Steaming is a common cooking technique in many Asian cultures and is used to prepare a wide variety of dishes. Steaming is a healthy cooking method because it preserves the natural flavours and nutrients of the food. Traditionally in Asia, food is often treated as medicine, and steaming is seen as a way to preserve the health benefits of the ingredients.
Steaming can be used to cook delicate ingredients such as fish, tofu, and dumplings, without breaking them apart or altering their texture which may happen when boiled or sautéed. From how to make bao buns to good luck dumplings, read on to discover 5 mouthwatering steam cooked Asian dishes:
Bao buns
Bao buns are made from a simple dough made of flour, water, yeast, sugar, and a pinch of salt. After the dough is allowed to rise, it is divided into small pieces and rolled into flat circles. A small dollop of filling, usually made from pork, chicken, beef, or vegetables, is placed in the centre of each circle of dough, which is then gathered up around the filling and sealed to form a ball.
The bao buns are then steamed, which causes the dough to expand and become fluffy and soft. The result is a delicious, savoury bun that is both light and filling. Bao buns are typically served as a snack or appetiser, but can also be eaten as a meal. They are often served with a variety of sauces and toppings, such as soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sriracha, pickled vegetables, or fresh herbs.
Bao buns have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many restaurants and food trucks offering their own unique variations on the classic recipe. They are also often found in Asian grocery stores, where they can be purchased pre-made or in kits that allow you to make them at home.
Cheung Fun
Cheung fun, also known as rice noodle rolls, are made from a thin layer of rice flour batter that is steamed to form a soft and slightly chewy sheet of rice noodle.
The rice noodle sheet is then filled with various ingredients, such as pork, shrimp, beef, vegetables, or tofu, and rolled up into a cylindrical shape. Cheung fun can be served either plain or with a variety of sauces, including soy sauce, sesame sauce, hoisin sauce, and chilli oil.
In addition to savoury fillings, cheung fun can also be filled with sweet ingredients, such as red bean paste, peanut butter, or coconut. Cheung fun is often served as a breakfast or brunch dish, but can also be found as a snack or appetiser in dim sum restaurants.
Vegetable Dumplings
Vegetable dumplings are a type of Chinese dumpling that are filled with a mixture of vegetables, herbs, and seasonings, and then steamed. The filling typically includes ingredients such as cabbage, carrot, mushroom, scallions, garlic, and ginger, along with soy sauce, sesame oil, and other seasonings.
The dumpling wrapper is made from wheat flour dough, which is rolled out into thin circles and then filled with the vegetable mixture. The dumplings can be formed in various shapes, such as crescent, triangle, or round.
Vegetable dumplings are a popular food during Chinese New Year celebrations and are believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
Watercress Steamed Meatballs
To make watercress steamed meatballs, ground pork is mixed with chopped watercress, ginger, scallions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and other seasonings to create a flavorful meat mixture. The mixture is then shaped into small balls and placed in a steamer basket over boiling water. The meatballs are steamed until cooked through, and the watercress releases its fragrance.
The watercress in the meatballs provides a slightly bitter and peppery flavour that complements the rich taste of the pork. This dish is not only tasty, but also healthy as watercress is a nutrient dense vegetable that is rich in vitamins and minerals.
Watercress steamed meatballs can be served as a main course or as an appetiser, and are often accompanied by rice or noodles.
Steamed Eggs with Crispy Pork
Steamed eggs with crispy pork is a popular Chinese dish that consists of steamed eggs topped with crispy pork belly. The dish is a popular comfort food and is often served for breakfast or as a side dish.
To make steamed eggs with crispy pork, eggs are whisked with water or chicken broth, and then steamed in a shallow dish until set. The eggs are then topped with crispy pork belly that has been cooked until golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender and flavorful on the inside.
The dish is typically seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and spring onions, and can be customised by adding other seasonings such as garlic, ginger, or chilli oil. The combination of silky steamed eggs and crispy pork creates a delicious contrast in textures and flavours.