Steam-Free Method To Cook Frozen Pork Buns

There are several ways to cook frozen pork buns without a steamer. One option is to use a microwave – place the bun in a damp paper towel, put it on a microwavable plate, and cover with a lightly wet bowl. Microwave for one minute at a time on a medium setting. Alternatively, you can use a metal sieve or colander, suspended over a pan of boiling water, with a lid on top to prevent steam from escaping. You can also cook frozen pork buns in the oven by creating a steaming device with a foil baking dish and a boiling pan. Finally, you can pan-fry the buns – heat some oil in a pan, place the frozen buns, add a few ounces of water, cover with a lid, and fry for 5-7 minutes.

Pan-frying frozen pork buns

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients and filling

Gather the ingredients for the dough and filling. For the dough, you will need flour, yeast, sugar, and lukewarm water. For the filling, you will need minced pork, light soy sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, sesame oil, salt, ground Sichuan pepper or Chinese five-spice powder, and ginger. You can also add in spring onions and other seasonings of your choice.

Step 2: Make the dough and filling

In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast, and sugar. Gradually add the lukewarm water while stirring with a pair of chopsticks or a fork. Knead the mixture with your hands until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Cover the bowl with a wet kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, which can take between 40 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the room temperature.

For the filling, place all the ingredients (except for water or stock) into a large bowl and mix them together. Gradually add water or chicken stock to the mixture, stirring constantly until all the liquid is absorbed and the mixture has a sticky, paste-like consistency.

Step 3: Shape the buns

Divide the dough into equal portions, depending on the size of buns you prefer. Roll each piece of dough into a disk-like wrapper, making sure the edges are thinner than the centre. Place the filling in the centre of each wrapper, adding about 2 tablespoons of filling for larger buns.

Step 4: Seal and rest the buns

Seal the buns by pleating the edges of the dough together and pinching and twisting the edges. Place the shaped buns on a lined sheet pan and let them rest in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until they have puffed up slightly.

Step 5: Pan-fry the buns

Heat some vegetable oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Place the buns in the pan with the pleated side facing up. Fry the buns until the bottoms turn golden brown. You can also add a small amount of water to the pan and cover it with a lid to create steam and ensure the buns are cooked through.

Step 6: Serve the buns

Serve the pan-fried pork buns immediately for the best texture and taste. Enjoy the crispy, golden bottoms and soft, fluffy dough!

Using a microwave

Cooking Frozen Pork Buns in the Microwave

If you're craving soft, fluffy pork buns but don't have a steamer, you can still achieve delicious results by cooking them in the microwave. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you cook frozen pork buns to perfection:

Step 1: Prepare the Paper Towel and Plate

Take a paper towel and dampen it with water. Be sure to wring out the excess water so that the towel is just damp. This damp paper towel will help create a steaming effect in the microwave, ensuring your pork buns stay moist.

Step 2: Wrap the Buns

Gently wrap each frozen pork bun in the damp paper towel. This step is crucial, as it prevents the buns from drying out and becoming hard during the cooking process. Place the wrapped bun on a microwave-safe plate.

Step 3: Prepare the Bowl

Take a microwave-safe bowl and lightly wet the inside by running it under the tap. This step is optional but can help to create a steaming environment, similar to using a traditional steamer. Place the bowl over the wrapped bun on your plate.

Step 4: Microwave in Short Intervals

Place the plate with the wrapped bun and bowl in the microwave. Set the microwave to a medium setting and cook for one minute at a time. Check the bun after each minute to ensure it doesn't overcook. The total cooking time will depend on the power of your microwave and the size of the bun.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

Your pork bun is cooked when the meat inside is steaming hot. Be careful when removing the bun from the microwave, as it will be hot. Unwrap the bun carefully, and enjoy the delicious, soft, and fluffy texture that rivals any steamed bun!

Tips for Optimal Results:

• It is important to microwave the bun in short intervals on a medium setting. Avoid microwaving it for too long or using a high setting, as this can dry out the bun and make it hard.
• For an even more convenient method, simply place the frozen bun on a plate and microwave it for approximately one to two minutes on high power. While this may not yield the same fluffy texture, it is a quick and easy option.
• If you're looking for a creative hack, place the bun on top of a mug filled with about one centimeter of water and microwave it for two minutes. The water in the mug acts like a steamer, creating a light and fluffy bun.

Deep-frying

Firstly, you will need to gather your equipment and ingredients. For this method, you will need a wok and oil. Sesame oil is a great option as it will give the buns a nutty flavour, but you can use any oil of your choice.

Next, you will need to heat your oil. Add the oil to your wok and heat it to 150°C. Once your oil is hot enough, carefully add your frozen pork buns to the wok. Deep-fry the buns for approximately 3 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Be sure to turn the buns frequently to achieve an even colour.

It is important to note that deep-frying will produce a very different result from steaming. If you are looking for the traditional soft and airy texture of steamed buns, then deep-frying may not be the best method. However, if you are looking for something a little different, then give deep-frying a go!

Experimenting with different cooking methods is a great way to discover new flavours and textures, so don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and give deep-frying a go!

Using a metal pan steamer

If you have a metal steamer with a glass or metal lid, there are a few extra steps you need to take to prevent condensation from dripping onto your buns. First, line the metal steamer with greaseproof paper to protect it. Make sure not to overfill the steamer with water, as this can also cause dripping. Ensure that your buns do not touch the sides of the steamer, as the sides can become quite wet. Finally, cover the pan with a clean tea towel to absorb any condensation before placing the lid on top.

If you don't have a lid for your metal steamer, you can create a makeshift lid by using a clean tea towel or layer of aluminium foil. This will help to trap the steam inside the pan and ensure even cooking.

When cooking your frozen pork buns, place them into the lightly oiled steamer and cover. Steam the buns over boiling water for approximately 15 minutes for regular-sized buns or 25 minutes for larger buns. The buns are cooked when the meat inside is steaming hot.

If you're looking for a crispy texture, you can also try pan-frying your frozen pork buns. Heat a pan with some oil and place the frozen buns inside. Add a few ounces of water and cover the pan with a lid. Cook for 5-7 minutes, adding more time if the buns are larger. If the water evaporates, add a small amount to the pan. Remove the lid and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, or until the buns naturally release from the pan and have a golden crispy bottom.

Using a table-top steamer

If you have a table-top steamer, you can use it to cook your frozen pork buns. This type of steamer usually collects a lot of steam, so you will need to take some precautions to avoid condensation making your buns soggy.

First, line the steamer with greaseproof paper. Place the buns inside, leaving some extra space. Cover the lid of the steamer with a clean tea towel, then place the lid over the top to collect any excess condensation.

The buns will take around 8 minutes to cook.

If you don't have a table-top steamer, there are other ways to cook frozen pork buns. You can use a microwave, a metal pan steamer, a rice cooker, a colander, or a wok.

Frequently asked questions