Place parchment paper in a bamboo steamer using clothespins.

        Bamboo steamers are culinary wonders, ideal for preparing delicious and healthy dishes that capture the essence of Asian cuisine. But to ensure smooth steaming, it is very important to know how to secure parchment paper inside a bamboo steamer; you don’t want it to curl during the steaming process, which could potentially cause food to move around or ruin the appearance of your food due to its sticky texture. Luckily, keeping parchment paper in place is as simple as attaching it to the sides of the basket with bamboo clips or clothespins, similar to holding it in place with magnets.
        After cutting a piece of parchment paper to fit the base of the bamboo steamer, gently press it into the inside of the bamboo steamer. Make sure the paper is pressed against the edges well enough to stay in place. For added security, secure it inside the steamer basket using bamboo paper clips or clothespins—just attach the clips to the overhanging edge of the parchment paper to ensure a secure fit.
        Although bamboo clips are a more traditional option for securing parchment paper to the edge of the basket, depending on the size of your bamboo steamer, you may need to use clothespins to effectively secure the parchment paper. Place them evenly along the edges of the basket to distribute tension evenly. Once the parchment paper is securely attached, you can safely steam your favorite dishes.
        While lining a bamboo steamer with parchment paper may require an extra step, it often enhances the visual appeal of dishes and makes them look more appealing when placed directly into the steamer. But parchment paper also has several important uses. Without parchment paper, delicate foods such as dumplings, fish, or your favorite dim sum dishes may stick to the surface of the bamboo steamer, making cleanup difficult. By placing paper under the food, carefully cooked food will be easily removed from the steamer, while maintaining the integrity and appearance of the dish. Plus, when you line your steamer with parchment paper, you don’t have to worry about scraping or pulling out stuck-on bits of food—simply removing the paper will solve most, if not all, of the mess.
        So the next time you prepare a steaming masterpiece, be sure to press the parchment paper down tightly and use a secure clip or clothespin to hold it in place. Your bamboo steamer will reward you with delicious steamed foods and easy cleaning.