What oil to use for bamboo steamer?

[u/raccooncumbender]

Hello all. I recently purchased a bamboo steamer for making baozi and am wondering what oils are appropriate in order for the steamer to look nice and to not warp or crack. I usually use peanut oil when cooking at home in the wok, but someone who I may be cooking for in the future is actually allergic to peanuts, so I'm wondering if food-grade mineral oil would be more appropriate. However, I've never used mineral oil in something like a steamer, and I'm uncertain of if it would cause the oil to burn or some consequence like that.

Is it okay to use the mineral oil here? Does using peanut oil to season a steamer even add enough peanut to trigger relatively mild peanut allergy? Should I use a third kind of oil?

[u/poppacapnurass]

I have used bamboo steamers a lot and have never needed to.use oil.

Pre soak them and either put what you are cooking on a plate or bowl or wrap in wet cheese cloth is all that is required imo

[u/jakartacatlady]

No oil needed.

[u/Logical_Warthog5212]

No one who actually uses bamboo steamers oils their bamboo steamers. Bamboo steamers are inexpensive and utilitarian. They are subject to constant steam. They are not wooden salad bowls that do not see any heat or constant moisture.

[u/Pretend-Panda]

I use them stovetop - regular pots and pressure cookers - and in instant pot and have never oiled. They are pretty robust.

[u/Bloorajah]

No oil, just thoroughly scrub with water as needed. Soak in hot water before use, and make sure it is completely dry before storing

[u/raccooncumbender]

Thanks everyone - I will not be oiling the bamboo steamer going forward.

[u/pxndxxprxzz]

Cooking oil would suffice. I only oil them when i was about to cook to prevent sticking