Chinese Steamed Dishes Recipe: Easy and Delicious Ideas

Steamed dishes are a staple in Chinese cuisine and are known for their healthy cooking techniques and fresh ingredients. Steaming is a popular cooking method in Chinese cuisine and is used to cook a variety of dishes ranging from meat, seafood, vegetables, and even desserts. Chinese steamed dishes are a great way to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal that is easy to prepare and cook.

To make a Chinese steamed dish, you will need a steamer basket or a wok with a steaming rack. Steaming is a simple cooking method that involves placing food in a steamer basket or on a steaming rack and cooking it over boiling water. The steam cooks the food, locking in its natural flavours and nutrients.

Chinese steamed dishes are a great way to incorporate seafood into your diet. Steamed seafood dishes are a popular choice in Chinese cuisine and can be made with a variety of seafood such as fish, shrimp, scallops, and crab. Steaming seafood is a healthy and delicious way to enjoy the natural flavours of the seafood without adding any extra fat or calories.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese steamed dishes are a healthy and delicious way to enjoy fresh ingredients and healthy cooking techniques.
• Steaming is a simple cooking method that can be used to cook a variety of dishes ranging from meat, seafood, vegetables, and even desserts.
• Seafood is a great addition to Chinese steamed dishes and can be made with a variety of seafood such as fish, shrimp, scallops, and crab.

Essentials of Steaming

Steaming is an essential cooking technique in Chinese cuisine, and it is a great way to cook healthy and delicious meals. Here are some key things you need to know about steaming.

Steaming Techniques

There are two main techniques for steaming: using a steamer basket or a bamboo steamer. A steamer basket is a metal or bamboo basket that sits inside a pot of boiling water. A bamboo steamer is a stackable set of baskets that sits on top of a pot of boiling water.

When steaming, it's important to use low heat to prevent the food from overcooking or burning. You should also make sure that there is enough water in the pot to create steam, but not so much that the water touches the food.

Choosing the Right Steamer

When choosing a steamer, consider the type of food you want to cook. A steamer basket is best for larger items like fish fillets or chicken breasts, while a bamboo steamer is better for smaller items like dumplings or buns.

If you plan to use a bamboo steamer, make sure to soak it in water for at least 30 minutes before using it to prevent the bamboo from burning.

Seafood is a great option for steaming, and it's easy to prepare. You can use fish fillets, shrimp, or scallops. Just season the seafood with salt and pepper, and place it in the steamer basket or bamboo steamer. Steam for 5-10 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through.

Overall, steaming is a simple and healthy way to cook Chinese dishes. With the right technique and equipment, you can create delicious and nutritious meals in no time.

Ingredients and Preparation

When it comes to Chinese steamed dishes, the ingredients play a crucial role in determining the flavour and texture of the dish. Here are some tips on selecting the right ingredients for your Chinese steamed dish.

Selecting Ingredients

For the protein, you can use chicken, fish, beef, or pork. If you want to add seafood to your dish, consider using shrimp, scallops, or fish fillets. Make sure the protein is fresh and of good quality.

For the vegetables, you can use a variety of options such as broccoli, carrots, bok choy, and mushrooms. You can also use preserved vegetables or Chinese cabbage.

The key ingredients for the marinade are soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, green onion, sesame oil, and vegetable oil. You can adjust the amount of each ingredient to suit your taste preferences.

Marinating for Flavour

Marinating the protein is an essential step in preparing Chinese steamed dishes. It helps to add flavour and tenderize the meat. The marinade should be prepared in advance and refrigerated for at least an hour before use.

To marinate the protein, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, green onion, sesame oil, and vegetable oil in a bowl. Add your protein to the bowl and ensure it is coated evenly. Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for at least an hour.

When it comes to preparing the vegetables, ensure they are sliced thinly and arranged neatly on a plate. This will help to ensure even cooking.

The prep time for Chinese steamed dishes can vary depending on the protein and vegetables used. Once you have prepared your ingredients and marinade, the dish can be steamed for around 10-15 minutes.

In summary, selecting the right ingredients and marinating them well are key to preparing a delicious Chinese steamed dish. Consider adding seafood to your dish for added flavour and texture.

Popular Chinese Steamed Recipes

If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, you'll know that steaming is a popular cooking method. Steaming preserves the natural flavour and nutrients of the ingredients, making it a healthy and delicious way to cook. Here are some popular Chinese steamed recipes that you can try at home.

Savoury Dishes

Chinese Steamed Chicken

Chinese steamed chicken is a classic dish that's easy to make at home. You'll need chicken, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce to make this dish. Simply marinate the chicken in the soy sauce mixture, then steam it for about 20 minutes. Serve it with steamed rice for a complete meal. You can also add mushrooms or other vegetables to the dish for extra flavour.

Steamed Dumplings

Dumplings are a staple in Chinese cuisine, and steaming them is a great way to cook them. You can make dumplings with pork, shrimp, or a combination of both. Simply wrap the filling in a dumpling wrapper and steam them for about 10 minutes. Serve them with soy sauce or chilli oil for dipping.

Steamed Buns

Steamed buns, or baozi, are a popular snack in China. They can be filled with pork, vegetables, or other ingredients. To make steamed buns, you'll need to make the dough from scratch and let it rise. Then, roll the dough into small circles, add the filling, and steam them for about 10 minutes. Serve them hot with soy sauce or hoisin sauce.

Sweet Treats

Egg Custard

Chinese-style egg custard is a simple and delicious dessert that's perfect for any occasion. You'll need eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract to make this custard. Simply mix the ingredients together, pour them into a small dish, and steam for about 15 minutes. You can also add fruit or nuts to the custard for extra flavour.

Steamed Pears

Steamed pears are a healthy and refreshing dessert that's perfect for the summer months. You'll need ripe pears, honey, and ginger to make this dish. Simply slice the pears, drizzle them with honey and ginger, and steam them for about 10 minutes. Serve them with a dollop of yoghurt or ice cream for a decadent treat.

If you're a seafood lover, you can also try adding shrimp or fish to some of these dishes for extra flavour and nutrition. Shrimp and pork shu mai, pork with egg custard, and char siu bao are all popular Chinese steamed dishes that can be made with seafood.

Cooking and Serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

To prepare a Chinese steamed dish, you will need a steamer and some basic ingredients. Start by cleaning and preparing your choice of seafood or meat. You can use prawns, fish, chicken, or any other type of meat that you prefer. If you are using prawns, make sure to remove the shells and devein them.

Next, season your meat or seafood with salt, pepper, and other spices of your choice. You can also add garlic, ginger, and green onions for extra flavour. Place your seasoned meat or seafood on a plate or in a bowl that fits inside your steamer.

Fill your steamer with water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, place your plate or bowl of meat or seafood inside the steamer. Cover the steamer with a lid and let it steam for the required amount of time. The cooking time will depend on the type of meat or seafood you are using.

Presentation and Garnish

Once your Chinese steamed dish is cooked, it's time to present it in an attractive way. You can serve your dish on a lotus leaf wrap or on a plain plate. If you are using a lotus leaf wrap, make sure to rinse it with water and dry it before using it as a base for your dish.

Garnish your dish with fresh green onions, cilantro, or other herbs of your choice. You can also add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a drizzle of soy sauce for extra flavour. Serve your dish with chopsticks and a bowl of rice for a complete meal.

If you are a seafood lover, you can also try adding some seafood to your Chinese steamed dish. Prawns, scallops, and fish are all great options for a seafood steamed dish. You can use fresh or frozen seafood, depending on what is available in your area. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Overall, Chinese steamed dishes are a healthy and delicious way to enjoy meat or seafood. With a few basic ingredients and some simple steps, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home.

Nutritional Insights

When it comes to Chinese steamed dishes, nutrition is key. Steaming is a healthy cooking method that preserves the nutrients in the ingredients and keeps the dish low in fat and calories. Steamed dishes are also full of flavour and simple to make.

One of the great things about steamed dishes is that they can be made with a variety of ingredients. Seafood is a great addition to any steamed dish, and can be used in a variety of ways. For example, you can use prawns, scallops, or fish fillets to add a delicious flavour to your dish.

When it comes to nutrition, steamed dishes are a great choice. They are low in fat and calories, and are packed with nutrients. Steaming preserves the nutrients in the ingredients, making them a great choice for a healthy meal. In addition, steamed dishes are a great source of carbohydrates, which are important for energy.

If you are looking for a healthy and delicious meal, Chinese steamed dishes are a great choice. They are full of flavour, easy to make, and packed with nutrients. So why not try making a steamed dish with seafood today?

Frequently Asked Questions

What's a simple yet tasty Chinese steamed chicken recipe?

One of the simplest and tastiest Chinese steamed chicken recipes is Cantonese-style steamed chicken. 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. This recipe is easy to prepare and results in a tender and juicy chicken that's perfect for a healthy meal.

Could you suggest some top steamed dishes for a healthy diet?

Steaming is a healthy cooking method that preserves the nutrients and natural flavours of the ingredients. Some top steamed dishes for a healthy diet include steamed fish, steamed vegetables, and steamed tofu. Seafood such as salmon, cod, and prawns can also be used for cooking. These dishes are low in fat and calories, making them ideal for those who are health-conscious.

How do you properly steam food using Chinese techniques?

To properly steam food using Chinese techniques, you'll need a steamer basket or a heatproof plate. Place the food on the steamer basket or plate, making sure there's enough space between the pieces. Fill a wok or pot with water and bring it to a boil. Place the steamer basket or plate in the wok or pot, making sure it's not touching the water. Cover with a lid and steam for the required time. You can also add aromatics such as ginger, garlic, or scallions to infuse the food with flavour.

What are some popular steamed recipes in Filipino cuisine?

In Filipino cuisine, some popular steamed recipes include siopao (steamed buns with meat filling), puto (steamed rice cake), and suman (steamed glutinous rice). These dishes are often served as snacks or desserts and are enjoyed by many Filipinos.

Can you recommend an easy-to-follow steamed food recipe from India?

One easy-to-follow steamed food recipe from India is dhokla, a savoury steamed cake made from chickpea flour and spices. To make dhokla, mix chickpea flour, yogurt, and spices to form a batter. Steam the batter for around 20 minutes until it's cooked through. Once done, garnish with chopped coriander and serve with chutney.

Where can I find an electric steamer recipe book in PDF format?

You can find electric steamer recipe books in PDF format online. Some popular websites that offer free recipe books include Amazon, Google Books, and Goodreads. You can also find recipe books on specific brands' websites, such as Tefal and Philips.