You can easily use a bamboo steamer without a wok by using a saucepan or another pot that the base of the steamer fits into.
If you don't have a traditional wok where the curved base of the bamboo steamer can sit elevated with water underneath, a simple and effective alternative is to use a standard saucepan or pot. The key is finding a pot with an opening that allows the bottom ring of the bamboo steamer to sit snugly, either just inside the rim or directly on top, while still leaving enough space at the bottom of the pot for water.
Alternative Method: Using a Saucepan
As shown in the provided reference, if you "don't have a wok where you can sit the steamer in with some water inside," the recommended alternative is to "get a saucepan like that that can fit the base of this bamboo steamer."
Here's how to do it:
- Select the Right Pot: Choose a saucepan or pot whose diameter is similar to or slightly smaller than the base of your bamboo steamer. The steamer should ideally sit stable on the rim or comfortably inside the opening, elevated above the bottom of the pot.
- Add Water: Fill the bottom of the saucepan with about 1-2 inches of water. Ensure the water level is below where the base of the steamer will sit, so the food in the bottom layer doesn't touch the water.
- Position the Steamer: Place the bamboo steamer directly on top of the saucepan. The base of the steamer should fit securely on the rim of the pot or just inside it. The goal is to allow the steam generated from the boiling water to rise directly into the steamer layers.
- Heat and Steam: Bring the water in the saucepan to a rolling boil. Once boiling, the steam will rise through the slatted bottom of the bamboo steamer, cooking the food placed inside the layers.
- Monitor Water Level: Keep an eye on the water level during longer steaming times, adding more hot water if necessary to prevent the pot from boiling dry.
Tips for Using a Saucepan or Pot
- Stability: Ensure the steamer sits stable on your chosen pot to avoid accidents.
- Water Level: Never let the water touch the food in the bottom basket. The cooking is done by steam, not boiling.
- Lid: The bamboo steamer comes with its own lid, which you will use. You don't need a lid for the saucepan itself (unless you're finding the setup isn't capturing steam effectively, in which case a pot lid under the steamer might help elevate it further, but this is less common).
- Elevate if Needed: If your pot is too wide, you can use a steaming rack or even small heatproof risers (like crumpled foil balls or ceramic rings) inside the pot to elevate the steamer above the water, although finding a pot the steamer fits over is the simplest method.
Using a saucepan is a widely accepted and practical way to utilize a bamboo steamer when a wok is unavailable, allowing you to enjoy healthy steamed dishes with minimal equipment.
