How To Steam Dumplings Without A Steamer

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Storables.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

Introduction

Steamed dumplings, also known as jiaozi or potstickers, are a popular and delicious dish that originated in China. These bite-sized parcels of goodness are typically filled with a mixture of meat, vegetables, and seasonings, and then wrapped in a thin dough wrapper. While a steamer is the traditional tool used to cook dumplings, not everyone has one readily available in their kitchen. But fret not! In this article, we will explore different methods to steam dumplings without the need for a steamer.

Steaming dumplings without a steamer may seem daunting at first, but with a few simple techniques and household items, you can still achieve perfectly steamed dumplings in no time. Whether you’re a dumpling enthusiast or just looking to try your hand at making this delicious dish, these alternative methods will come in handy.

So, let’s dive into the various methods you can use to steam dumplings without a steamer!

Method 1: Using a Pot with a Lid

If you don’t have a steamer, one of the simplest ways to steam dumplings is by using a pot with a lid. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Fill a large pot with an inch or two of water and place it on the stove over medium heat. Make sure the pot is large enough to accommodate the size of your steamer basket or plate.
2. While the water is heating up, you’ll need to find a heatproof plate or a heatproof bowl that fits inside the pot. Alternatively, you can use a metal colander or a heatproof dish with a lid.
3. If using a plate or bowl, lightly grease it to prevent the dumplings from sticking to the surface.
4. Arrange the dumplings on the greased plate or in the greased bowl, making sure they are not touching each other.
5. Once the water in the pot starts to simmer, carefully place the plate or bowl containing the dumplings on top of a steaming rack or an overturned heatproof dish inside the pot.
6. Cover the pot with a lid tightly to create a steaming environment, trapping the steam inside.
7. Steam the dumplings for about 10-15 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and the wrappers are translucent.
8. Using oven mitts or kitchen towels, carefully remove the plate or bowl from the pot.
9. Serve the steamed dumplings hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

This method mimics the steaming process by creating a sealed environment within the pot, allowing the dumplings to cook gently in the steam. It may take some practice to get the timing and heat just right, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempts are not perfect. With a little bit of patience and experimentation, you’ll be able to master the art of steaming dumplings using a pot with a lid.

Now that you know how to steam dumplings without a steamer using a pot with a lid, let’s move on to the next method!

Method 2: Using a Bamboo Steamer

A bamboo steamer is a traditional Asian cooking tool that is commonly used to steam dumplings and other foods. If you have a bamboo steamer, here’s how you can use it to steam dumplings:

1. Begin by bringing a pot of water to a simmer. Make sure the water level is not too high that it touches the steamer during the cooking process.
2. Take your bamboo steamer and line it with parchment paper or lettuce leaves to prevent the dumplings from sticking to the bamboo surface.
3. Place the assembled bamboo steamer on top of the pot, ensuring that it sits securely.
4. Arrange the dumplings inside the steamer, leaving some space between each dumpling to prevent them from sticking together.
5. Cover the bamboo steamer with its lid, making sure it fits tightly to trap the steam inside.
6. Allow the dumplings to steam for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and the wrappers are translucent.
7. Using oven mitts or kitchen towels to protect your hands, carefully remove the steamer from the pot.
8. Serve the steamed dumplings while they are still hot, along with your favorite dipping sauce.

Bamboo steamers are an excellent tool for steaming dumplings as they allow the steam to circulate evenly, resulting in tender and perfectly cooked dumplings. They also impart a subtle aroma to the dumplings, enhancing their overall flavor.

If you don’t have a bamboo steamer, you can often find them in stores or online. They are affordable, versatile, and a great addition to any kitchen. So, if you’re a fan of steamed dumplings and regularly make them at home, investing in a bamboo steamer is a worthwhile choice.

Now that you’ve learned how to steam dumplings without a steamer using a pot with a lid and a bamboo steamer, let’s move on to the next method!

Method 3: Using a Collapsible Steamer Basket

A collapsible steamer basket is a versatile and convenient tool that can be used to steam a variety of foods, including dumplings. If you have a collapsible steamer basket, here’s how you can use it to steam dumplings:

1. Start by filling a pot with about an inch or two of water and bring it to a simmer.
2. Place the collapsible steamer basket inside the pot, making sure it sits securely and does not touch the water.
3. Lightly grease the steamer basket to prevent the dumplings from sticking to the surface.
4. Arrange the dumplings inside the steamer basket, leaving some space between each dumpling to allow for even steam circulation.
5. Cover the pot with a lid, ensuring it fits tightly and traps the steam inside.
6. Steam the dumplings for around 15-20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and the wrappers are translucent.
7. Carefully remove the steamer basket from the pot using oven mitts or kitchen towels.
8. Serve the steamed dumplings hot, accompanied by your preferred dipping sauce.

Collapsible steamer baskets are lightweight, easy to store, and can be adjusted to fit different pot sizes, making them a practical choice for steaming dumplings. The perforated design of the steamer basket allows steam to circulate evenly, ensuring that the dumplings are cooked thoroughly.

If you don’t have a collapsible steamer basket, you can find them in most kitchen supply stores or online. They are affordable and a valuable addition to your cooking arsenal, allowing you to steam dumplings and various other dishes with ease.

Now that you’ve discovered how to steam dumplings without a steamer using a pot with a lid, a bamboo steamer, and a collapsible steamer basket, let’s move on to the next method!

You can steam dumplings without a steamer by using a metal colander or a heatproof plate placed over a pot of boiling water. Just make sure the dumplings are not touching the water.

Method 4: Using a Metal Strainer or Sieve

If you don’t have a traditional steamer, another option for steaming dumplings is to use a metal strainer or sieve. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Fill a pot with water, ensuring that the water level is below the bottom of the metal strainer or sieve when placed inside the pot.
2. Place the metal strainer or sieve in the pot, making sure it is secure and stable.
3. Lightly grease the surface of the strainer or sieve to prevent the dumplings from sticking.
4. Arrange the dumplings on the greased surface of the strainer or sieve, leaving some space between each dumpling.
5. Cover the pot with a lid, ensuring a tight seal to trap the steam inside.
6. Bring the water in the pot to a simmer, allowing the steam to cook the dumplings.
7. Steam the dumplings for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and the wrappers are translucent.
8. Using oven mitts or kitchen towels, carefully remove the metal strainer or sieve from the pot.
9. Serve the steamed dumplings hot, along with your favorite dipping sauce.

Using a metal strainer or sieve allows the steam to rise from the boiling water in the pot and cook the dumplings placed on top. The holes or perforations in the strainer or sieve ensure that the dumplings are exposed to the steam, resulting in a tender and flavorful outcome.

If you don’t have a metal strainer or sieve, you can try using a heatproof colander or a wire cooling rack as an alternative. Just make sure that whatever tool you choose is sturdy enough to handle the heat and securely fits inside the pot.

Now that you’ve learned how to steam dumplings without a steamer using a pot with a lid, a bamboo steamer, a collapsible steamer basket, and a metal strainer or sieve, let’s explore the final method!

Method 5: Using a DIY Steamer Setup

If you don’t have any of the aforementioned tools, don’t worry! You can still steam dumplings using a simple DIY steamer setup. Here’s how:

1. Begin by finding a large pot or deep skillet with a tight-fitting lid.
2. Place a heatproof dish or oven-safe bowl inside the pot, ensuring it is sturdy and sits securely.
3. Fill the pot with water, ensuring that the water level is below the bottom of the dish or bowl.
4. Lightly grease the surface of the dish or bowl to prevent the dumplings from sticking.
5. Arrange the dumplings on the greased surface of the dish or bowl, leaving enough space between each dumpling.
6. Cover the pot with the lid, creating a sealed environment that will trap the steam and cook the dumplings.
7. Bring the water to a simmer over medium heat, allowing the steam to cook the dumplings.
8. Steam the dumplings for about 15-20 minutes or until they are fully cooked and the wrappers are translucent.
9. Using oven mitts or kitchen towels, carefully remove the dish or bowl from the pot.
10. Serve the steamed dumplings hot, alongside your preferred dipping sauce.

This DIY steamer setup may not be as traditional as using a dedicated steaming tool, but it can still effectively cook the dumplings by utilizing the steam generated from the boiling water in the pot. The heatproof dish or bowl acts as a steaming surface, allowing the steam to cook the dumplings evenly.

If you’re feeling creative, you can also experiment with alternate DIY steamer setups, such as using a baking rack placed inside a pot or creating a steaming platform using heatproof mugs or ramekins. The key is to ensure that the setup is stable, safe, and allows for proper steam circulation.

Now that you’ve learned how to steam dumplings without a steamer using various DIY methods, you can enjoy the deliciousness of homemade steamed dumplings with ease!

Conclusion

Steaming dumplings without a steamer may seem challenging, but with a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can still achieve perfectly steamed dumplings in the comfort of your own kitchen. In this article, we explored five different methods to steam dumplings without the need for a traditional steamer.

We learned how to steam dumplings using a pot with a lid, creating a sealed environment that mimics the steaming process. We also discovered the convenience of using a bamboo steamer, which allows for even steam circulation and imparts a subtle aroma to the dumplings. Additionally, we explored the versatility of a collapsible steamer basket, which is a practical and adjustable tool for steaming dumplings.

For those without specific steaming equipment, we explored how to steam dumplings using a metal strainer or sieve, utilizing the steam from boiling water to cook the dumplings. And if all else fails, we discovered how to create a DIY steamer setup using everyday kitchen items like a pot, a dish, or a bowl, to achieve steamed dumplings with ingenuity.

By utilizing these alternative methods, you can enjoy the savory delights of steamed dumplings without having to invest in a dedicated steamer. Whether you’re a dumpling enthusiast or just looking to try your hand at making this delectable dish, these methods will come in handy.

So, the next time you’re craving steamed dumplings but don’t have a steamer, don’t worry. Give one of these methods a try and delight in the joy of homemade steamed dumplings. Experiment with different fillings, wrappers, and dipping sauces to customize your dumplings to your liking.

Remember, cooking is all about creativity and adaptation. Use these methods as a starting point and feel free to modify them to suit your specific needs and available kitchen tools. With a little practice and a dash of imagination, you’ll become a master of steaming dumplings without a steamer in no time.

Now, it’s time to gather your favorite ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and embark on a culinary adventure to create the perfect steamed dumplings, even without a steamer!