When you come across a recipe calling for “perforated paper liner”, there’s no need to rush out to the stores. It’s so easy to make your own to fit any size steamer!

What is a perforated paper liner?

A perforated paper liners is just baking paper / parchment paper with holes in it. It’s used to line the base of steamers to stop food from sticking to the base whilst still allowing steam to rise from the simmering water underneath to cook the food.

Here’s how to make your own!.

How to make perforated paper liner for steamers

Get a piece of parchment / baking paper and fold in half; Fold into quarters; Then continue folding twice more until you have a fairly thin triangle, like depicted; Hold over the cooking vessel with pointy end lined up in the middle; Snip the end off – this will make it round and fit the steamer; Cut little triangles along the edge about 2.5cm/1″ apart – these will be the holes; Do this all down the folded edge, and snip the pointy end off; Unfold and place in bamboo steamer!

It’s depicted using a bamboo steamer, but this same method works for any round cooking vessel – like a pot with a steamer fitted inside, or even a microwave steamer.

When to use perforated paper liners

I use perforated paper liners to line steamers – bamboo steamers and pots with steamers fitted – when steaming things that might stick to the base. Dumplings, like Siu Mai, and Steamed Chinese Pork Buns.

I don’t use a steamer liner when steaming things like vegetables as it’s not necessary as they don’t stick.

So now that you know how easy it is to make your own steamer liners, go forth and steam away! – Nagi x

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