What Are Some Additional Uses for a Bamboo Steamer?
Good Questions

Q: I just bought a bamboo steamer, with the intention of making one thing (potstickers).

Anything else I can use it for?

Sent by Olivia

Editor: Olivia, you can use it to steam other foods as well: Sticky rice. vegetables, shrimp, packets of fish.

You can also use it for storage, in between bouts of dumpling-making. Martha suggests storing garlic and shallots in a steamer, or using it to transport pies.

Readers, how else do you like to use bamboo steamer baskets?

Next question?

(Images: Martha Stewart)

Categories: Supplies, Advice, Cookware, Questions

Posted by Faith Durand

Faith Durand is the executive editor of The Kitchn and the author of Bakeless Sweets: Pudding, Panna Cotta, Fluff, Icebox Cake, and More No-Bake Desserts. She lives in Columbus, Ohio.
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Comments (11)

Hum Baos!
I use the BBQ Pork you can buy at the store. It is delish.

http://www.goonswithspoons.com/Home_Baked_Char_Siu_Bao_(Hum_Bao)

I steam fish (on a plate) and vegetables in mine.

And you can use them to heat leftovers that won't be hurt by a little extra moisture: Assemble a plate of food, steam till hot. Beats the microwave hands down.

In addition I also store potatoes in one, inside a kitchen cabinet, and use another as a cupcake tote. If you look through Japanese dollar stores you can find them for a dollar for short versions and on occasion an extra tall version (perfect for something bulky like potatoes) for a bit more.

I used mine for just dumplings and sticky rice, but the last time I went to pull it out, it was covered in mold. So what about the best way to clean them?

Can never figure out how to get a hot plate out of the steamer safely.

I've read that you can make tamales in them.

Thanks for the suggestions! I'm thinking some dim sum too....

A tortilla warmer.

i used mine to store garlic and shallots!! its looks great on my counter too!

You can steam chicken and fish on top of parchment paper. No hot plate.

My husband recently went a little crazy at Costco and bought a bunch of pre-packaged crackers. I put some in an accessible basket and the extras I stashed out of sight in the bamboo steamer!