10 Delicious Steamed Desserts You Need to Try

Introduction

Steamed desserts are a delightful and often overlooked category of sweets that showcase the versatility of cooking techniques. Steaming, a method that involves cooking food with steam heat, has been embraced in various cultures around the globe, producing a wide array of unique and delicious treats. From the fragrant mango sticky rice of Thailand to the silky Chinese egg custard, these desserts offer a different texture and flavor profile that are both light and indulgent.

Not only do steamed desserts provide a unique culinary experience, but they also come with health benefits compared to their baked counterparts. Steaming preserves nutrients better, reduces the need for excessive fats, and often results in lighter desserts that don’t compromise on flavor.

In this article, we will explore 10 delectable steamed desserts that you absolutely need to try. Prepare to be inspired by these delightful treats that will elevate your dessert game!

Section 1: The Basics of Steaming Desserts

Steaming desserts is an art that requires understanding the basics of the steaming process. The key to perfect steamed desserts lies in controlling the steam and ensuring even cooking.

Explanation of the Steaming Process

Steaming involves cooking food using the steam generated from boiling water. This method of cooking not only retains the moisture in the food but also enhances flavors without drying them out. When it comes to desserts, steaming allows for a softer texture and a denser consistency, which many people find appealing.

Equipment Needed

• Steamer: Bamboo steamers or metal steamers work well.
• Pot: A large pot to hold the steamer, allowing space for steam to circulate.
• Liner: Parchment paper or cheesecloth to prevent sticking.
• Timer: To ensure precise cooking times.

Tips for Successful Steaming

• Temperature: Maintain a steady simmer, but avoid boiling water that creates too much steam.
• Timing: Each dessert has a specific cooking time; be sure to follow the recipe closely.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Allow space between items in the steamer for proper steam circulation.

Section 2: Top 10 Steamed Desserts

Dessert 1: Mango Sticky Rice

Mango sticky rice is a popular Thai dessert crafted from glutinous rice served with sweet coconut milk and ripe mango. It’s a delightful combination of flavors and is often enjoyed during the mango season.

Ingredients

• 1 cup glutinous rice
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 ripe mangoes, sliced

Preparation Steps

1. Soak the glutinous rice for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and steam the rice for about 30 minutes.
3. In a saucepan, heat coconut milk, sugar, and salt until dissolved.
4. Once the rice is cooked, mix it with half of the coconut milk mixture.
5. Serve the sticky rice topped with sliced mango and drizzled with the remaining coconut milk.

Dessert 2: Chinese Egg Custard

This silky smooth custard is a staple in Chinese dim sum, characterized by its creamy texture and subtle sweetness.

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cups milk

Preparation Steps

1. Beat the eggs in a bowl and whisk in milk and sugar until well combined.
2. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a heatproof bowl.
3. Cover the bowl with aluminum foil and steam for about 20 minutes.
4. Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
5. Let cool slightly before serving.

Dessert 3: Steamed Chocolate Pudding

This rich and decadent chocolate pudding is a favorite among chocolate lovers, offering a moist texture that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Preparation Steps

1. In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and baking powder.
2. Stir in melted butter and milk until well combined.
3. Pour the batter into a greased pudding basin and cover with foil.
4. Steam for approximately 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Serve warm with chocolate sauce or whipped cream.

Dessert 4: Coconut Cake

This dreamy coconut cake is moist and fluffy, infused with coconut flavor, making it a perfect treat for coconut lovers.

Ingredients

• 1 cup grated coconut
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Preparation Steps

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
2. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan lined with parchment paper.
3. Steam for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Let cool before removing from the pan; serve with fresh coconut on top.

Dessert 5: Filipino Leche Flan

Leche flan is a traditional Filipino dessert known for its creamy texture and caramel topping, perfect for any special occasion.

Ingredients

• 10 egg yolks
• 1 can condensed milk
• 1 can evaporated milk
• 1 cup sugar (for caramel)

Preparation Steps

1. In a saucepan, melt sugar over low heat until it turns golden brown; pour into a flan mold.
2. Blend egg yolks, condensed milk, and evaporated milk until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture into the caramel-lined mold.
4. Cover with aluminum foil and steam for about 30-40 minutes or until set.
5. Cool, then invert onto a plate to serve.

Dessert 6: Japanese Daifuku Mochi

Daifuku mochi is a traditional Japanese rice cake filled with sweet red bean paste or fresh fruit, offering a delightful chewy texture.

Ingredients

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup water
• Red bean paste or fruit for filling

Preparation Steps

1. Mix glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water in a bowl until smooth.
2. Steam the mixture for about 20 minutes until it becomes sticky.
3. Dust your hands with cornstarch; take a small portion of mochi and flatten it.
4. Place a spoonful of filling in the center and fold the mochi over it; seal well.
5. Serve dusted with more cornstarch to prevent sticking.

Dessert 7: Indian Idli with Sweet Coconut Filling

Idli, typically a savory dish, can be transformed into a sweet delight with a coconut filling, making it an excellent dessert option.

Ingredients

• 1 cup idli batter (fermented rice and urad dal mixture)
• 1/2 cup grated coconut
• 1/4 cup jaggery (or sugar)

Preparation Steps

1. Mix grated coconut and jaggery in a bowl; set aside.
2. Pour a small amount of idli batter into the greased idli mold.
3. Add a spoonful of the coconut mixture on top, then cover with more batter.
4. Steam for about 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
5. Serve warm, garnished with grated coconut.

Dessert 8: Thai Coconut Sticky Rice with Banana

This delightful Thai dessert combines the sweetness of bananas with aromatic coconut sticky rice, creating a comforting treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup glutinous rice
• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1/4 cup sugar

Preparation Steps

1. Soak the glutinous rice for several hours or overnight, then steam it for about 30 minutes.
2. In a saucepan, heat coconut milk with sugar until dissolved.
3. Slice bananas and layer them in a serving dish.
4. Pour the steamed sticky rice over the bananas and drizzle with sweetened coconut milk.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Dessert 9: Steamed Ginger Cake

Steamed ginger cake is a spicy, aromatic dessert that captures the warmth of ginger, often enjoyed with a cup of tea.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup grated fresh ginger
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Preparation Steps

1. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, ginger, and baking soda.
2. Add water gradually until a smooth batter forms.
3. Pour the mixture into a greased cake pan and cover with foil.
4. Steam for about 40-50 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream.

Dessert 10: Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

This classic dessert gets a unique twist when made with steaming, yielding a moist cake with caramelized pineapple slices on top.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 can pineapple slices
• 1 1/2 cups cake flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk

Preparation Steps

1. In a pan, melt butter and add brown sugar; stir until dissolved.
2. Arrange pineapple slices in the melted sugar mixture in a cake pan.
3. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, eggs, and milk until smooth.
4. Pour batter over the pineapple slices.
5. Cover with foil and steam for about 60 minutes; let cool before inverting to serve.

Section 3: Comparison Table of Steamed Desserts

Dessert Name	Main Ingredients	Cooking Time	Serving Suggestions
Mango Sticky Rice	Mango, Glutinous Rice, Coconut Milk	30 mins	Chilled, topped with sesame seeds
Chinese Egg Custard	Eggs, Sugar, Milk	20 mins	Served warm, with a drizzle of caramel
Steamed Chocolate Pudding	Flour, Cocoa Powder, Sugar	45 mins	With chocolate sauce or whipped cream
Coconut Cake	Grated Coconut, Sugar, Flour	30 mins	Garnished with fresh coconut
Filipino Leche Flan	Egg Yolks, Condensed Milk	30-40 mins	Chilled, inverted on a plate
Japanese Daifuku Mochi	Glutinous Rice Flour, Red Bean Paste	20 mins	Dust with cornstarch
Indian Idli with Sweet Coconut Filling	Idli Batter, Coconut, Jaggery	15-20 mins	Warm, garnished with grated coconut
Thai Coconut Sticky Rice with Banana	Glutinous Rice, Bananas, Coconut Milk	30 mins	Warm or at room temperature
Steamed Ginger Cake	All-Purpose Flour, Brown Sugar, Ginger	40-50 mins	Warm, with whipped cream
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake	Brown Sugar, Butter, Tags: Steaming You Might Also Like How to Make a Classic Fruitcake: Tips and Variations 2024-11-18 Flavorful Poaching Broths: Enhance Your Dishes 2024-12-01 The Best Frying Methods for Vegetables 2024-11-25