How to prepare bamboo shoots
This recipe details preparing fresh bamboo shoots using either an Instant Pot or stovetop method. The shoots are peeled to remove tough outer sheaths and then simmered in rice water—a milky liquid made by rinsing rice thoroughly— which helps mellow bitterness. The Instant Pot version compresses cooking time to 45 minutes under high pressure, while the stovetop method requires 1.5 to 2 hours of boiling. The result is bamboo shoots softened and ready to incorporate into various dishes or enjoy as is.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces bamboo shoots Raw fresh, fresh
- 9 cups rice water Enough for covering the shoots, washed
Instructions
Instant pot method:
- Remove the darker color sheaths by using a knife to cut from top to bottom a few times, then cut the top diagonally and use hands to peel off the rest of the sheaths. Use a knife to cut the bottom. See details in the video.
- Next, wash the shoots and cut them into half if it is too long to fit into an instant pot pressure cooker.
- Put 3 cups of rice in a bowl and add 9 cups of water. Rub the rice until the water is milky. (Rice and water ratio 1:3)
- Drain the rice and just keep the washed rice water.
- The following, put washed and peeled bamboo shoots into an instant pot.
- After that, hold the bamboo shoots down while pouring washed rice water into instant pot until they are covered. Then, close the lid and vent. Push manual button, adjust time to 45 minutes at high pressure and natural release. Next, rinse them and ready to use or eat.
Top stove method:
- Remove the darker color sheaths by using a knife to cut from top to bottom a few times, then cut the top diagonally and use hands to peel off the rest of the sheaths. Use a knife to cut the bottom. See details in the video.
- Next, wash the shoots and cut them into half if it is too long to fit into a pot.
- Put 3 cups of rice in a bowl and add 9 cups of water. Rub the rice until the water is milky. (Rice and water ratio 1:3)
- Drain the rice and just keep the washed rice water.
- The following, put washed and peeled bamboo shoots into a pot.
- After that, hold the bamboo shoots down while pouring washed rice water into the pot until they are covered. Let it boil for 1.5- 2 hours with low-medium fire. Next, rinse them and ready to use or eat.
Notes
- Peel bamboo shoots thoroughly to remove dark outer layers before cooking.
- Use rice water for boiling to reduce bitterness and add subtle flavor.
- Instant Pot method takes about 45 minutes with natural pressure release.
- Stovetop method requires 1.5 to 2 hours of boiling for tenderness.
- Rinse bamboo shoots well after cooking to remove residual flavors and cool before use.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 10 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 29
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 29kcal | 1% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 11mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 121mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 20IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 12mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.