Steamed Dishes to Beat the Summer Heat

Steaming isn’t just for dumplings! These light, nutrient-packed dishes—inspired by Chinese culinary wisdom—are perfect for hot summer days. No oven, minimal oil, and maximum flavor. Let’s fire up the steamer!

1. Garlic Tofu Tower (蒜蓉豆腐)

Why It’s Genius: Silken tofu soaks up aromatic garlic sauce like a sponge.

Steps:

Cut 1 block soft tofu into cubes. Arrange on a plate.

Sauce: Sauté 3 tbsp minced garlic + 1 chopped chili in hot oil. Mix with 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp sugar.

Smother tofu with sauce. Steam 10 mins.

Top with sizzled scallions.

Pro Tip: Swap tofu for eggplant or mushrooms.

2. Sweet Corn & Pork Cups (玉米肉饼蒸蛋) 🌽

Kid-Approved Comfort:

Ingredients:

1 lb ground pork

½ cup grated carrot

½ cup corn kernels

2 eggs

Steps:

Mix pork + 1 tsp salt + 1 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tsp sugar + 2 tbsp cornstarch.

Press into a greased dish. Create wells for eggs.

Steam 20 mins. Garnish with cilantro.

Serve with: Chili crisp for adults!

3. Cabbage Rolls (白菜酿肉) 🥬

Low-Carb Delight:

Hack:

Blanch cabbage leaves 1 min to soften.

Fill with pork + shrimp paste (1:1 ratio, seasoned with ginger + white pepper).

Steam 8 mins.

Thicken steaming juices with cornstarch + soy for glaze.

4. Stuffed Tomato Surprise (西红柿蒸肉) 🍅

Retro Chic, Modern Twist:

Steps:

Hollow out beefsteak tomatoes.

Stuff with mix: ½ lb ground chicken + 1 egg + 2 tbsp breadcrumbs + 1 tsp five-spice.

Steam 15 mins.

Reduce tomato pulp + 1 cup broth into sauce. Drizzle over.

Vegetarian? Use quinoa + mushrooms.

5. Egg & Veggie Terrine (富贵花开) 🥚

Brunch Showstopper:

Ingredients:

4 eggs

½ cup steamed broccoli + carrots

1 tsp sesame oil

Steps:

Whisk eggs + ¼ cup broth + 1 tsp salt.

Layer veggies in greased mold. Pour egg mix.

Steam 15 mins. Slice, dip in soy-vinegar sauce.

6. Shrimp & Egg Tofu (虾仁蒸豆腐) 🦐

Cantonese Elegance:

Pro Moves:

Score shrimp backs for curl. Marinate in ½ tsp sugar + 1 tbsp rice wine.

Layer silken tofu + shrimp. Pour whisked eggs (1:1 water ratio).

Steam 5 mins. Finish with scallion oil.

7. Winter Melon & Shrimp Rolls (冬瓜虾卷) 🍈

Light & Luxe:

Steps:

Thinly slice winter melon. Salt to soften.

Blend shrimp + 1 egg white + 1 tsp cornstarch into paste.

Roll melon around shrimp paste. Steam 6 mins.

Drizzle with ponzu sauce.

8. Eggplant "Omelette" (香煎茄子蛋) 🍆

Veggie-Packed Breakfast:

Hack:

Steam eggplant 5 mins. Mash with 2 garlic cloves.

Mix with 4 beaten eggs + 1 tbsp soy sauce.

Pan-fry into a golden "cake."

Top with: Sriracha mayo.

9. Garlic Ribs over Mushrooms (蒜蓉蒸排骨) 🍖

Weeknight Hero:

Marinade:

1 lb ribs + 2 tbsp minced garlic + 1 tbsp soy + 1 tsp sugar + 1 tbsp cornstarch.

Steps:

Marinate 30 mins.

Layer over enoki mushrooms. Steam 20 mins.

Bonus: Save juices for fried rice!

10. Luffa with Glass Noodles (蒜蓉丝瓜粉丝) 🥒 THE MILLION-DOLLAR DISH

Why It’s Priceless: Silky luffa + chewy noodles = texture heaven.

Steps:

Cut luffa into batons. Soak glass noodles.

Sauce: Sizzle 3 tbsp garlic + 1 chili in oil. Mix with 2 tbsp soy + 1 tbsp oyster sauce.

Layer luffa + noodles. Smother with sauce. Steam 8 mins.

Finish with: Toasted sesame seeds.

Why Steaming Rules Summer

Nutrient Retention: No boiling away vitamins!

Cool Kitchen: Skip the oven’s heat.

Meal Prep Friendly: Steam batches for quick lunches.

Diet-Friendly: Low-cal, gluten-free adaptable.

Pro Tips:

Line Steamer: Use parchment or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking.

Layer Flavors: Add lemongrass or star anise to steaming water.

Sauce It Up: Serve with chili oil, black vinegar, or peanut dip.

Final Bite: Which dish will you steam first?