Steaming Home: Cooking Bons To Perfection

Steaming is a cooking technique that is especially popular in Taiwan and other parts of Asia. It is a healthy and versatile way to cook a wide variety of foods, including vegetables, meats, fish, dumplings, and desserts. The process involves using hot steam generated from boiling water to cook food, which helps retain its nutrition, colour, and texture.

There are several ways to steam food, and you can do so without a steamer. Here are some simple methods to steam food at home:

- Using a large pot, a heatproof plate, and aluminium foil: Roll three sheets of aluminium foil into baseball-sized balls and place them at the bottom of the pot. Pour in about an inch of water, place the plate on the foil balls, add your food, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and steam.

- Using a wire cooling rack: Place an inch of water in a pot with a tight-fitting lid, put the wire cooling rack in the pan, add your food on top of the rack, close the lid, and steam until your desired texture is achieved.

- Using a disposable aluminium pie pan: Poke holes in the bottom of the pan, place it upside down in a pot with an inch of water, add your food on top, and steam.

- Using a microwave: Place your food in a bowl with a few tablespoons of water, cover the bowl tightly with microwave-safe plastic wrap, and microwave for 4-6 minutes until tender.

How to steam buns in a pot or wok

Steaming buns is a great way to cook them while maintaining their soft, airy texture. Here's a guide on how to steam buns using a pot or wok:

What You'll Need:

• A pot or wok with a lid
• A heat-proof dish that fits inside the pot or wok
• Something to prop up the dish, such as a metal steam rack or a clean, empty metal can
• Boiling water
• Buns or dough prepared for steaming

Steps:

• Set Up Your Steamer: Fill the pot or wok with 1 to 2 inches of water. The amount of water will depend on how long you need to steam the buns. For longer steaming times, use more water. Place a metal steam rack or empty can in the centre of the pot/wok. The rack or can should be at least 2 inches above the water level.
• Prepare the Buns: Place the buns or dough onto a heat-proof dish. If you're steaming yeasted buns, leave at least 1 inch of space between them as they will expand during steaming. You can also use parchment paper, cabbage leaves, or lettuce leaves to prevent sticking.
• Steam the Buns: Once the water is simmering, carefully place the dish of buns on the rack or can. Cover the pot or wok with a lid, leaving enough space for steam to circulate. Adjust the heat to medium-high. For fluffy yeasted buns, follow the recipe's timing and then let the buns sit covered in the steamer for an extra 5 minutes after turning off the heat.
• Maintain Water Level: Keep an eye on the water level and add boiling water as needed. Using boiling water helps maintain a consistent temperature. Do not let the water completely evaporate, as this will scorch the bottom of your pot or wok.
• Safety: Always be cautious when working with hot steam. Be careful when opening the lid and removing the buns from the steamer to avoid burns.

With these steps, you'll be able to steam delicious buns at home using a pot or wok!

How to steam buns in a bamboo steamer

Steaming buns is a great way to cook them, as it ensures they are light and puffy, without becoming soggy. Here is a step-by-step guide to steaming buns in a bamboo steamer:

Step 1: Prepare the Buns

Before you begin steaming, it is important to prepare your buns. If they are frozen, let them thaw first. You can also fill them with savoury or sweet fillings, such as pandan coconut, curry, or black sesame.

Step 2: Prepare the Steamer

Fill the bottom of your bamboo steamer with water. Place the steamer rack inside, ensuring it is not fully submerged. Line the rack with parchment paper to prevent the buns from sticking.

Step 3: Steam the Buns

Place the buns on the parchment paper, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cover the steamer with its lid. Place the steamer on top of a boiling pan or pot, ensuring a tight fit to prevent steam from escaping. Steam the buns for around 10 minutes, or until cooked.

Step 4: Check the Buns are Cooked

There are several ways to check if your buns are cooked:

• Press the buns lightly with your fingers. They should be puffy to the touch and slowly return to their original shape.
• The buns should be slightly larger than their original size.
• Poke the buns with a fork and touch the fork to see if it is hot.
• The buns should feel light, airy, and bouncy when held.

Tips:

• If you do not have a bamboo steamer, you can use a metal sieve, colander, or strainer placed over a pan of boiling water.
• You can also use a rice cooker or instant pot with a steamer basket to steam buns.
• For a quick and easy alternative, place your buns in a microwave with a damp paper towel for one minute at a time on a medium setting.

Now you know the steps and tips for steaming buns, you can enjoy light and fluffy homemade steamed buns!

How to steam buns in an oven

Steaming buns in an oven is a quick and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients and Equipment

• Tin foil baking dish (deep and circular, for a pie)
• Boiling pan with a cover lid (slightly larger than the foil baking dish)
• Baking paper
• Sharp knife or other pointed implement
• Oil

Method

• Cut out a circular piece of baking paper that is roughly the same size as your foil baking dish.
• Turn the foil baking dish upside down and place the paper on top of it.
• Poke about 12 evenly spaced holes through the paper and foil using a sharp knife or other pointed implement.
• Coat the paper top with a layer of oil to prevent sticking.
• Fill the boiling pan with a few inches of water. The water level should be just below the depth of the aluminium baking dish.
• Place the buns on top of the oiled baking paper.
• Place the foil baking dish and paper inside the boiling pan, then cover the pan with its lid.
• Cook over a medium-high heat for around 20 minutes, or until enough steam is produced.

Tips:

• It is important to use a deep, circular foil baking dish for this method.
• Ensure that the baking paper is roughly the same size as the foil baking dish for a snug fit.
• Create even spacing when poking holes through the paper and foil to allow for consistent steam distribution.
• Oil the baking paper to prevent the buns from sticking during the cooking process.
• Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a steady production of steam.

How to steam buns in a microwave

Steaming buns in the microwave is a quick and convenient method that will leave your buns soft, warm, and ready to be enjoyed. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Prepare the Buns:

• If your buns are frozen, it is recommended to wet all surfaces of the bun with water before microwaving. This will prevent the dough from cracking when heated.
• If your buns are not frozen, you can lightly dampen a clean kitchen towel with water and wrap it around the buns to retain moisture during the steaming process.

Microwave the Buns:

• Place the bun(s) on a microwave-safe plate. If you are cooking multiple buns, it is best to microwave them individually to ensure even cooking.
• For frozen buns, heat on high power for approximately one minute for a standard-sized bun. Larger buns may require up to two minutes.
• For fresh buns, microwave on high for about 20-30 seconds or until they reach your desired level of softness.
• Cooking times may vary depending on your microwave, so keep a close eye on the buns to avoid overcooking.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• To create a steaming effect and prevent the buns from drying out, place a microwave-safe bowl of water alongside the plate of buns in the microwave.
• Alternatively, place the bun on top of a mug filled with about one centimeter of water before microwaving. This will create steam and heat the bun from underneath, resulting in a fluffier texture.
• If you are steaming hamburger buns, it is recommended to split them open and lay them face-up on the plate before microwaving.

How to steam buns in an Instant Pot

Ingredients:

• 1/2 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup of filling (meat or vegetarian)

Method:

• Warm 1/4 cup of water in the microwave for 30 seconds. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar, canola oil, and active dry yeast to a medium-sized bowl. Mix the ingredients until the yeast dissolves. Let the yeast mixture rest for 5 minutes or until it becomes bubbly.
• In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Use a wire whisk to combine the ingredients.
• Attach the mixing bowl to an electric stand mixer with a hook attachment. Add in the yeast mixture and mix at low speed until the yeast mixture and flour mixture start to combine.
• Continue mixing at medium speed for about 7 to 8 minutes, scraping the flour from the sides of the bowl as needed, until the dough forms.
• Remove the dough from the bowl and brush the bowl with oil. Form the dough into a ball and return it to the oiled bowl. Turn the dough to coat it with oil, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in a warm place to rise for 1 hour.
• After an hour, sprinkle your work surface with flour and form the dough into a log. Divide the dough into 5 equal pieces.
• Fill each piece of dough with your desired filling and seal. Cut parchment paper into 5 pieces and place them under the dough.
• Let the filled dough rest for another 30 minutes.
• Add 3 cups of water into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Place the steamer rack inside and cover with the pressure cooker lid.
• Set the timer for 3 minutes and push the steam button.
• Once the timer goes off, release the pressure and carefully open the lid. Your steamed buns are now ready to be enjoyed!

Tips:

• If you are making the buns ahead of time, you can freeze them after cooking. Simply line them up in a large ziplock bag and store them in the freezer.
• To reheat frozen buns, you can either steam them in the Instant Pot for 2 minutes or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds.

Frequently asked questions