Cooking Frozen Chinese Steamed Buns: A Quick Guide

Chinese steamed buns, also known as baozi, are a popular dish in Asian cuisines. They can be enjoyed as a savoury or sweet treat, at any time of the day. If you're looking to cook frozen Chinese steamed buns, there are several methods you can use. One popular method is steaming. To do this, you'll need to thaw the frozen buns for about 30 minutes, prepare a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water, and steam the buns for approximately 10-25 minutes, depending on their size. You can also cook frozen Chinese steamed buns in the microwave, by placing them in a covered, microwave-safe container and heating them for about 1-2 minutes. Another option is pan-frying; heat some oil in a pan, add the frozen buns, a few ounces of water, and cover with a lid for 5-7 minutes. Finally, you can cook frozen Chinese steamed buns in an air fryer; simply place them in the air fryer basket and cook at 180C/360F for about 8 minutes.

Using a microwave

Cooking Frozen Chinese Steamed Buns in the Microwave

Microwaving is a great way to cook frozen Chinese steamed buns as it's fast, simple, and convenient. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving delicious, fluffy buns:

Step 1: Prepare the Buns

Take a paper towel and dampen it with water. Ring out any excess water so that the paper towel is just moist. Wrap each bun individually in the damp paper towel. This step is important as it helps to create a steaming effect, ensuring the buns stay moist and don't dry out during cooking.

Step 2: Arrange the Buns in the Microwave

Place the wrapped buns on a microwave-safe plate. If cooking multiple buns, ensure they are spaced out on the plate to allow for even cooking.

Step 3: Create a Steaming Environment

Take a microwave-safe bowl and lightly wet the inside by running it under a tap. Place this bowl upside down over the wrapped buns on the plate. This setup mimics a steamer, allowing the buns to cook with moist heat.

Step 4: Microwave

Microwave the buns for approximately 1 minute on a medium setting. The exact time may vary depending on your microwave, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. You may need to cook in 30-second intervals, checking the progress, to achieve the perfect result.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the buns are cooked to your liking, remove them from the microwave, being careful as they will be hot. Unwrap the buns and serve immediately. Enjoy the fluffy, delicious Chinese steamed buns!

Tips:

• For an even more convenient method, simply place the frozen buns on a microwave-safe plate, cover the plate loosely with microwave-safe cling film, and microwave for 30 seconds.
• Alternatively, place the buns in a covered microwave-safe container and heat on high for approximately 1-2 minutes, depending on the size of the buns.
• You can also try placing the buns on top of a mug filled with about one centimeter of water and microwaving for 2 minutes. The water in the mug creates a steaming effect, resulting in fluffy buns.
• Cooking times may vary, so always ensure the meat or filling inside the buns is steaming hot before serving.

Pan-frying

If you don't have a steamer, pan-frying is a great way to cook frozen Chinese steamed buns. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Buns

Remove the frozen buns from their packaging. If the buns are raw, you can start cooking them straight away. If they are pre-cooked, you might want to let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes first. This will make them easier to handle during the cooking process.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

Place a non-stick pan on the stove and turn the heat to medium. Add a couple of tablespoons of cooking oil to the pan and let it heat up. You'll know the oil is hot enough when it starts to shimmer.

Step 3: Fry the Buns

Carefully place the frozen buns in the hot oil. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the buns for 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the bottom. If your buns are on the larger side, you may need to add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Step 4: Add Water and Steam

Once the buns have a nice golden crust, it's time to add moisture back into them. Pour a few ounces of water into the pan and quickly cover it with a lid. This will create steam that will help cook the inside of the buns. Keep the pan on medium to medium-high heat and let the water evaporate for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Uncover and Finish Cooking

After the water has evaporated, remove the lid and continue cooking the buns for an additional 2-3 minutes. This will allow any remaining moisture to escape and ensure that the buns have a nice crispy texture. The buns are ready when they release easily from the pan and have a golden brown crust.

Tips:

• If you're using pre-cooked buns, you can simply microwave them instead of pan-frying.
• If you want a crispy texture, pan-frying is a great option, but if you prefer your buns soft and fluffy, steaming or microwaving is the way to go.
• Experiment with different fillings and dips to elevate your steamed bun experience!

Using an air fryer

Chinese steamed buns, also known as bao buns, can be cooked from frozen in an air fryer in a few short minutes. This method is ideal for those who want to avoid deep frying but still achieve a crispy, golden exterior and soft, fluffy interior.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Prepare the Buns:

• Remove the desired number of frozen buns from their packaging. There is no need to defrost them first.
• Place the buns in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not stacked and have enough space to cook properly.

Cook the Buns:

• Set the air fryer temperature to 180°C/360°F.
• Air fry the buns for 8 minutes. There is no need to turn them during cooking.

Serve:

• Once the buns are golden brown and cooked through, remove them from the air fryer.
• Serve the buns with your favourite Chinese dipping sauce, such as teriyaki sauce or hoisin sauce.

Tips:

• For an even crispier exterior, increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
• If you prefer your buns less golden, reduce the cooking time to 6 minutes.
• You can also serve the buns with sweet condiments such as jams, Nutella, or peanut butter.

Alternative Method:

• If your buns are frozen, let them defrost for a minimum of 10 minutes or store them in the fridge overnight.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F/180°C for 10 minutes.
• Brush the buns with cooking oil or melted butter.
• Place the buns in the air fryer basket and cook for 8 minutes.
• Check the colour of the buns. If they are not golden brown, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
• Serve immediately with your chosen dipping sauce or condiment.

Steaming without a steamer

Steaming Chinese Buns Without a Steamer

If you don't have a steamer, don't worry! You can still enjoy soft and fluffy Chinese steamed buns. Here are some alternative methods to cook them without a steamer:

Using a Microwave

This method is convenient as microwaves are common in many kitchens. Here's what you need to do:

• Take a paper towel, dampen it with water, and ring out the excess.
• Wrap each bun in the damp paper towel and place them on a microwave-safe plate.
• Lightly wet the inside of a bowl by running it under the tap, and place it over the wrapped buns on the plate.
• Microwave for one minute at a time on a medium setting until the buns are cooked through.

It's important to microwave the buns in short intervals on a medium setting to prevent them from drying out and becoming hard.

Using a Sieve or Colander

This method involves creating your own steaming setup with kitchen equipment:

• Take a boiling pan and fill it with a few inches of water.
• Place a metal sieve or colander over the pan, ensuring the water level is below the lowest point of the sieve.
• Place the buns on sheets of cooking paper, cabbage, or lettuce leaves before putting them in the sieve. This prevents sticking and adds flavour.
• Cover the pan with a lid and place it on the highest gas mark. Leave to cook for about ten minutes to generate enough steam.

Deep Frying

Deep frying will give your buns a very different finish, but it's a unique way to cook them with a distinct flavour and texture:

• Use a wok and fill it with oil (sesame oil is recommended for a nutty flavour).
• Heat the oil to 150°C.
• Deep fry the buns for approximately three minutes, turning frequently, until they are golden brown.

Using an Oven

You can create your own steaming setup in the oven with a few simple tools:

• Take a deep circular foil baking dish (like one used for a pie) and a boiling pan with a lid that is slightly larger than the dish.
• Cut out a circular piece of baking paper to fit the foil dish.
• Poke about 12 evenly spaced holes through the paper and foil using a sharp knife or other pointed tools.
• Coat the paper with oil to prevent sticking.
• Fill the pan with a few inches of water and place the foil dish and paper inside, ensuring the water level is just below the depth of the dish.
• Place the buns on top of the baking paper and cover the pan with its lid.
• Cook over a medium-high heat for around 20 minutes to generate steam.

Reheating

Microwave

If you're short on time, the microwave is a quick and convenient option. Simply place the frozen buns in a microwave-safe container and heat them on high for approximately 1-2 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the size of the buns and whether you are cooking a single bun or a batch. Ensure the meat inside is steaming hot before consuming.

Steamer

Using a steamer is the traditional method for reheating Chinese steamed buns. First, line your steamer basket with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking. Then, place the thawed buns inside, leaving some space for expansion. Put the steamer basket over a pot or wok of boiling water, cover, and steam for 10-15 minutes, or until the buns are heated through and fluffy.

Pan-Frying

For a crispy texture, you can try pan-frying your buns. Heat some oil in a pan and place the frozen buns inside. Add a few ounces of water and cover the pan with a lid. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, adding more water if needed. Remove the lid and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the buns release from the pan and have a golden crispy bottom.

Air Fryer

If you have an air fryer, you can reheat your buns by placing them in the basket and cooking them at 180°C/360°F for around 8 minutes. This method will give your buns a nice golden glow and crisp texture.

Rice Cooker

If you don't have a steamer, you can use a rice cooker with a steamer tray. Simply place the buns in the steamer tray and follow the cooker's instructions to reheat them.

• You can reheat frozen or thawed buns; steaming frozen buns will simply take a little longer.
• Always ensure your buns are heated thoroughly before consuming.
• You can add a subtle flavour to your buns by lining your steamer with cabbage leaves.
• To check if your buns are fully steamed, use a toothpick or skewer – if it comes out clean, they are ready.
• Avoid oversteaming, as this can result in a dry texture.

Frequently asked questions