Steam-Free Method To Cook Frozen Steamed Buns

Steamed buns are a delicious treat, but what happens when you want to cook frozen steamed buns and you don't have a steamer? Well, there are several alternative methods you can use to cook them without one. You can use a microwave, a metal pan steamer, a table-top steamer, a wok, or even deep fry them. Each method has its own unique advantages and will produce slightly different results in terms of texture and flavour. So, if you're craving some steamed buns but don't have a steamer, don't worry – you can still enjoy this delicious treat with a little creativity and ingenuity!

How to cook frozen steamed buns without a steamer

Microwave the buns

If you're looking to cook frozen steamed buns without a steamer, one option is to use a microwave. This is a great method because it's fast, simple, and microwaves are a common fixture in kitchens across the world. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to microwave frozen steamed buns:

Preparing the Buns for Microwaving:

• Take a paper towel and dampen it with water. It is important to wring out the excess water so that your bun doesn't become soggy.
• Wrap your frozen bun in the damp paper towel. This helps to ensure that the bun stays moist and doesn't dry out during the microwaving process.
• Place the wrapped bun on a microwave-safe plate.
• Get a bowl and lightly wet the inside by running it under the tap. Place this bowl over the wrapped bun on the plate. This helps to create a steaming effect and ensure even cooking.

Microwaving the Buns:

• Set your microwave to a medium setting. Avoid using a high setting, as this can cause the bun to dry out and become hard.
• Microwave the bun for one minute at a time. Check the bun after each minute to ensure it is suitably cooked. Depending on your microwave and the size of the bun, it may take a few minutes to cook completely.
• Once the bun is cooked, carefully remove the bowl and paper towel. Be cautious, as the steam and the bun will be hot.

Tips for Microwaving Buns:

• It is important to microwave the bun in short intervals to avoid overcooking.
• If you are cooking multiple buns, you can microwave them together, but ensure they are wrapped individually in damp paper towels and spaced evenly on the plate.
• If you are cooking a whole bag of buns, you can place the unopened bag in the microwave for one to two minutes on high. However, it is recommended to poke a few tiny holes in the bag first to prevent steam buildup and the risk of explosion.
• Cooking times may vary depending on your microwave, so keep an eye on the buns to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Pan-fry the buns

Pan-Frying Frozen Steamed Buns

Pan-frying is a great alternative to steaming your frozen buns. It's a simple and quick method that delivers delicious, golden crispy buns. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect pan-fried frozen steamed buns:

Prepare Your Pan and Buns

Start by placing a non-stick pan on your stovetop. If you don't have a non-stick pan, a regular pan will do, but you'll need to add a bit of oil to prevent the buns from sticking. Turn the heat to medium and give the pan a minute to heat up. While you're waiting, take your frozen buns out of their packaging. There's no need to thaw them first; you can cook them straight from frozen.

Add Oil and Buns to the Pan

Once your pan is heated, add a tablespoon or two of oil. You can use any type of cooking oil you have on hand. Gently place your frozen buns into the pan. Be careful not to splatter the hot oil. Try not to overcrowd the pan; give each bun a little space to ensure even cooking.

Fry the Buns

Let the buns fry for about 3-4 minutes on the first side. You're aiming for a nice golden brown colour. If your buns are on the larger side, you may need to give them a little more time. You can also add a few ounces of water to the pan and cover it with a lid to create a steaming effect. This will help ensure the buns are cooked through.

Flip and Fry the Other Side

After the first side is nicely browned, it's time to flip the buns. Use a spatula to carefully turn them over. You want to maintain the shape of the buns, so be gentle and flip them with confidence. Allow the buns to fry for another 3-4 minutes on this side. If your buns are thicker, you may need to adjust the heat to medium-low to ensure they cook through without burning.

Uncover and Evaporate Excess Water

If you've used the steaming method with the lid on, now is the time to remove the lid and let any excess water evaporate. Keep the heat at a medium to medium-high level and let the buns fry for another 2-3 minutes. This will help the buns develop a crispy exterior and ensure that the bottoms aren't soggy.

Serve and Enjoy

Your buns are now ready to serve! Plate them up and enjoy their fluffy interior and delicious crispy exterior. You can serve them as a side dish or fill them with your favourite savoury or sweet fillings. Some popular savoury options include barbecue pork, stir-fried vegetables, or braised meat. For a sweet treat, fill them with red bean paste, lotus paste, or custard.

Use a metal pan steamer

If you have a metal pan steamer, you can easily cook frozen steamed buns without a traditional bamboo steamer. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Take out the desired number of frozen steamed buns from the freezer. It is best to place them on a plate or a wire rack to let them defrost slightly while you prepare the steamer.
• Fill the bottom of your metal pan steamer with water. The amount of water will depend on the size of your steamer, but ensure it is enough to generate steam for the entire cooking process.
• Place the metal pan steamer on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Wait for the water to come to a rolling boil.
• While waiting for the water to boil, you can prepare the buns. Lightly coat the metal steaming plate or basket with a neutral-flavored oil, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil. This prevents the buns from sticking to the surface.
• Once the water is boiling, carefully place the oiled steaming plate/basket into the steamer. Ensure it is secure and there is no risk of it falling or tipping over.
• Gently place the frozen buns onto the steaming plate/basket, leaving a little space between each bun to allow for even cooking.
• Cover the steamer with a tight-fitting lid to trap the steam inside. This is crucial to ensure the buns cook properly.
• Let the buns steam for approximately 10-12 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the buns, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook.
• After the allotted time, carefully remove the lid, being cautious of the escaping steam. Use tongs or chopsticks to gently lift a bun to check if they are cooked to your liking. They should be soft and fluffy.
• Once cooked, turn off the heat and remove the steaming plate/basket from the steamer. Transfer the buns to a serving plate and enjoy them while they're hot!

Using a metal pan steamer is an effective way to cook frozen steamed buns without a traditional steamer. Just ensure you have a tight-fitting lid to trap the steam and adjust the cooking time as needed for perfect buns every time.

Use a table-top steamer

If you have a table-top steamer, you can easily cook frozen steamed buns to perfection. This method ensures that your buns are cooked evenly and efficiently without the need for a traditional steamer basket. Here's a step-by-step guide to using a table-top steamer to cook your frozen steamed buns:

Firstly, ensure that your table-top steamer is clean and ready for use. Fill the base with water according to the manufacturer's instructions. You'll want to make sure the water level is sufficient for steaming but does not touch the bottom of the steamer tray. Once the water is ready, turn on the steamer to preheat it.

While you're waiting for the steamer to heat up, prepare your frozen steamed buns. Take them out of the freezer and remove any packaging. It's important that the buns are completely thawed before steaming, so let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes. If you're using larger buns, you may need to increase the defrosting time slightly.

Once the steamer is preheated and the buns are thawed, carefully place the buns inside the steamer tray. Leave some space between each bun to allow the steam to circulate properly. Depending on the size of your steamer, you may need to cook the buns in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Now, simply wait for the steaming process to finish. Set a timer according to the instructions on your bun's packaging or until they are cooked through. The cooking time may vary depending on the type and size of the buns, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook.

Finally, when the buns are ready, turn off the steamer and carefully remove the steamer tray using oven mitts to protect your hands from the steam and heat. Place the cooked buns in a basket or serving dish, and they're ready to be enjoyed! Repeat the process for any remaining batches of buns.

Use a bowl, plate, and wok

If you don't have a steamer, you can still cook your frozen steamed buns with a simple bowl, plate, and wok. This method will ensure you can still enjoy fluffy steamed buns without needing to rush out to buy a bamboo steamer.

Here's what you need to do:

• First, put a small amount of water in your wok and place a small bowl into the wok.
• Next, take a plate and line it with greaseproof or baking paper. You can also use a large saucepan for this step if you don't have a suitable plate.
• Place your plate (or saucepan) on top of the bowl.
• Put your frozen buns onto the greaseproof paper, leaving some space between each bun to allow for expansion during steaming.
• Bring the water in the wok to a boil.
• Place a tall lid on the wok, or a flat lid if using a saucepan.
• Steam your buns for around 8 minutes.

This method is a great alternative to using a traditional bamboo steamer, and will give you delicious, fluffy buns without any condensation.

Frequently asked questions