TM6/TM5 Varoma® Steaming Mesh Mat

Length – 25.5 cm 

Width – 21 cm 

Depth – 0.1 cm

High-quality, LFGB food-grade silicone and polyester

Before first use, hand-wash your silicone steaming mat in warm, mild, soapy water using a soft cloth, or place it in boiling water for 10 minutes. Always rinse after cooking to prevent food from drying in the mesh and lay it flat in the top rack of your dishwasher.

Avoid sharp utensils and harsh abrasive cleaners that can damage the mesh. If a deeper clean is needed to remove grease or food odours, generously sprinkle the perforated silicone mat with baking soda and place in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes (alternatively, soak or spray with a 1:1 vinegar–water solution), then give it a gentle rub with a soft sponge or brush and rinse.

Always allow your mat to air-dry thoroughly after cleaning to keep it free from odours and mildew, and store in a cool, dry place, laid flat or rolled loosely. Check them regularly and discard if the steamer mat is cut or damaged.

Heat-resistant up to 230 °C, the Varoma® silicone liners are designed for steam cooking only, not for oven use or cooking over direct heat.

What is the Varoma® Steaming Mesh Mat used for?

The Steaming Mesh Mat is a food-safe, perforated, non-stick surface for steam-cooking vegetables and proteins, pull-apart breads, dumplings, bao buns and rice paper rolls. It’s a zero-waste alternative to paper steamer liners that protects your Varoma from sticky residues left behind when cooking fish and chicken, so cleaning up’s a breeze.

Is the silicone mesh mat compatible with TM5, TM6 and TM7?

Yes. The silicone mesh mats are available in two sizes to fit the larger TM7 Varoma® and the TM6 and TM5 Varomas®.

How do you clean the Varoma steaming mesh mat?

After cooking, quickly rinse the silicone mat in warm water to prevent food from drying in the mesh and lay it flat in the top rack of your dishwasher. To remove tough grease or food odours, sprinkle with baking soda and soak in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes, or spray with a 1:1 vinegar–water solution and rub gently with a soft sponge or brush, then rinse thoroughly.

To keep your steaming mesh mat free from odours and mildew, air-dry thoroughly after cleaning and store flat or loosely rolled in a cool, dry place.

Before first use, or if you haven’t used your steaming mesh mat for a while, we recommend hand-washing with a soft cloth and warm, mild, soapy water, or placing it in boiling water for 10 minutes.

Can you use the mesh mat for steaming fish?

Both fish fillets and whole fish steam a treat on the mesh mat. If you’re a meatball lover, you’ll love how juicy, tender and mess-free the results are. Give these triple-tested Cookidoo favourites a whirl with your mesh mat:

Steamed red curry fish

Steamed fish fillets in a creamy leek sauce

Steamed white fish with tomato and Indian spices

Chicken meatballs in smoky tomato and eggplant sauce 
 
Meatballs in red pepper sauce

Jo Whitton's Wholesome meatball soup

Is the Varoma® Steaming Mesh Mat dishwasher safe?

Yes, the silicone mat will happily go in the top rack of your dishwasher for quick and easy cleaning.

What's the difference between the steaming tray and the mesh mat?

The Steaming Mesh Mat is a reusable, perforated silicone mat that replaces single-use paper liners and allows the steam to circulate freely when cooking dumplings, meatballs, rice paper rolls, fish, and chicken. Whereas the solid stainless steel Varoma® Steaming Tray contains liquids when steam-cooking proteins and vegetables, preventing sauces, marinades and liquids from dripping into the Thermomix® Bowl below.

What is the best fish to steam with the mesh mat?

Whole fish or skin-on fish fillets are best for steaming on the mesh mat. Firm fish such as salmon and red snapper work particularly well, cooking nice and tender without falling apart. Score the thicker parts of a whole fish for more even cooking.

How do you cook steamed dumplings with the mesh mat?

The simplest way to steam dumplings with consistent chef-level results is to search Cookidoo for triple-tested recipe inspo with guided cooking steps. Here’s one to get you started. The mesh mat is our go-to for steaming bao buns and bread rolls too.

If you’re a dim sum master with your own recipe collection, then give manual cooking mode a go. Slide the Steaming Mesh Mat into the base of your Varoma® dish or tray and arrange the dumplings on the mat, leaving a 2cm gap between each one, and set aside. Fill the Thermomix bowl with 250ml of water and use the built-in Kettle mode set to 100°C to bring it to a boil. Safely remove the measuring cup from the lid, insert the Varoma® into place, set the temperature to Varoma and the speed to 1 or 2 and steam your dumplings for 8 to 12 minutes.

Is cooking with silicone safe?

Our silicone steaming mesh mats are designed for steam cooking only, not for oven use or cooking over direct heat. They meet the highest European safety standards (LFGB approved). They’re naturally non-stick and heat-resistant to 230°C. And they’re non-porous, so they don’t harbour bacteria or stain easily. Check your mesh mats regularly and discard them if cut or damaged.