Okay so last Sunday, I really wanted some shrimp dumplings but guess what? My bamboo steamer broke last month! Felt lazy to buy a new one and takeout costs too much. Then I remembered that microwave hack floating around, the one where you steam without a steamer. Decided to test it myself.
What I Actually Grabbed
First, pulled out that half-empty frozen dim sum pack from my freezer – the kind with shrimp dumplings and pork buns mixed together. Found a microwave-safe plate. Also grabbed a big bowl that fit over the plate. Oh, and checked tap water quality – it looked clear so just used that.
The Setup Mess
Put maybe half inch of water in the bowl – splashed some on the counter while pouring, classic. Then placed the plate directly on top of the bowl rim so it sat like a lid. Tried balancing the frozen dumplings on the plate while avoiding water dripping up. Dropped one pork bun into the water. Fished it out with a fork and put it back on the plate wet.
The Microwave Drama
Set microwave to high power, slammed the door, punched 3 minutes. When steam started puffing under the plate at minute two, I panicked thinking water would boil over. Yanked open the microwave, burned my finger on the plate rim. Lowered power to 70%, added another minute. Plate was swimming in condensation when it finally stopped.
The Ugly Truth
Tried poking the biggest dumpling with chopsticks – dough stuck to them instead of springing back. Sauce tasted watered down from all the condensation dripping on them. The siumai sat in a puddle looking like sad, wrinkled skin. Worse part? Some spots stayed frozen inside while others turned rubbery. Took me five extra minutes to rearrange everything and nuke again.
Would I Do This Again?
Honestly? Only if I’m truly desperate. Better options I’ll try next time:
- Buying cheap steam basket from dollar store
- Using colander over boiling pot
- Just getting takeout when lazy
Good for emergency cravings maybe, but not replacing real steaming. Felt like cheating and dinner still sucked.