Steaming Soft, Chewy Biscuits: A Unique Cooking Method

Steam cooking is a great way to prepare biscuits. It's a simple, quick, and easy method that yields fluffy, tender, and buttery biscuits. The key to successful steam cooking is to ensure that the ingredients are cold, especially the butter and buttermilk, as this will create a tender and flaky biscuit. Additionally, using a steamer basket or bamboo steamer lined with parchment paper is essential to allow the steam to circulate and cook the biscuits evenly. By following these tips, you can create delicious steamed biscuits with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a cute appetizer.

Biscuit dough preparation

To make biscuit dough from scratch, you'll need a few simple ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, butter or shortening, and milk. You can also add an egg, sugar, and vanilla extract for flavour.

First, mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Then, cut in the shortening or butter, and add the milk. Mix until the dough is soft and doesn't stick to the bowl. You can also use a food mixer or electric hand mixer for this step.

Next, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it briefly. You can also chill the dough for an hour at this point to make it easier to handle. Then, roll the dough into an even sheet about 0.5cm or 1/2-inch thick.

Now you're ready to cut out your biscuits! Use a lightly floured biscuit cutter or glass to cut out uniform circles, and place them on a baking sheet or in a steamer basket, depending on your cooking method. If you're baking them, they'll take about 8-12 minutes in the oven at 170-180°C (150-160°C for a fan oven).

For a twist on the traditional biscuit, try steaming your dough. Line your steamer basket with parchment paper, and cut slits to allow the steam to escape. Gently roll out the biscuits and add your chosen filling, then fold them over. Place them in the steamer basket, making sure they're spaced evenly, and steam for 5-10 minutes until they're cooked through and puffed.

Steamer setup

There are several ways to set up a steamer for cooking biscuits. Here are three common methods:

You can use a pot with a lid and a heat-proof dish for steaming biscuits. Fill the pot with about 2 inches of water, ensuring the water level is not too close to the steaming rack. Place a metal steam rack or a clean, empty metal can in the centre of the pot to act as a steaming rack. You can use a heat-proof bowl or plate to hold the biscuits, ensuring it has a rim to collect any juices. Cover the pot with a lid and bring the water to a simmer. This method is suitable for reheating biscuits or steaming a small batch.

A stainless steel steamer is a user-friendly option that allows you to steam multiple biscuits at once. Place a few inches of water in the bottom of the steamer, and you can either place the biscuits directly on the tiers or use heat-proof dishes. To prevent condensation from dripping onto the biscuits, tie a thin kitchen towel around the lid. This setup is ideal for making large batches of biscuits.

A bamboo steamer is another option for cooking biscuits. Place the bamboo steamer in a wok with enough water to reach about halfway up the bottom rim of the steamer. You can place shallow heat-proof dishes inside the steamer or line the racks with cabbage leaves, cheesecloth, or paper steamer liners before placing the biscuits. Cover the bamboo steamer with its lid, and there is no need for any additional cover. Keep an eye on the water level and add boiling water as needed to maintain the water level.

Tips for Steaming Biscuits:

• Ensure there is enough space between the water and the steamer basket or rack.
• Use an oven mitt when removing the lid to avoid steam burns.
• Avoid opening the lid frequently to prevent steam escape and ensure proper cooking.
• For even cooking, cut your biscuits into evenly sized pieces.

Filling options

There are many different options for fillings to put inside biscuits cooked with steam.

One option is to make a breakfast sandwich with sausage patties and cheddar cheese. You could also include an egg in there. Another savoury option is to fill the biscuits with BBQ pulled pork and add hoisin sauce or Sriracha to spice it up.

If you want to go for an Asian-inspired option, you could fill the biscuits with shredded rotisserie chicken, Asian chilli paste, rice vinegar, brown sugar, carrots, green onions, and fresh cilantro leaves. Alternatively, you could go for glazed pork belly and pickled vegetables.

Cooking time

The cooking time for steamed biscuits varies depending on the recipe and the number of biscuits being cooked. For example, the cooking time for steamed sausage biscuit sandwiches is around 8-10 minutes, while the cooking time for BBQ pork steam buns is 15 minutes. In general, the cooking time for steamed biscuits ranges from 5 to 15 minutes.

When preparing to cook your biscuits, it is important to ensure that you have all the necessary equipment, such as a deep skillet or saucepan, a steamer basket, and parchment paper. The steamer basket should be lined with parchment paper, and if using a bamboo steamer, it is recommended to use parchment paper with holes to allow the steam to escape.

Once the water in your skillet or saucepan reaches a boil, you can add the biscuits to the steamer basket, ensuring they are spaced evenly. Cover the basket and begin steaming. It is important not to overcrowd the steamer basket as the biscuits need space to expand while cooking. Depending on the recipe and the number of biscuits, the cooking time will vary, so it is important to keep an eye on them to ensure they do not overcook.

Once the biscuits are cooked through and puffed, remove the steamer basket from the heat and carefully transfer the biscuits to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.

Serving suggestions

These steamed biscuits can be served in a variety of ways, depending on the occasion and your personal preferences. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Breakfast or brunch: Serve the biscuits warm with a slice of sausage patty and cheese inside, or get creative with other fillings such as glazed pork belly, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and mint.
• Appetizers or snacks: Make mini versions of the biscuits and serve them as bite-sized appetizers or snacks. You can fill them with a variety of savoury or sweet fillings to suit your taste.
• Main course: Create a hearty meal by serving the steamed biscuits with a side of roasted green beans, asparagus, or a quick salad. You can also pair them with other dishes such as teriyaki asparagus and mushrooms, or bourbon mushrooms.
• Dessert: While most of the serving suggestions are savoury, you can also experiment with sweet fillings for the biscuits. For example, you could fill them with chocolate, caramel, or fruit preserves for a delicious dessert option.
• Special occasions: Steamed biscuits can be a fun and unique addition to your menu for special occasions such as birthdays, holidays, or dinner parties. They can be customised to fit the theme of your event and are sure to impress your guests.
• Make-ahead meals: Prepare a large batch of steamed biscuits and freeze them for later. That way, you'll always have a quick and easy meal option ready to go when you're short on time or don't feel like cooking.

Frequently asked questions