COOKING

Stir Fry Deep Fry Steam Boil Stock Thicken

CUTTING

Slice Julienne Dice Mince Parallel Roll

Chinese cooking technique: Steam

Similar to other Chinese cooking techniques, steaming can be utilized in preparing dishes in different ways. The 2 most common ways to be used are:

• Steaming first, then add the remaining sauce.
• Adding sauce first, and steam them with the ingredients together.

Here are some pointers to help you steam Chinese dishes most effectively

• Heat the steam basket until you see steam first, then add the ingredients

If the ingredients were put in before the steam basket is ready, you will inevitably lose some of the taste of the dish. So as a rule, make sure the steam basket has been heating for about 15 minutes before you put the dish in.

• Follow the recipe as directed on whether to use high, medium, or low heat.

If egg, or tofu are the main ingredients, small holes can be poked through during steaming to help along (the holes will disappear once done), and it can be steamed slowly. If fish is the main ingredient (unless specified otherwise), it will need to be steamed on high heat and monitored frequently. If fish is steamed too long, then the meat will get tough, and obviously the dish will not taste as good.

• Do not lift the top of the steam basket unless necessary

Idealy, the top needs to stay on the steam basket the entire time to maximize the flavor and consistency of the dish. So use your timer (wink).

• Check the water level

Sounds so trivial, but it is a very common mistake in steaming. So make sure you have adequate water to produce the steam, and add more as necessary.

Bring out the Chinese gourmet chef within you, with detailed, easy-to-follow Recipes guaranteed to make your meal a hit Browse through our list of the typical Ingredients used in authentic Chinese dishes

Visit our Shop section for a list of recommended products essential for cooking a knock-out Chinese meal, from woks, cookware, bakeware, tableware, to cutlery, special gift ideas. All items recommended have been closely reviewed by our experts. Stop by the Resources section for our list of articles on all facets of Chinese cuisine and our friendly links.