Steam Cooking Buns: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Option

Steamed buns are a staple food worldwide, known as baozi in China, buuz in Mongolia, and siopao in the Philippines, to name a few. They are typically cooked using a bamboo steamer, which diffuses moisture into the bun, giving it a soft, airy texture. However, if you don't have a bamboo steamer, there are several alternative methods to achieve the same results. This includes using a stovetop pan, an oven, a microwave, a sieve, a colander, a rice cooker, or an instant pot. The key to successful steaming is ensuring the buns don't get soggy and that there is adequate steam circulation.

Using a bamboo steamer

Step 1: Prepare your wok or pan

Place your bamboo steamer into a wok or a wide-rimmed, shallow pan. Fill it with enough water to come up above the bottom rim of the steamer by about a quarter to half an inch. The water level should be high enough to submerge the bottom rim of the steamer, preventing it from scorching, but low enough so that the food doesn't get drenched. If your bamboo steamer is new, you can soak the bottom rim for 30 minutes to prevent scorching.

Step 2: Line the bamboo steamer

Bamboo steamers often have multiple levels, and you can use one, two, or all three levels at once, depending on how much food you're cooking. If you're placing food directly on the steamer, you'll need to line it with something to prevent sticking. You can use napa cabbage leaves, lettuce leaves, layers of cheesecloth, parchment paper, or reusable cloth or silicone liners. The liner should be porous to allow steam to circulate.

Step 3: Place the buns in the steamer

Place your buns in the steamer, leaving about one inch between them, as they will expand as they steam.

Step 4: Place the bamboo steamer in the wok/pan

You can either preheat the water so it's simmering when you place the steamer in, or place the steamer in when the water is still cold and then turn on the heat.

Step 5: Allow the buns to steam

Once the water is simmering, it will start to evaporate. Let the buns steam according to your recipe, but keep an eye on the water level and add boiling water as needed.

Step 6: Care for your bamboo steamer

After using your bamboo steamer, wash it with mild soap and warm water, then let it air dry for at least two days before storing to prevent mould. Do not put it in the dishwasher or soak it for more than five minutes. If you live in a dry area, you can occasionally brush the steamer with vegetable oil to prevent cracking.

Tips:

• If you're steaming frozen buns, there's no need to thaw them first.
• If you don't have a wok, you can use a large pot or pan.
• You can buy multiples of the same-sized bamboo steamer and stack them to cook more buns at once.
• Don't open the steamer to check on the buns, as the rush of cool air could make them collapse.
• If making fluffy yeasted buns, let them sit covered in the steamer for an extra five minutes after turning off the heat.

Using a metal steamer

First, line the metal steamer with greaseproof paper to protect it and your buns. Then, be careful not to overfill the steamer with water, as this can also lead to soggy buns. It is also important to ensure that your buns do not touch the sides of the steamer, as the sides can become quite wet. To prevent condensation from dripping onto your buns, cover the pan with a clean tea towel or kitchen cloth before placing the lid on top.

If you are using a stainless-steel steamer, you should tightly wrap the lid with a large piece of cheesecloth or a clean, dry kitchen towel. This will absorb any condensation and prevent water droplets from falling onto your buns.

When steaming buns, always bring the water in the pot to a rapid boil first. Carefully lower the steamer into the pot and then adjust the heat according to your recipe. Leave at least 1" of space between the buns to allow for expansion and prevent them from sticking together.

By following these steps, you can successfully use a metal steamer to cook soft and fluffy buns.

Cooking buns in the microwave

Preparing the Buns for Microwave Cooking

Place the desired number of frozen buns on a microwave-safe plate or container. If the buns are to be cooked from a frozen state, it is recommended to use a covered container. For one 100g bun, microwave on high for about 1 minute. For a larger 150g bun, microwave for approximately 2 minutes. Adjust the cooking time according to your microwave's settings and the desired doneness of the bun. The bun is cooked when the filling inside is steaming hot.

An Alternative Method

Another method for microwave cooking involves the use of a paper towel and a bowl. First, dampen a paper towel with water and wring out the excess. Wrap the bun in the damp paper towel and place it on a microwavable plate. Then, take a bowl and lightly wet the inside by running it under the tap before placing it over the wrapped bun. Microwave this setup for 1 minute at a time on a medium setting until the bun is cooked to your liking.

Tips and Variations

When cooking buns in the microwave, it is important to avoid overcooking, as this can result in dry and hard buns. Always be cautious when handling the cooked buns as they will be hot. Additionally, these buns are best enjoyed immediately, as their texture can start to harden over time.

For a different variation, you can create a Chinese bun mug cake by preparing the batter and cooking it in a mug in the microwave. This results in a thicker and denser bun that can be stuffed with your favorite fillings.

Recipe for Microwave Chinese Buns

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp condensed milk

Instructions:

• Using a small whisk, mix all the ingredients in a small bowl until the batter is smooth and thick.
• Line a small round plate with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the center and use a spatula to carefully smooth it out into a circle approximately 4 inches in diameter.
• Microwave for about 1 minute, depending on your microwave settings.
• Add your desired fillings and fold the round in half.

Enjoy your freshly cooked microwave buns!

Using a stovetop pan

Yes, you can steam buns using a stovetop pan. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, you will need a deep stovetop pan with a tight-fitting lid. Fill the pan with about an inch of water and place it on your stovetop. Turn on the heat and bring the water to a gentle boil or simmer.

Next, you will need a heatproof plate or a shallow dish that fits inside your pan. Place the plate or dish on top of the pan. Make sure there is some space between the water and the plate/dish.

Now it's time to arrange the buns. Place the buns on the plate/dish, leaving some space between them to allow for steam circulation. It is important not to overcrowd the buns, especially if they are yeasted, as they will expand during steaming.

Once the buns are arranged, cover the pan with the lid. This will trap the steam inside and ensure the buns cook evenly. Leave the buns to steam for the recommended time, which is usually around 15-20 minutes. You can also steam for 10 minutes on a high heat.

Finally, remove the lid and carefully take the buns out of the pan using tongs or oven mitts to avoid burning yourself. Insert a toothpick into the centre of one of the buns to check for doneness. If the toothpick comes out clean, your buns are ready to be served and enjoyed!

Some additional tips for steaming buns using a stovetop pan:

• If you are making a large batch of buns, you can use a deep hotel pan with a perforated pan insert and another hotel pan as a lid. Line the perforated pan with parchment paper or lettuce leaves to prevent sticking.
• Make sure the water in the pan does not touch the bottom of the plate/dish, as this could cause the buns to become soggy.
• You can also use a metal colander or sieve placed over a pot of boiling water as an alternative to a stovetop pan.

Using an oven

Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). This temperature will ensure that your buns cook evenly and thoroughly.

Prepare a baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the buns from sticking to the sheet and make cleanup easier.

Arrange the buns: Place the buns on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them. This spacing is important to allow for even cooking and to prevent the buns from sticking together.

Create steam: Boil some water and carefully pour it into a roasting pan or a heatproof dish. This will be the source of steam in your oven.

Place the roasting pan: Put the roasting pan or heatproof dish containing the boiled water on the bottom rack of the oven. This placement ensures that the steam rises and envelops the buns during the cooking process.

Add the buns: Place the baking sheet with the arranged buns on the middle rack of the oven. This position is ideal as it is not too close to the heating element, preventing the buns from burning or drying out.

Steam the buns: Close the oven door and let the buns steam for approximately 15-20 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on your oven and the type of buns you are cooking, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook.

Check for doneness: To ensure your buns are fully cooked, insert a toothpick into the center of one of them. If the toothpick comes out clean, without any raw dough sticking to it, your buns are ready!

Serve and enjoy: Remove the buns from the oven and serve them while they are still warm. You can enjoy them as a delicious snack or use them for sandwiches or sliders.

Frequently asked questions