Steam Buns In A Rice Cooker: Is It Possible?

Steam buns are a popular food in many Asian cuisines, and they can be made at home using a rice cooker. This method is convenient, efficient, and yields the same tasty results as using a specialised steamer. The process involves preparing the steamer, making the dough, shaping the buns, placing them in the rice cooker, and finally, steaming them. The rice cooker's steam function is used to cook the buns, and the cooking time varies depending on the size and type of bun. This technique allows you to enjoy delicious, fluffy, and perfectly steamed buns in the comfort of your own kitchen.

How to steam frozen buns in a rice cooker

Step 1: Prepare your rice cooker

Firstly, pour water into the inner pot of your rice cooker. The amount of water you need to add depends on the manufacturer's instructions and the number of buns you plan to cook. A good rule of thumb is to use a measuring cup to add exactly 1 cup of water for every 6 buns. If you are using a larger rice cooker, you may need to add more water.

Step 2: Prepare your buns for steaming

Take your frozen buns out of the freezer and remove any packaging. You can steam frozen buns straight from the freezer without thawing them first. Depending on what's inside your buns, they will take between 15 and 30 minutes to cook.

Step 3: Place the buns in your steamer basket

Carefully place each bun into the steamer basket, ensuring they have space around them for the steam to circulate. Depending on the size of your rice cooker, you may not be able to steam all your buns at once. For example, a small rice cooker may only fit 5 buns comfortably. If this is the case, you will need to work in batches.

Step 4: Steam the buns

Close the lid of your rice cooker and turn it on. If your rice cooker has a steam setting, press this button. If not, simply press the regular cooking button. It should take a few minutes for the water to start boiling, and you will see steam coming from the vent in the lid.

Step 5: Check for doneness

The cooking time will depend on your rice cooker and the type of buns you are cooking. Check your buns are cooked through by inserting a wooden skewer or toothpick into the middle of one bun. If the toothpick comes out clean, your buns are ready to eat. If it has dough clinging to it, your buns need a little longer.

Tips

• Choose the right rice cooker for the job. A small appliance will do, but if you plan on making large quantities of buns, invest in a larger model.
• Read your cooker's instructions carefully before use and familiarize yourself with the controls.
• Make sure the lid is on tight and locked before starting to steam your buns.
• Check on your buns regularly to ensure they don't overcook or get soggy.
• Always allow your cooker to cool down completely after use before storing it away.

Alternative method

If you don't have a steamer basket, you can still make steamed buns in your rice cooker. You will need a heatproof bowl or plate that fits inside your rice cooker and some foil balls to elevate the dish off the bottom of the cooker. Place the foil balls in the water, then set the plate or bowl on top. This will keep your buns out of the water so they don't get soggy.

How to steam fresh buns in a rice cooker

Preparation

First, choose the right rice cooker for the number of buns you want to make. A small appliance will be fine for a few buns, but if you plan on making larger quantities, opt for a bigger model, such as the Zojirushi LGC5XB.

Before you begin, read your cooker's instructions carefully and familiarise yourself with the controls and settings. Make sure you know how to turn on the cooker and set the temperature.

Ingredients

When it comes to ingredients, the most important thing is to use high-quality rice flour and yeast. The other ingredients will vary depending on your recipe.

Water Amount

The key to successful steaming is adding the right amount of water to your rice cooker. If you add too much, your buns will be soggy, and if you add too little, they will be dry. The best way to achieve perfect results is to use a measuring cup to add exactly 1 cup of water for every 6 buns.

Lid Security

It is important to make sure the lid is on tight and locked before starting the cooking process. If the lid is not secured properly, steam can escape, and the buns will not cook evenly. Escaping steam can also cause the rice cooker to sputter and spit, which can be dangerous.

Cooking Time

The cooking time will depend on the size and type of bun being steamed. Smaller buns will take less time to cook, while larger buns will take longer. As a general guideline, it takes around 15-20 minutes to steam buns in a rice cooker.

Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you have chosen your cooker and gathered your ingredients, it's time to start cooking!

Step 1: Prepare your rice cooker

Pour about 2 cups of water into the inner pot of your rice cooker, or add the amount recommended by the manufacturer. Place the steamer basket on top and plug in your rice cooker.

Step 2: Prepare your buns for steaming

If you are using frozen buns, take them out of the freezer and remove the packaging. If you are making your own, prepare the dough and filling as directed. Then, divide the dough into portions and add a spoonful of filling to each. Be careful not to overfill your buns so you can seal them tightly.

Step 3: Place the buns in your steamer basket

Carefully place each bun into the steamer basket, making sure each bun has space around it for the steam to circulate. Depending on the size of your rice cooker, you may not be able to steam all of your buns at once. Work in batches if necessary.

Step 4: Steam the buns

Close the lid and turn on your rice cooker. Press the "steam" button, or if your rice cooker doesn't have this setting, press the regular cooking button. After a few minutes, you should hear the water start to boil and see steam coming from the vent in the lid.

Step 5: Check for doneness

The exact cooking time will depend on your rice cooker and your buns. Check for doneness with a wooden skewer or toothpick. Insert it into the middle of one bun, and if it comes out clean, your buns are ready. If the skewer has dough clinging to it, your buns need more time.

Let your buns sit for about five minutes in your rice cooker, then use tongs to remove them and place them on a plate. Add your favourite toppings or sauces, such as soy sauce, chilli flakes, or honey.

Tips

• Always allow your cooker to cool down completely before storing it away. This will prevent potential damage to the electrical components and stop residual moisture from causing mould or mildew to form inside the cooker.
• You can use a bamboo steamer basket to steam the buns in a pot of boiling water if you don't have a rice cooker.
• If you don't have a steamer basket, you can make a makeshift one by shaping foil into a few balls and placing them in the water. Then, set a plate or bowl on top. This will keep the buns out of the water so they don't get soggy.
• You can fill your buns with various ingredients, such as meats, vegetables, or sweet bean paste.

What type of rice cooker is best for steaming buns?

Yes, you can make steamed buns in a rice cooker. Rice cookers are excellent for making high-quality rice, but they can also be used to make other dishes such as steamed buns, dumplings, meat, veggies, and fruit.

When preparing to steam buns in your rice cooker, it is important to ensure that your rice cooker has a steam function. If your rice cooker does not have a designated steam setting, simply press the regular cooking button.

• Prepare your rice cooker by pouring about 2 cups of water into the inner pot or adding the amount recommended by the manufacturer.
• Prepare your buns for steaming. If using frozen buns, take them out of the freezer and remove the packaging. If making your own, prepare the dough and filling, then divide the dough into portions and add the filling.
• Place each bun carefully into the steamer basket, ensuring there is space around each bun for the steam to circulate.
• Close the lid and turn on the steam function. The steaming time will vary depending on the shape and size of your buns, typically ranging from 10 to 20 minutes.
• Check for doneness with a wooden skewer or toothpick. If it comes out clean, your buns are ready to be served!

It is worth noting that if your rice cooker did not come with a steamer basket, you can still make steamed buns. You will need a heatproof bowl or plate that fits inside your rice cooker, and a few balls of foil to elevate the dish off the bottom. Fill your rice cooker with water, place the foil balls in the water, and set the plate or bowl on top to keep the buns from getting soggy.

So, what type of rice cooker is best for steaming buns? Look for a rice cooker with a steam function, and ensure it has enough capacity to fit your desired number of buns. Additionally, a rice cooker with multiple layers can be useful for steaming different types of buns simultaneously.

How long does it take to steam buns in a rice cooker?

Steaming buns in a rice cooker is an easy and convenient method that yields delicious, fluffy results. The process is straightforward and only requires a few simple steps. Here is a comprehensive guide on how long it takes to steam buns in a rice cooker:

Preparing the Steamer:

First, you need to prepare the steamer basket or create a makeshift steamer using a heatproof bowl or plate that fits inside your rice cooker. If using a bowl or plate, you will also need a few foil balls or a heatproof stand to elevate it above the water. The water level should be about one inch deep or as recommended by the manufacturer, ensuring it doesn't touch the buns.

Preparing the Buns:

If using store-bought buns, follow the package instructions for defrosting or bringing them to room temperature. If making homemade buns, prepare the dough and filling, then shape and fill the buns. Place the buns on a parchment-lined tray or bamboo steamer, leaving space for expansion.

Placing the Buns in the Rice Cooker:

Carefully place the buns inside the steamer basket, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not touching. If using multiple layers, stack the trays with enough space for steam circulation. Put the steamer basket back into the rice cooker and close the lid securely.

Steaming the Buns:

Turn on your rice cooker and select the steam setting if available. If there is no dedicated steam setting, start the regular rice cooking mode. The steaming time will depend on the size and type of bun, the power of your rice cooker, and whether they are frozen or fresh. Frozen buns will take longer to cook, ranging from 15 to 30 minutes. Freshly made buns will steam for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Checking for Doneness:

After the recommended steaming time, carefully open the lid and use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check if the buns are cooked. If the skewer comes out clean, the buns are ready. If there is dough sticking to the skewer, the buns need more time to steam.

Serving the Steamed Buns:

Allow the steamed buns to cool slightly, then serve them warm with your favorite sauces or condiments. Enjoy the soft and fluffy texture of the buns with your chosen fillings!

What fillings can I use for steamed buns?

Steamed buns are a popular dish in East Asia, and there are endless options for fillings. Here are some ideas for both sweet and savoury fillings to get you started:

Sweet fillings:

• Custard: a creamy, pudding-like dessert made with milk, sugar, and eggs.
• Sweet red bean paste (Koshi An): a thick, smooth paste made from cooked adzuki red beans, sweetened with sugar.
• Crunchy peanut butter: a combination of creamy peanut butter and chopped nuts.
• Sweet white bean paste (Shiro An): a fudgy, sweet paste that is a popular ingredient in East Asian desserts.
• Coffee bean paste: a twist on sweet white bean paste with a coffee flavour.
• Black sesame paste: a nutty, sweet paste that is also a nutritious ingredient due to its high calcium and antioxidant content.
• Chocolate: options include Nutella, chocolate pastry cream, or white and dark chocolate custard.
• Mashed sweet potato (purple or orange): the thick, creamy texture of baked sweet potatoes makes a wonderful filling.
• Pumpkin spice bean paste: a combination of pumpkin puree, sweet white bean paste, and pumpkin spice.
• Lotus seed paste: a signature filling for mooncakes that also works for steamed buns.
• Pistachio cream: a decadent, nutty custard filling.
• Apple pie filling: diced Granny Smith apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon create a sweet and soft filling.

Savoury fillings:

• Hoisin pork and prawn patty: a simple filling with a rich, sticky sauce.
• Crispy ginger and soy chicken: a light and moist filling with a slight chew from the steaming process.
• Honey and soy duck or lamb: a simple sauce and glaze made with honey, soy sauce, crushed garlic, and chilli.
• Mushrooms: fried slices or chunks of mushrooms with garlic and a sauce of your choice.
• Braised pork belly: slow-cooked in cider or apple juice with ginger and chilli until melt-in-the-mouth tender.
• Mongolian beef: a great option for leftover beef, shredded and stirred into a sauce.
• Crispy chicken: chicken thighs coated in panko breadcrumbs and served with a Sriracha Mayo sauce.
• Aromatic duck: succulent duck breast with crispy, flavoursome skin, served with cucumber, spring onions, and hoisin sauce.
• BBQ tofu: firm tofu coated in a spiced dry rub and fried until crisp, served with tangy pickled vegetables.
• Pan-fried mushroom and chive: a fresh and healthy option with pak choi, spring onion, water chestnuts, and vegetarian stir fry sauce.

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but feel free to experiment and create your own unique fillings!

Frequently asked questions