A bamboo steamer is essential for making steamed Chinese dumplings, Mexican filled tamales, or for simply steaming vegetables to help retain their crunch and texture. You can also wrap rice in a lotus leaf and steam to infuse it with a subtle tea-like flavour. Simply lay your food inside the steamer and replace the lid, then stand the bamboo steamer in an inch of water in a saucepan or deep skillet pan. Heat the pan of water (and steamer) on the hob and follow your recipe for the steaming time. This steamer has 2 tiers. Read how to make steamed Mexican tamales here, or see the recipe for steamed rice in lotus leaves here.