Buzz
Bamboo steamers are beautiful and practical kitchen tools that simplify the delicate cooking process. However, just like cake sticking to a pan, the frustration of food sticking to the bamboo is real. To make the most of a bamboo steamer, you need to know the proper way to line it.
Steamer basket liners act as a protective layer between your food and the bamboo, making removal easy once cooking is complete. These liners help retain juices and keep soft doughs intact, while still allowing steam to circulate evenly for thorough cooking. Many popular options are affordable and readily available, including some modern reusable choices.
Food-grade paper
Parchment paper is a popular choice for lining bamboo steamer baskets. It is typically cut into a circle to match the size of the inner compartment, much like how you would cut a liner for a cake pan. Since parchment paper is semi-porous, it works well on its own, but for better airflow, you can make a few holes in it. To do this, cut a wedge of folded parchment to form a circular liner, then before unfolding, snip a few small triangles along the folded edge—similar to making a basic snowflake. Unfold it, and you'll have evenly spaced holes for the steam to pass through. Place it in the steamer and load the food on top.
For small items or when parchment paper is unavailable, you can use paper cupcake liners. Place one under each piece of food, or flatten them and layer them inside the steamer basket. Once in place, just add the food and steam away.
Leaves
Plants are the original form of paper. Think cabbage leaves, kale, banana leaves, corn husks (fresh or dried), or even those cauliflower leaf ribs that often get tossed—they all make excellent bamboo steamer liners. These robust leaves are ideal because they're thin, so they won't take up precious height, and they're durable enough to withstand the heat and humidity without falling apart. Plus, they’re fairly neutral in flavor, so they won’t alter the taste of your food. Arrange the leaves in the steamer basket, either side by side or slightly overlapping, trimming any excess. Lay them flat along the bottom—there's no need to have them curl up the sides.
Reusable liners
For those who frequently use their bamboo steamer, a more permanent solution might be worth considering. You can invest in a silicone liner, similar to perforated parchment paper, cloth specifically designed for steamers, or even regular cheesecloth. Silicone liners are simple to clean along with your other dishes, while the fabric options are typically hand-washable.
If you're completely out of liners for your bamboo steamer, a heat-resistant plate can serve as a backup. Although this may cause uneven cooking due to the lack of airflow beneath, plates are great for catching flavorful juices depending on what you're steaming. Just keep in mind that with any of these liners, especially plates that retain heat, the steamer will be quite hot when removing the food.
