Helen Chen's Asian Kitchen 4-Inch Bamboo Steamers, Set of 2
Steaming is an important and widely used cooking technique in the Asian kitchen.  Most kitchens in Asia do not have ovens, therefore baking or roasting are not commonly used cooking techniques.  Instead, dumplings, breads, cakes, and other desserts are steamed.  There are also wonderful soups and meat dishes and superb fish and seafood specialties that are cooked to perfection in the gentle, moist heat of a steamer.  Steaming is also a perfect way to refresh stale bread and reheat leftovers. Steaming has gained popularity in the Western kitchen for its convenience, simplicity, health benefits and energy savings. Steaming envelopes the food in a hot, moist environment so it won’t dry out. And unlike boiling, natural juices, minerals and vitamins as well as color in foods are retained and not drained out in the sink. Steaming is also a very low fat way to cook because you need very little or no oils. Food should not be placed directly in the bamboo steamer without a plate (if the food is marinated, such as fish and meat) or parchment liner (if food is dry, such as buns and dumplings) and allow at least 1- inch space between the sides of the plate and the sides of the steamer. The beauty of bamboo steamers extends from their aesthetics to their practicality.   The bamboo lid is double woven so that steam is trapped inside the steamer to cook quickly and efficiently with little heat loss.  The lid also absorbs any condensation from steaming, controlling condensation is especially important when steaming breads, dumplings and cakes which can be ruined from excess moisture.  The steamer is so attractive; it can be brought right to the table for serving.  It will also help to keep foods hot during the meal. Helen’s Asian Kitchen steamers are strong, durable and constructed completely of natural bamboo with bamboo pegs and bamboo lacing for strength, durability and beauty. There are no metal staples, wires or plastic which can rust or loosen with use.