method for delicate foods such as fish and seafood. And it's a must for cooking that basic item of Mexican cuisine, the tamale. The liquid shouldn't touch the food. The steam has to circulate freely in the steamer.
Steamers are attractive equipment, perforated to let steam flow through to the food.
Folding steamers are inexpensive, easy to store and fit in almost any pan. You even can improvise a steamer with a metal colander by sticking it in a deep pan and covering tightly to trap the steam. Many pasta cooking sets come with a perforated metal basket that can double as a steamer. You also can find woven bamboo steamers in Oriental outlets. Bamboo steamers can be stacked, making it convenient to cook several things in each layer.