Steaming Perfection: Frozen Steam Buns, Ready To Eat

Steamed buns are a popular dish in many Asian cuisines, offering a versatile option for both sweet and savoury fillings. They can be cooked from frozen in a variety of ways, including steaming, pan-frying, or using an air fryer or microwave. The traditional method involves using a bamboo steamer over a pot of boiling water for around 10-15 minutes. However, modern alternatives such as air fryers and microwaves have made it easier and faster to cook frozen steamed buns, with cooking times as short as 6-8 minutes.

How to cook frozen steam buns

Cooking frozen buns in an air fryer

What you'll need:

• Frozen buns (bao buns, mantou, or pork buns)
• Air fryer
• Cooking oil spray (optional)
• Dipping sauce of your choice (optional)

Instructions:

Start by removing your desired number of frozen buns from their packaging. If you're cooking mantou, you may want to defrost them for a minimum of 10 minutes before cooking. Place the frozen buns in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not stacked and have enough space to cook properly.

Set your air fryer to a temperature between 180°C/360°F and 400°F, depending on the type of bun and your desired level of crispiness. For most buns, 180°C/360°F should be sufficient, but if you're cooking mantou and want them extra crispy, you can go as high as 400°F.

Cooking time will vary depending on the type of bun and your desired level of doneness. For most buns, 8 minutes at 180°C/360°F should be enough. For pork buns, you may need a slightly longer cooking time, such as 10 minutes at 360°F, to ensure the insides are no longer icy. If you're cooking mantou at 400°F, 3 minutes on one side, and then 2 minutes on the other should be enough.

Once the buns are golden and crispy on the outside, remove them from the air fryer and serve. You can enjoy them as they are or with a dipping sauce on the side.

Tips:

• No need to preheat the air fryer or turn the buns during cooking.
• There is no need to spray the buns with cooking oil as they will naturally brown.
• If you're short on time, you can defrost the buns in the microwave for 30 seconds before air frying.
• For pork buns, brushing them with peanut oil before air frying will give a nice golden brown colour and a subtle peanut flavour.
• If the insides of the buns are still icy after air frying, you can finish cooking them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Enjoy your freshly cooked frozen buns!

Using a microwave to cook frozen steam buns

Cooking frozen steam buns in the microwave is a convenient and quick method when you don't have access to a stove or steamer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a microwave to cook frozen steam buns:

Preparing the Buns for Microwave Cooking:

• Take a paper towel and dampen it with water. It is important to wring out the excess water so that the bun doesn't get soggy.
• Wrap each bun individually in the damp paper towel. This helps to create a steaming effect and ensures the buns don't dry out.
• Place the wrapped bun on a microwave-safe plate.
• If cooking multiple buns, repeat the above steps for each bun, ensuring they are all placed on the same plate.

Microwave Cooking Instructions:

• Cover the plate with a bowl that has been lightly wet by running it under a tap. This helps to trap the steam and ensure even cooking.
• Set your microwave to a medium setting and cook for 30 seconds to one minute at a time. For larger buns, you may need up to two minutes.
• Check the buns after each interval to ensure they are not overcooked. The buns are ready when the meat inside is steaming hot.
• Be careful when removing the plate from the microwave, as it will be hot. Open the plate slowly, as hot steam will escape.
• Gently remove the buns from the paper towels. The buns will be extra soft, so handle them with care to avoid breaking them.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• It is important to cook the buns in short intervals on a medium setting. Avoid microwaving them for too long at a high setting, as this will dry out the buns and make them hard.
• For best results, eat the buns immediately after cooking, as their texture can harden over time.
• If you are cooking a full bag of buns, you can place the entire unopened bag in the microwave for one to two minutes on high power. However, ensure that any metal twist ties are removed, and always be cautious of hot steam when opening the bag.

Pan-frying frozen steam buns

Pan-frying is a great way to cook frozen steam buns, giving them a crispy texture and flavour that's hard to resist. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect pan-fried steam buns:

Step 1: Prepare your equipment and ingredients

Before you begin, gather your equipment and ingredients. You will need a non-stick frying pan, vegetable oil or another type of oil, and of course, your frozen steam buns. You may also want to prepare a lid or aluminium foil to cover the pan.

Step 2: Heat your pan and add oil

Place your non-stick pan on the stovetop and turn the heat to medium-high. Add a generous amount of vegetable oil or another type of oil to the pan. You want to ensure the entire surface of the pan is coated with oil to prevent the buns from sticking.

Step 3: Place the frozen buns in the pan

Once the oil is hot, carefully place your frozen steam buns in the pan. It's important to note that you should not thaw or defrost the buns before cooking. Place them in the pan straight from the freezer.

Step 4: Pan-fry the buns

Let the buns cook in the hot oil for 5-7 minutes. If you are cooking larger buns, you may need to increase the cooking time. Keep an eye on the buns and adjust the heat as needed to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Add water and cover the pan

After the initial cooking time, add a few ounces of water to the pan and cover it with a lid or aluminium foil. This step helps to create steam and ensure the buns are cooked through. Let the buns steam for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Uncover and continue cooking

Remove the lid or foil and continue cooking the buns for an additional 2-3 minutes. Keep the heat at a medium to medium-high level. This step allows the water to evaporate and gives the buns a nice golden, crispy bottom.

Step 7: Serve the buns

Once the buns have a golden crispy bottom and are heated through, they are ready to serve. Simply remove them from the pan and enjoy!

Tips and variations

• You can customise the filling of your steam buns before cooking by substituting pork with chicken or adding vegetables like cabbage, bok choy, or spring onions.
• For a more traditional approach, you can assemble and shape the buns before freezing and then pan-fry them without steaming first. This method gives them a crispy bottom like potstickers.
• If you prefer a softer and fluffier texture, steam the buns before pan-frying. This additional step ensures a more delicate mouthfeel.

How to steam frozen buns without a steamer

There are several ways to steam frozen buns without a steamer. Here are some alternative methods to achieve fluffy and delicious steamed buns:

Stovetop Pan Method:

• Fill a deep stovetop pan with about an inch of water and place it on the stove.
• Put a heatproof plate or a shallow dish on top of the pan.
• Arrange the buns on the plate, ensuring there is some space between them for steam circulation.
• Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid to trap the steam inside.
• Steam the buns for around 15-20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and puffed up.

Oven Method:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Place the frozen buns on the baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
• Boil some water and carefully pour it into a roasting pan or a heatproof dish.
• Put the roasting pan or dish on the bottom rack of the oven.
• Place the baking sheet with the buns on the middle rack.
• Close the oven door and allow the buns to steam for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked.

Microwave Method:

• Take a paper towel and dampen it with water, then ring out the excess moisture.
• Wrap each frozen bun in the damp paper towel and place them on a microwave-safe plate.
• Microwave the buns for one minute at a time on a medium setting until they are suitably cooked. Avoid using a high setting or microwaving for too long, as this can dry out the buns.

Wok or Deep Frying Pan Method:

• Fill a wok or deep frying pan with water.
• Place a heat-proof plate or dish inside the wok or pan.
• Arrange the frozen buns on top of the plate or dish.
• Cover the wok or pan with a lid or aluminum foil.
• Steam the buns for the recommended cooking time, usually around 15 minutes.

Sieve or Colander Method:

• Fill a pot or pan with boiling water.
• Place a metal sieve or colander over the pot or pan, ensuring it does not touch the water.
• Line the sieve or colander with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent the buns from sticking.
• Place the frozen buns on the lined surface, leaving space for steam circulation.
• Cover the setup with a lid or aluminum foil.
• Steam the buns for the recommended cooking time, which may vary depending on the size and type of bun.

What to serve with steamed buns

There are many options for what to serve with steamed buns. The world is your oyster! The most common filling is BBQ pork, with a light and sticky sauce. Other popular fillings include beef, fish, or glazed mushrooms for a savoury snack, and chocolate for a dessert option.

If you are serving plain, unstuffed buns, you can use them as sandwich bread. Fill them with anything you like, such as pork belly, lobster, or even a beef patty. You can also serve them as a snack or small meal, accompanied by a soup or rice porridge (congee).

If you are serving stuffed buns, you could pair them with other dim sum items, or some seasoned rice. A thin Chinese soup, such as egg drop soup, would also work well to contrast the texture of the dough. Spicy, mixed vegetables would be a great side dish, especially if tossed in honey, sambal, soy, or mirin. Sauteed bok choi is another tasty option.

Finally, if you are serving steamed buns for breakfast, consider pairing them with warm soy milk or rice porridge.

Frequently asked questions