RCI-DS.004.0256.001
Steamed Pears
Sweet Asian pears are filled with honey and Chinese dates and gently steamed. If Asian pears are unavailable, Bartlett pears can be used instead. Chinese red dates are also known as jujubes (strictly speaking, they are not a date at all).
Prep5 min
Cook10 min
Total15 min
Servings4
Difficultybeginner
Ingredients
- 4 unit
- (just under 3 tablespoons)8 teaspoonshoney
- dried Chinese dates4 unitsoftened in cold water, slitted, and the pits removed
Method
1
Rinse the Asian pears under cold water and pat dry with a clean cloth. Cut each pear in half lengthwise, then use a small spoon or melon baller to scoop out the core and seeds, creating a shallow cavity at the center of each pear half.
2
Place the softened dried Chinese dates on a cutting board and carefully slit each one open, then remove and discard the pits.
3
Arrange the pear halves cut-side up in a steaming basket or on a heatproof plate that fits inside a steamer. Fill the cavity of each pear half with 1 teaspoon of honey.
4
Place one pitted dried date inside each pear cavity, nestling it on top of the honey.
5
Fill the bottom of a steamer pot or wok with water, ensuring the water level does not touch the steaming basket or plate. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
6
Carefully place the steaming basket or plate with the pears into the steamer and cover with the lid. Steam over medium heat for 15–20 minutes until the pears are tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape.
18 minutes
7
Remove the steaming basket or plate from the steamer using tongs or heat-proof gloves and transfer to a serving platter. Allow the pears to cool for 2–3 minutes before serving.
8
Serve the steamed pears warm, spooning any accumulated juices from the steaming plate over each pear half.