Chinese Steam Food Recipes: Tasty and Nutritious Dishes

If you are searching for a nutritious and tasty method to prepare your meals, then try Chinese steaming. Chinese steaming is an age-old cooking method that has been utilised for generations to maintain the authentic taste and nutritional value of food. By utilizing a steamer basket or bamboo steamer, you can create a nutritious and delicious meal that is low in fat and calories.

Essentials of Chinese Steaming To get started with Chinese steaming, all you need is a steamer basket or bamboo steamer, a pot of boiling water, and your favourite ingredients. You can use a variety of foods for steaming, including vegetables, fish, chicken, and even desserts. Steaming is a gentle cooking method that allows the natural flavours of your ingredients to shine through, so be sure to use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best results.

Popular Chinese Steamed Recipes Some popular Chinese steamed recipes include steamed fish with ginger and scallions, steamed dumplings, and steamed buns. You can also experiment with different flavours and seasonings to create your own unique steamed dishes. If you're looking for a suggestion, seafood is a great choice for steaming. Try using shrimp, scallops, or fish fillets for a delicious and healthy meal.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese steaming is a healthy and delicious way to cook your food.
• You can use a variety of foods for steaming, including vegetables, fish, and chicken.
• Seafood is a great choice for steaming, and you can use shrimp, scallops, or fish fillets for a delicious and healthy meal.

Essentials of Chinese Steaming

Choosing the Right Equipment

To make delicious steamed Chinese dishes, you need to have the right equipment. The most common equipment used for steaming is a steamer. You can use either a bamboo steamer or a metal steamer. Bamboo steamers are inexpensive and easy to use, but they can be difficult to clean. Metal steamers are more expensive, but they are easier to clean and can last longer.

You can also use a pot or a wok with a lid and a steaming rack. The pot or wok should be large enough to hold the food you want to steam and the steaming rack should fit snugly inside. You can also use a rice cooker with a steaming basket if you have one.

Understanding Steaming Techniques

Steaming is a gentle cooking technique that preserves the natural flavors and nutrients of the food. To steam food, you need to bring water to a boil in the bottom of your steamer or pot. Then, you place the food in a container or on a plate and put it in the steamer or on the steaming rack. Finally, you cover the steamer or pot with a lid and let the food cook for the required amount of time.

There are two main steaming techniques used in Chinese cooking. The first is called water steaming, where the food is placed directly in the water. The second is called plate steaming, where the food is placed on a plate and then steamed.

Preparation and Cooking Times

Before you start steaming, you need to prepare the food. You should wash and chop the ingredients and marinate them if necessary. Seafood is a great ingredient to use in steamed Chinese dishes. You can use shrimp, scallops, fish, or crab. Just make sure to clean and devein the seafood before steaming.

The cooking time for steamed dishes varies depending on the type of food you are cooking. Vegetables usually take around 5-10 minutes to cook, while meat and seafood can take up to 20 minutes. Make sure to check the food regularly to prevent overcooking.

In summary, to make delicious steamed Chinese dishes, you need to choose the right equipment, understand the steaming techniques, and prepare the food properly. With these tips, you can create healthy and flavorful dishes that your family and friends will love.

Popular Chinese Steamed Recipes

If you're looking for a healthy and delicious way to enjoy Chinese cuisine, steaming is the way to go. Steaming is a traditional Chinese cooking method that preserves the natural flavour and nutrients of the food. In this section, we'll introduce you to some of the most popular Chinese steamed recipes.

Classic Steamed Buns

Steamed buns, also known as baozi, are a staple in Chinese cuisine. These fluffy, pillowy buns can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as pork, shrimp, and vegetables. They're perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can even make them sweet by filling them with red bean paste or custard.

Savoury Dim Sum Delights

Dim sum is a type of Chinese cuisine that consists of small, bite-sized portions of food served in steamer baskets. Some popular dim sum dishes include steamed pork dumplings, shrimp dumplings, and siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings). These savoury delights are perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Steamed Chicken Variations

Chinese steamed chicken is a healthy and delicious dish that's easy to make. You can use a whole chicken or chicken pieces, and flavour it with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. You can also add vegetables such as bok choy or Chinese broccoli to the steamer basket for a complete meal. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try using seafood such as prawns or fish instead of chicken.

Seafood Specials

Seafood is a popular ingredient in Chinese cuisine, and steaming is a great way to bring out its natural flavour. Some popular seafood dishes include steamed fish with ginger and spring onion, and steamed prawns with garlic and chilli. You can also add vegetables such as carrots and mushrooms to the steamer basket for a complete meal.

Vegetable Steamed Dishes

Steamed vegetables are a healthy and delicious side dish that's easy to make. Some popular vegetable dishes include steamed broccoli with garlic and oyster sauce, and steamed eggplant with soy sauce and sesame oil. You can also mix and match different vegetables to create your own unique steamed dish.

Sweet Steamed Treats

Steaming isn't just for savoury dishes - you can also make sweet treats such as steamed cakes and puddings. Some popular sweet steamed dishes include sponge cake, custard buns, and red bean paste buns. These treats are perfect for dessert or as a snack.

In conclusion, Chinese steamed recipes are a healthy and delicious way to enjoy Chinese cuisine. Whether you're in the mood for savoury or sweet, there's a steamed dish for everyone. So why not try making one of these recipes tonight?

Flavours and Seasonings

When it comes to steamed food recipes, flavours and seasonings are crucial to enhance the taste of the food. Here are some of the common sauces and condiments that you can use to add flavour to your steamed dishes:

Sauces and Condiments

• Soy sauce: A staple in Chinese cuisine, soy sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used to add saltiness and umami flavour to your steamed dishes. Use light soy sauce for a milder taste and dark soy sauce for a richer, more complex flavour.
• Oyster sauce: Made from oysters, this sauce adds a savoury and slightly sweet taste to your steamed dishes. It pairs well with seafood and vegetables.
• Sesame oil: A fragrant oil that adds nutty flavour to your steamed dishes. Use it sparingly as a little goes a long way.
• Rice wine: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavour to your steamed dishes. Use Shaoxing wine for an authentic Chinese taste.
• Dipping sauce: A simple sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. It's perfect for dipping steamed dumplings or seafood.

Herbs and Spices

• Ginger: A warming spice that adds a zingy flavour to your steamed dishes. Use fresh ginger instead of dried for a more intense flavour.
• Green onion or scallions: Adds a mild onion flavour and a pop of colour to your steamed dishes. Use the green part for a milder taste and the white part for a stronger onion flavour.
• Cilantro: A fragrant herb that adds a fresh, citrusy flavour to your steamed dishes. Use it as a garnish for a pop of colour and flavour.
• Salt and ground white pepper: Simple seasonings that can enhance the taste of your steamed dishes. Use them sparingly to avoid overpowering the other flavours.
• Honey: A natural sweetener that can balance out the savoury flavours in your steamed dishes. Use it in moderation to avoid making your dish too sweet.

Seafood is a great option for steaming, as it retains its natural sweetness and flavour. Some seafood options that can be used in Chinese steamed dishes include fish, shrimp, and scallops. Use fresh seafood for the best results, and pair it with the appropriate seasonings and sauces to enhance its natural flavour.

Health and Nutrition

Benefits of Steamed Food

Steaming is one of the healthiest ways to cook food. Unlike frying or grilling, steaming does not require the use of oil, which can be high in calories and unhealthy fats. Steaming also helps to preserve the natural texture and flavour of food, making it a great option for those who are looking to eat more healthily without sacrificing taste.

Steaming also helps to retain the nutritional content of food. When food is boiled or fried, some of the vitamins and minerals can be lost in the cooking process. With steaming, however, the food is cooked in its own juices, which helps to preserve its nutritional value.

Caloric and Nutritional Content

Steamed food is generally lower in calories than food that has been fried or grilled. For example, a 100g serving of steamed chicken contains around 110 calories, while the same amount of fried chicken can contain up to 300 calories. Steaming also helps to preserve the protein content of food, making it a great option for those who are looking to build muscle or maintain a healthy weight.

If you are looking to add more seafood to your diet, steaming is a great way to do so. Seafood is rich in protein and low in calories, making it a great option for those who are looking to eat healthily. Some great options for steaming include prawns, mussels, and fish such as salmon or cod.

When it comes to nutritional information, steamed seafood is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining heart health and brain function. Seafood is also rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, iodine, and calcium, which are important for maintaining healthy bones and teeth.

In summary, steaming is a great way to cook food if you are looking to eat healthily without sacrificing taste. Steamed food is generally lower in calories and higher in nutritional value than food that has been fried or grilled. If you are looking to add more seafood to your diet, steaming is a great way to do so, and some great options include prawns, mussels, and fish such as salmon or cod.

Cooking Tips and Serving Suggestions

Achieving Perfect Texture and Flavour

Steaming is an easy and healthy way to cook food, but it requires some attention to detail to ensure that your dishes come out perfectly. One of the most important factors in steaming is timing. Be sure to cook your food for the appropriate amount of time, as undercooked food can be tough and overcooked food can be mushy.

Another key factor is the amount of water you use. Be sure to use enough water to create steam, but not so much that your food gets waterlogged. A good rule of thumb is to use about an inch of water in the bottom of your steamer.

To add flavour to your steamed dishes, try adding aromatics like ginger, garlic, and spring onion to the water. You can also marinate your food before steaming to infuse it with flavour.

Garnishing and Presentation

Steamed dishes may not be the most visually striking, but there are plenty of ways to make them look more appetising. One easy way to add some colour is to garnish your dishes with chopped green onions or fresh herbs like coriander or basil.

Another option is to use edible flowers like chrysanthemum or rose petals to add a pop of colour. Flower rolls are a traditional Lunar New Year dish that are both visually stunning and delicious.

For more substantial dishes like char siu bao or shu mai, consider serving them in a traditional bamboo steamer. This not only adds to the presentation, but also keeps the food warm.

Seafood is a great option for steaming, as it is easy to cook and retains its natural umami flavour. Hunan steamed fish with salted chilies is a popular dish that is both savoury and spicy. Dried shiitake mushrooms and brown sugar add depth of flavour to the dish.

Steamed pears with brown sugar is a simple and delicious dessert that is perfect for family gatherings. To prepare, simply place boneless pears in a tiered steamer and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes. Serve with a sprinkle of brown sugar and chopped nuts.

With these tips and suggestions, you can elevate your steamed dishes to new heights. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some classic Chinese dishes that are prepared using steam?

Steaming is a popular cooking method in Chinese cuisine. Some classic Chinese dishes that are prepared using steam include dim sum, steamed fish, steamed buns, and steamed dumplings. These dishes are typically served with soy sauce, chilli oil, or other dipping sauces.

Could you suggest any simple steamed Chinese food recipes for beginners?

If you're new to steaming Chinese food, a simple recipe to try is steamed chicken with ginger and scallions. All you need is chicken, ginger, scallions, soy sauce, sesame oil, Shaoxing wine, and salt. Place the chicken on a heatproof plate and steam for around 20 minutes. You can also try steaming vegetables like bok choy or broccoli for a healthy and simple side dish.

What are the healthiest Chinese dishes that involve steaming?

Steaming is a healthy cooking method that helps to retain the nutrients in food. Some of the healthiest Chinese dishes that involve steaming include steamed fish, steamed vegetables, and steamed tofu. You can also add seafood like shrimp or scallops to your steamed dishes for a boost of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

How can I steam chicken to make a traditional Chinese meal?

To steam chicken for a traditional Chinese meal, start by marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and Shaoxing wine for at least 30 minutes. Then, place the chicken on a heatproof plate and steam for around 20 minutes or until cooked through. You can add ginger, scallions, or other aromatics to the chicken for extra flavour.

Can you recommend a good steamed food recipe for someone using an electric steamer?

If you're using an electric steamer, a good recipe to try is steamed fish with ginger and soy sauce. All you need is fish fillets, ginger, soy sauce, and scallions. Place the fish on a heatproof plate and steam for around 10-15 minutes or until cooked through. You can also add vegetables like bok choy or broccoli to the steamer for a complete meal.

What are a couple of popular Chinese steamed snacks or appetisers?

Some popular Chinese steamed snacks or appetisers include siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings), har gow (shrimp dumplings), and char siu bao (barbecue pork buns). These dishes are typically served with dipping sauces like soy sauce, chilli oil, or hoisin sauce.