Steaming Chicken Buns: Rice Cooker Timing Tips

Chicken buns are a delicious treat, and steaming them in a rice cooker is an excellent way to achieve soft and fluffy results. The rice cooker's steam function is perfect for cooking the dough, and with just a few simple steps, you can create restaurant-quality steamed buns. The process begins with preparing the steamer and the chicken buns, ensuring they are spaced out for even cooking. The rice cooker is then filled with water, and the buns are placed inside on a steaming basket or tray. Closing the lid and activating the steam function will cook the buns in around 10-20 minutes, depending on their size and thickness. Checking for doneness with a toothpick or skewer is crucial to ensure perfectly cooked buns. Once done, the buns can be enjoyed as a snack or meal, paired with various fillings and sauces.

How to prepare your steamer

Preparing your steamer is a crucial step in ensuring your chicken buns turn out perfectly. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare your steamer for optimal results:

Choosing the Right Steamer

The type of steamer you use can significantly impact the final outcome of your chicken buns. While metal steamers are commonly used, a bamboo steamer is highly recommended for preparing buns, dumplings, or any steamed pastry. Bamboo is a classic and affordable option that absorbs condensation, preventing your chicken buns from becoming soggy due to dripping water. Therefore, investing in a bamboo steamer specifically for preparing steamed buns is a wise choice.

Setting Up Your Steamer

Once you've chosen the right steamer, it's time to set it up correctly. If you're using a bamboo steamer, add about 1 inch to 1 1/2 inches of water to a 14-inch wok or a large pot or pan. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Then, carefully place the covered bamboo steamer with the chicken buns inside over the boiling water. Ensure that the bottom rim of the steamer is submerged in the water at all times to prevent charring. The floor of the steamer should not touch the water, as this will result in drenched buns.

If you're using a metal steamer, it's important to prevent condensation from dripping onto your buns. To achieve this, cover the lid of the steamer with a kitchen towel or a large piece of cheesecloth or a clean, dry kitchen towel. Secure the ends tightly around the lid's handle to absorb condensation and protect your buns from water droplets.

Lining Your Steamer

Lining your steamer correctly is essential to ensure even steam circulation and prevent your chicken buns from sticking. The quickest and most convenient way is to use a single round piece of perforated parchment paper that fits snugly into your steamer basket. The holes in the parchment paper allow steam to circulate while preventing the buns from sticking to the bamboo. If you don't have perforated parchment paper, you can use parchment paper squares for each bun.

Alternatively, you can get creative and use lettuce leaves by cracking their spines so they lie flat, or you can make your own perforated parchment. To do this, take a large sheet of parchment paper, cut out rounds that fit your steamer, and then fold and unfold it before making small incisions on the sides with scissors to create a paper snowflake pattern.

Water Level and Temperature

When preparing your steamer, it's crucial to maintain the appropriate water level and monitor the steam temperature. For a bamboo steamer, ensure the bottom rim is always submerged, and for metal steamers, keep a kettle of boiling water on the side to replenish the water as needed. Before placing the steamer basket with the chicken buns inside, bring the water to a gentle boil. This will ensure that your buns cook evenly and don't become soggy.

Spacing and Timing

When arranging your chicken buns in the steamer, leave at least 1 inch of space between them. Yeasted buns will expand as they steam, and overcrowding will cause them to stick together. Follow the recommended steaming time for your specific bun recipe, typically around 10-15 minutes for fully cooked buns. During the steaming process, resist the urge to open the steamer and check on the buns, as a rush of cool air could cause them to collapse.

By following these detailed steps on how to prepare your steamer, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious and fluffy chicken buns that will impress your family and friends.

How to prepare your chicken buns

How to Prepare Chicken Buns Using a Rice Cooker

Ingredients

• Chicken
• Seasonings and spices of your choice
• Filling ingredients (optional): vegetables, meat, or sweet fillings
• Dough for buns

Equipment

• Rice cooker
• Steaming basket or tray
• Knife
• Meat thermometer

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cleaning and preparing your chicken. If you're using chicken pieces, bone-in meat will add more flavour. If you're using a whole chicken, remove the giblets and excess fat.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Add your chosen spices and herbs to the chicken. You can use a mix of garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, or any other seasonings you prefer. Massage the spices into the chicken to ensure the flavours are well distributed.

Step 3: Place the Chicken in the Rice Cooker

Place the seasoned chicken into the rice cooker basket or directly into the cooker pot. Add water to the rice cooker to create steam. Use around 1 cup of water per 2 pounds of chicken as a rule of thumb.

Step 4: Steam the Chicken

Close the lid of the rice cooker and set it to steam. The cooking time will vary based on the size and cut of your chicken. For chicken pieces, steam for 20-30 minutes. For a whole chicken, cook for 60-90 minutes.

Step 5: Check the Chicken is Cooked

Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the rice cooker. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Step 6: Prepare the Chicken Filling (optional)

If you wish to add a chicken filling to your buns, shred or slice the cooked chicken. You can also add other ingredients to your filling, such as vegetables or meat.

Step 7: Prepare the Bun Dough

Follow your chosen recipe to make the dough for your buns. Once the dough has risen, divide it into portions depending on your desired bun size. Flatten each portion and add your chosen filling (if using). Seal the filling inside by pleating and shaping the edges of the dough.

Step 8: Steam the Buns

Place the buns into the steaming basket of your rice cooker. Ensure the water level is below the steaming basket. Close the lid and select the steam setting. Steam for 10-20 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of your buns.

Step 9: Check the Buns are Cooked

Use a toothpick or skewer to check if your buns are cooked. Insert it into the centre of a bun, and if it comes out clean, they are ready to serve.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your chicken buns while they are still warm and fresh from the steamer. Enjoy the soft and fluffy texture of the buns with your chosen filling!

How to place the buns in the rice cooker

Placing the buns in the rice cooker is a crucial step in achieving perfectly steamed chicken buns. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

For Beginners:

If you are using frozen buns, it is best to allow them to thaw partially at room temperature before placing them in the rice cooker. This ensures more even cooking.

Before placing the buns in the cooker, consider lining the steamer basket or tray with parchment paper or cabbage leaves. This prevents the buns from sticking to the surface and makes cleanup easier.

Setting Up Your Rice Cooker:

When it comes to adding water to the rice cooker, make sure the water level is below the steamer basket. The water should not touch the buns directly, as too much water can lead to soggy results.

Place the steamer basket inside the rice cooker. If your rice cooker has multiple layers, stack them according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Cooking Time:

Close the lid of the rice cooker and turn it on to the steam setting. The cooking time will vary depending on the type and size of the buns. As a general guideline, aim for around 10-15 minutes for fully cooked buns.

Checking for Doneness:

To check if your buns are ready, insert a toothpick or a fork into the center of one of the buns. If it comes out clean without any dough sticking to it, your buns are done.

Intermediate Cooks and Beyond:

For those with more experience, you can elevate your buns by infusing them with aromatics. Place a small bowl of water with ingredients like ginger, garlic, or essential oils in the rice cooker while steaming to add subtle flavors to the buns.

You can also experiment with different fillings and shapes. Try sweet fillings like red bean paste or custard, or savory options like minced meat or vegetables. Play around with shaping the buns into twists, knots, or animal designs for a fun presentation.

Additionally, brushing the buns with a mixture of honey or sugar water before steaming can add a touch of sweetness and a shiny finish to your chicken buns.

How long to steam the buns for

The cooking time for chicken buns in a rice cooker will depend on the size and number of buns you are cooking. For example, smaller buns will take less time to cook than larger buns, and you may need to adjust the timing depending on whether you are cooking in batches.

As a general rule, it takes around 10-20 minutes to steam chicken buns thoroughly in a rice cooker. However, it is important to note that the timing may vary depending on the type of bun, the power of your rice cooker, and your desired level of doneness.

• The texture of the buns should be soft, fluffy, and inviting.
• Using a toothpick or skewer, insert it into the center of one of the buns. If it comes out clean without any dough sticking to it, the buns are fully cooked.
• The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

It is always a good idea to refer to your rice cooker's user manual for specific instructions and guidelines on steaming. Additionally, if you are cooking frozen chicken buns, you will need to increase the steaming time, allowing for a total cooking time of around 20 minutes.

How to check if the buns are cooked

Checking if your chicken buns are cooked is a crucial step to ensuring they are cooked to perfection. Here are some ways to check:

For Beginners:

• Use a toothpick or fork to pierce the centre of a bun. If it comes out clean without any dough sticking to it, your buns are ready.
• Check if the buns have visibly expanded in size after steaming. This indicates that the dough has cooked through.
• Press lightly on a bun to ensure it feels soft and springy, indicating it is fully cooked.

For Intermediate Cooks:

• Insert a toothpick into the centre of a bun. If it comes out clean, without any dough residue, the buns are fully cooked.
• Check for a slight golden brown colour on the surface of the buns.
• Observe the steam release from the steamer. Reduced steam or no condensation on the lid indicates that the buns are ready.

General Tips:

• Cooking times may vary depending on the size and type of bun, as well as the power of your rice cooker.
• Avoid opening the lid unnecessarily as this can cause the steam to escape and result in undercooked buns.
• It is a good practice to check the instructions of your rice cooker model for appropriate timings and settings.
• Once the buns are cooked, allow them to cool slightly before serving to prevent burning from the trapped hot steam inside.

Frequently asked questions