Steam-Free Bao Bun Cooking: A Quick Guide

There are several ways to cook frozen bao buns without a steamer, including using a microwave, frying them, or using a pot with a tight-fitting lid. If using a microwave, it is important to wet the surface of the bun to prevent the dough from cracking, and heat on high for around one minute. Frying frozen bao buns can be done in a pan with oil over medium heat until golden brown and crispy. For stovetop steaming, a large pot with a tight-fitting lid and a steamer rack or heatproof dish is required. Fill the pot with an inch of water, place the dish above the water level, arrange the buns, cover, and boil. Once boiling, reduce to medium-low heat and steam for 10-12 minutes.

Using a microwave

Cooking Frozen Bao Buns in the Microwave

Microwaving is a convenient way to cook frozen bao buns without a steamer, and it's likely that you already have the equipment you need. However, it's worth noting that this method may result in a less-than-ideal texture, with buns becoming soggy, tough, or gummy.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Start by preparing your microwave. It is recommended to use a microwave-safe plate and a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. You can also place a mug filled with about a centimeter of water inside the microwave, as this will create a steam effect and help prevent the buns from drying out.

Step 2: Wet the bao buns. This step is crucial to ensure that the dough doesn't crack during cooking. Use water to wet all surfaces of the frozen bun. Alternatively, you can wrap the bun in a damp paper towel, ensuring that you wring out any excess water.

Step 3: Place the wet bun(s) on the plate inside the microwave. If using a lid or plastic wrap, cover the plate now.

Step 4: Set the microwave to a medium setting. Cooking times may vary depending on your microwave and the number of buns you are cooking. As a general guideline, microwave for approximately one to two minutes on high for a single bun, and expect to add 30-60 seconds for each additional bun. Check your buns after the first minute to ensure they do not overcook.

Step 5: Remove the buns from the microwave carefully, as they will be hot. Allow them to cool slightly before handling.

Tips for Success:

• Avoid microwaving for too long or at a high setting, as this can dry out the buns and make them hard.
• If you want to cook multiple buns at once, increase the cooking time by 30-60 seconds for each additional bun.
• If you have a microwave with a steam setting, you may be able to achieve better results.
• For filled buns, ensure that the meat inside is steaming hot before serving.

Frying in a pan

Frying Frozen Bao Buns in a Pan

Frying frozen bao buns in a pan is a great alternative if you don't have a steamer. This method will give your bao buns a golden crispy bottom and a lovely texture. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve delicious fried bao buns:

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oil

Start by choosing a pan that is large enough to accommodate the number of bao buns you wish to cook. Heat the pan on medium heat and add a generous amount of oil. You want to ensure that the oil coats the entire surface of the pan. Sesame oil is a great choice as it gives the buns a nutty flavour, but you can use any cooking oil of your choice.

Step 2: Add the Frozen Bao Buns

Once the oil is hot, carefully place the frozen bao buns into the pan. Make sure there is some space between each bun to allow for even cooking. You may need to cook the buns in batches depending on the size of your pan.

Step 3: Fry the First Side

Let the buns fry for about 2-3 minutes on the first side. You will know they are ready to flip when they have a golden brown colour and a crispy texture. This side will take a bit longer as it is starting from frozen.

Step 4: Fry the Second Side

After achieving the desired colour and crispness on the first side, carefully flip the buns over using a spatula. Fry the second side for a slightly shorter time, around 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on the heat to ensure the oil doesn't burn the buns.

Step 5: Add a Few Ounces of Water

Once both sides are fried to your liking, add a few ounces of water to the pan and cover it with a lid. This step helps to ensure the buns are cooked through and not just crispy on the outside. The exact amount of water will depend on the size of your pan, but you want to add enough to create some steam.

Step 6: Steam for a Few Minutes

Let the buns steam for about 5-7 minutes, or longer if they are large buns. Keep an eye on the water level and add more if it evaporates completely. You want to maintain a gentle steam to finish cooking the buns.

Step 7: Uncover and Evaporate Water

After the buns have steamed, remove the lid and continue heating the buns on medium to medium-high heat. Allow the remaining water to evaporate, which should take about 2-3 minutes. The buns will naturally release from the pan when they are ready.

Step 8: Enjoy Your Fried Bao Buns!

Your fried bao buns are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them with your favourite fillings and condiments. You can get creative and fill them with savoury meats, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, or a drizzle of hoisin sauce. The crispy texture from frying adds a unique twist to the traditional soft and fluffy bao buns.

Using a bamboo steaming basket

If you have a bamboo steaming basket, you can easily use it to cook frozen bao buns. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the setup

Fill a large pot with water, ensuring that the water level is below the bottom of the bamboo steaming basket when it is placed on top.

Step 2: Line the bamboo steaming basket

Line the inside of the bamboo steaming basket with parchment paper or lettuce leaves to prevent the buns from sticking. You can also use cabbage leaves or lettuce leaves, which will add extra flavour to your bao buns.

Step 3: Arrange the buns

Place the frozen bao buns inside the lined bamboo steaming basket, leaving some space between each bun. They will expand as they steam, so it is important to give them room to do so.

Step 4: Steam the buns

Place the bamboo steaming basket on top of the pot, ensuring that it sits securely. Cover the basket with its lid. Steam the buns for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are heated through and have a soft and fluffy texture. Be sure to check the water level during the steaming process and add more water if necessary to prevent it from drying out.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Once the buns are steamed, they are ready to be filled with your favourite savoury or sweet fillings. Enjoy the soft and fluffy texture of your homemade bao buns!

Oven-baking

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F. This is the ideal temperature to ensure even cooking of the bao buns.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Tray

Line a baking tray with parchment paper. This will prevent the bao buns from sticking to the tray. If you don't have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the tray with oil or butter.

Step 3: Arrange the Bao Buns

Place the frozen bao buns on the prepared baking tray, leaving some space between each bun to ensure even cooking. You can also wrap each bun individually in aluminium foil before placing them on the tray.

Step 4: Bake

Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake the bao buns for 10 to 15 minutes. The exact baking time will depend on the size and number of buns, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook.

Step 5: Cool

Once the buns are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. This will allow the buns to firm up slightly and make them easier to handle.

Tips:

• You can adjust the baking time depending on how crispy or soft you like your bao buns. For a softer texture, aim for the lower end of the baking time range.
• If you're baking a large number of buns, you may need to bake them in batches to ensure even cooking.

Using a regular pot

Cooking Frozen Bao Buns Using a Regular Pot

If you're craving fluffy, pillowy bao buns but don't own a steamer, don't fret! You can easily cook frozen bao buns to perfection using a regular pot or saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Here's a detailed guide to achieving delicious, steamed bao buns without any fancy equipment:

Step 1: Prepare Your Pot

Fill your pot or large saucepan with a small amount of water, approximately one inch or one-third full. This water will be used to generate steam, so ensure you don't fill it too much to avoid accidental boiling or steaming.

Step 2: Set Up Your Steaming Rack

Place a steamer rack or heatproof dish inside the pot, ensuring it sits above the water level. This rack or dish will act as a platform for your bao buns to steam without coming into direct contact with the boiling water.

Step 3: Arrange the Bao Buns

Gently place your frozen bao buns on the steamer rack or heatproof dish. Make sure they are evenly spaced and not touching each other. This spacing is crucial to allow the steam to circulate and cook each bun properly without them sticking together.

Step 4: Cover and Steam

Cover the pot with its lid, ensuring a tight fit to create a seal. This seal will help trap the steam inside, creating an optimal cooking environment. Place the pot on the stovetop over medium-high heat and bring the water to a boil. Once it's boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle yet steady steam.

Step 5: Steam the Bao Buns

Let the bao buns steam undisturbed for about 10 to 15 minutes. The exact steaming time may vary depending on the size and number of buns, so keep an eye on them. Avoid lifting the lid during this process to prevent heat loss and ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

After the steaming time has passed, carefully remove the lid. Your bao buns should be puffy, moist, and slightly bouncy to the touch. They are now ready to be served and enjoyed!

Tips and Tricks:

• If you don't have a steamer rack, you can use a heatproof dish or plate. Just ensure it is sturdy enough to hold the buns without collapsing under the steam.
• To prevent the buns from sticking to the rack or dish, you can line it with parchment paper, cabbage leaves, or lettuce leaves.
• Be mindful of the cooking time, as it may vary depending on the number and size of buns you're cooking. Always check the buns periodically to ensure they are properly heated through.
• Get creative with your fillings and toppings! Popular options include savoury meats like char siu or braised pork, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and a drizzle of hoisin sauce.

Frequently asked questions