Steaming Steamed Buns: Instant Pot Method For Frozen Treats

If you're looking to cook frozen steamed buns in an instant pot, you've come to the right place. This guide will teach you how to make soft and fluffy steamed buns using your instant pot as a steamer. The process is simple and can be achieved in a few easy steps. First, you'll need to gather your ingredients and prepare your instant pot by pouring water into the inner pot and placing a bamboo basket or stainless steel steamer basket on top. Then, you'll want to follow the specific instructions for your instant pot, using either the SAUTE, STEAM, or PRESSURE COOKER mode to cook your buns. With this guide, you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, fluffy steamed buns cooked to perfection in your instant pot!

How to make the dough for steamed buns

The dough is the foundation of your steamed buns, so it's important to get it just right. Here's a step-by-step guide to making the perfect dough for your steamed buns:

Ingredients

Firstly, gather your ingredients. The basic ingredients for the dough are flour, yeast, and water. You can also add milk, oil, or sugar to enhance the flavour or improve the texture.

For this recipe, you will need:

• 300 grams of all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• 2 grams of instant yeast
• 30 grams of sugar (optional, but helps with gluten formation)
• 2 teaspoons of cooking oil
• 80 millilitres of cold milk or water (you may need more)

Mixing the Dough

Combine the flour, yeast, sugar (if using), and oil in a mixing bowl. If you are using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment. Slowly add the milk or water and mix until a rough dough forms. Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for about 15 minutes.

Kneading the Dough

After the dough has rested, it's time to knead it. If you are using a stand mixer, knead the dough at low speed for 10-15 minutes until it is very stretchy and smooth. If you are kneading by hand, this will take about 15-20 minutes. The dough should be smooth, silky, and elastic. If you want to develop a gluten windowpane, you can continue kneading, but this is not necessary for the buns.

Resting the Dough

Once your dough is kneaded, wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This step helps to relax the gluten, making it easier to roll and shape the dough later. The dough will not rise significantly during this rest.

Now you have the perfect dough for your steamed buns! You can proceed to shape and fill your buns before proofing and steaming them.

How to make the filling for steamed buns

There are many different types of fillings for steamed buns, both sweet and savoury. Here is a guide on how to make some of the most popular fillings.

Custard Filling

Custard is a creamy and sweet pudding-like dessert that is made with milk, sugar, and eggs. It can be made from scratch or using custard powder.

Red Bean Paste Filling

Red bean paste, also called Koshi An, is a thick and smooth sweet paste made from cooked adzuki red beans that have been pureed and cooked down with sugar. It can be purchased from Asian grocery stores or online.

Peanut Butter Filling

This filling uses peanut butter and chopped nuts to create a crunchy and savoury filling. Simply mix equal amounts of creamy peanut butter and chopped nuts until evenly blended.

White Bean Paste Filling

White bean paste, also known as Shiro An, is a fudgy and sweet paste that is a popular ingredient in East Asian desserts. It can be purchased online or made at home using a shortcut recipe.

Coffee Bean Paste Filling

Coffee bean paste is a delicious twist on sweet white bean paste that can be made at home. It is made by mixing sweetened white beans with coffee extract, resulting in a smooth paste with a sweet and bitter flavour.

Black Sesame Paste Filling

Black sesame paste is a nutty and sweet filling that can be used in various desserts and snacks. It is also a healthy option due to its high calcium, antioxidant, protein, and vitamin content.

Mung Bean Paste Filling

Mung bean paste is not commonly sold in stores, but it can be easily made at home by cooking dried mung beans and blending them into a smooth paste.

Chocolate Fillings

There are several options for chocolate fillings, including using a chocolate hazelnut spread such as Nutella, or making a chocolate pastry cream or chocolate pudding.

Mochi Filling

Mochi is a soft and chewy Japanese rice cake that can be used as a filling for steamed buns. It can be prepared in the microwave and paired with sweet red bean paste for a delicious combination.

Mashed Sweet Potato Filling

Baked sweet potatoes, either orange or purple, can be mashed and used as a filling. Purple sweet potatoes are a healthier alternative, containing more nutrients and antioxidants than their orange counterparts.

Pumpkin Spice Bean Paste Filling

This filling combines pumpkin puree, sweet white bean paste, and pumpkin spice to create a spicy and sweet flavour that is perfect for fall.

Lotus Seed Paste Filling

Lotus seed paste is commonly used in mooncakes and can also be used as a filling for steamed buns. It can be purchased from Asian grocery stores or made at home using an authentic recipe.

Pistachio Cream Filling

This decadent custard filling is infused with the sweet and nutty flavour of pistachio butter. It can be served on its own with fresh fruit or used as a filling for dessert bao buns.

Apple Pie Filling

Apple pie filling can be made by dicing Granny Smith apples and cooking them with brown sugar and cinnamon, resulting in a sweet and soft filling perfect for autumn.

Sweet Taro Paste Filling

Taro can be steamed and blended into a smooth and luscious paste to create a sweet taro paste filling. Taro tea powder can be added to achieve a pale purple-pink colour.

Savoury Fillings

In addition to the sweet fillings mentioned above, there are also numerous savoury options for steamed buns. Popular savoury fillings include pork, chicken, beef, mushrooms, and vegetables. These fillings can be made by cooking the ingredients with various sauces and spices, such as hoisin sauce, soy sauce, chilli sauce, or katsu sauce.

How to cook frozen steamed buns in an instant pot

Ingredients

• Frozen steamed buns
• Water

Utensils

• Instant pot
• Steamer basket (bamboo or metal)
• Kitchen towel

Method

• Pour 3 cups of water into the inner pot of the instant pot.
• Place a bamboo or metal steaming basket on top.
• Press the "SAUTE" or "steam" button and bring the water to a boil.
• Carefully place the frozen buns on the steaming basket. It is recommended to steam one rack at a time as the buns will expand.
• Drape a clean kitchen towel over the inner pot and then put the instant pot cover on top. There will be steam coming out, which is normal.
• Steam for 5 minutes for small to medium-sized buns, 8 minutes for large buns, and 10 minutes if there is a raw meat filling.
• When it's done steaming, press "CANCEL" and carefully remove the lid and towel.
• Transfer the steamed buns to a cooling rack to let them cool down completely.

Tips

• If you are using the instant pot's "steam" function, you may need to add more water to the inner pot as it can evaporate quickly.
• If you are cooking a large batch of buns, you can stack bamboo steamers into tiers and cook them all at once.

How to store steamed buns

To store steamed buns, follow these steps:

• Let the steamed buns cool down completely.
• Place them on a baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other, and put the entire tray inside the freezer for about an hour.
• They will harden, but not completely freeze.
• Transfer the buns to a freezer bag. They will not stick to each other.
• Try not to keep them for more than a month.

If you plan to eat them within a week, you can also keep them in the refrigerator. Wrap them in plastic and put them in the fridge.

To reheat frozen steamed buns, you can either steam them or use the microwave. If steaming, there is no need to defrost them first. Simply place them in a steamer for 5 minutes. If using the microwave, wrap the frozen buns with a damp paper towel and heat for 30 seconds.

How to reheat steamed buns

Using an Instant Pot

If you're reheating frozen steamed buns, you don't need to thaw them first. Place a metal trivet inside your Instant Pot and add about 1 cup of water. Then, place a bamboo basket or plate on top of the trivet. Arrange the frozen buns on the bamboo basket or plate, close the lid, and turn the steam release valve to "sealing". Press the "steam" or "pressure cooker" button and set a timer. If you choose "steam", steam for 5 minutes. If you use the "pressure cooker" setting, steam for 2 minutes. Release the pressure immediately after.

Using a Microwave

This is a faster and easier method. Simply wrap the frozen buns in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds.

Using a Regular Steamer

Line the bottom of the buns with parchment paper and place them in a steamer rack. Add 10 cups of water to the steamer and let it boil on high heat. Place the steamer rack inside the steamer, ensuring the lid is closed, and steam the buns for 20 minutes.

Frequently asked questions