Steaming Pork Buns: No Steamer, No Problem!

Pork buns are a delicious treat, but what if you don't have a steamer? Well, fear not, because there are several ways to cook pork buns without one! You can use a stovetop pan, an oven, or even a bamboo steamer basket. If you're feeling creative, you can also try using a pie tin, a strainer, or a cooling rack. For a simple and easy clean-up, use a plate and some foil. Whatever method you choose, you'll be enjoying fluffy, steamed pork buns in no time!

Stovetop Pan Method

If you have a deep stovetop pan with a tight-fitting lid, you can easily improvise a steamer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Fill the pan with about an inch of water and place it on your stovetop. Turn on the heat and bring the water to a gentle simmer.

Step 2: Set Up the Plate

Place a heatproof plate or a shallow dish on top of the pan. Make sure the plate is slightly smaller than the pan's opening to trap the steam effectively.

Step 3: Arrange the Buns

Place the buns on the plate, ensuring you leave some space between them for the steam to circulate. It is important to maintain this space to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Cover and Steam

Cover the pan with its lid, trapping the steam inside. Allow the buns to steam for the recommended time, which is usually around 15-20 minutes for fully cooked and puffed-up buns. You can also refer to the specific recipe you are following for exact cooking times.

Tips:

• If you don't have a heatproof plate, you can use a sheet of aluminium foil. Simply make three large, solid balls out of aluminium foil and place them in the bottom of your pan. Then, add the water and place a regular plate (with the buns on it) on top of the foil balls.
• If you are using a metal steamer pan with a lid, line it with greaseproof/parchment paper to prevent condensation from dripping onto your buns.
• Avoid opening the pan lid during the first few minutes of steaming, as this can cause temperature fluctuations and affect the cooking process, leading to unevenly cooked buns.
• Always check that your buns are fully cooked before serving. Insert a toothpick into the centre of a bun, and if it comes out clean, your buns are ready to enjoy!

Oven Method

If you have an oven, you can easily steam buns using this method:

Firstly, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is preheating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Next, arrange the pork buns on the baking sheet, leaving some space between them. Then, boil some water and pour it into a roasting pan or a heatproof dish.

After that, place the roasting pan or dish on the bottom rack of the oven. Put the baking sheet with the pork buns on the middle rack.

Finally, close the oven door and let the buns steam for about 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked.

No matter which method you choose, it’s important to check the buns for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your buns are ready to be enjoyed!

Metal Colander

If you don't have a bamboo steamer, a metal colander can be used as an alternative steaming vessel for your pork buns. Here's what you need to do:

First, place the colander over a pot of simmering water, making sure that the colander sits securely and does not touch the water. Cover the colander with a lid or a heatproof plate to trap the steam inside. Use parchment paper to place your pork buns on, so they don't stick to the colander or each other.

Arrange the pork buns on the parchment paper, ensuring there is enough space between them for the steam to circulate. Then, simply steam the pork buns for the recommended cooking time.

This method is a great alternative to using a bamboo steamer, and you can enjoy delicious, steamed pork buns without the need for any special equipment!

Metal Pan Steamer

If you have a metal steamer with a glass or metal lid, you can use it to cook pork buns without a bamboo steamer. However, there are some problems that can arise with this method, such as condensation dripping back down onto the buns. To avoid this, you can follow these steps:

• Line the metal steamer with greaseproof paper to protect it from condensation.
• Do not overfill the steamer with water, as this can also cause dripping.
• Ensure that the buns don't touch the sides of the steamer, as they can become quite wet.
• Cover the pan with a clean tea towel to absorb any condensation before placing the lid on top.

Another option is to use a deep stovetop pan with a tight-fitting lid. Here's how you can use this method:

• Fill the pan with about an inch of water and bring it to a simmer.
• Place a heatproof plate or a shallow dish on top of the pan.
• Arrange the buns on the plate, leaving some space between them for steam circulation.
• Cover the pan with the lid to trap the steam inside.
• Steam the buns for the recommended time, usually around 15-20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and puffed up.

Silicone Steamer Insert

If you're looking for a way to cook pork buns without a traditional steamer, a silicone steamer insert is a great option. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use one to cook your pork buns:

Firstly, you'll need to get your hands on a silicone steamer insert. There are many options available on the market, such as the Norpro Silicone Steamer with Insert, which is a popular choice among customers. This product is designed for microwave or oven use and can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher.

Once you have your silicone steamer insert, follow these steps:

• Prepare your pork buns by letting them thaw if they are frozen.
• Place a small amount of water in your wok or saucepan and bring it to a boil.
• Put a small bowl inside your wok or saucepan, ensuring it is stable.
• Take a plate and line it with greaseproof paper or parchment paper.
• Place your pork buns on the paper-lined plate, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Carefully lower the plate with the buns onto the bowl in the wok or saucepan.
• Cover the plate with a tall lid or a flat lid, depending on your cookware.
• Let the buns steam for a few minutes. The exact time will depend on the size and number of buns, but around 8 minutes is a good starting point.
• Be cautious when removing the plate from the wok or saucepan, as it will be hot.
• Enjoy your freshly steamed pork buns!

Using a silicone steamer insert is a simple and effective way to cook pork buns without a traditional steamer. It ensures even cooking and helps retain essential vitamins and flavours. With this method, you can achieve fluffy and delicious pork buns without the need for specialized equipment.

Frequently asked questions