Steaming Soft Buns: A Guide To Cooking Pre-Made Dough

Steamed buns are a staple in many parts of Asia and are enjoyed worldwide for their soft, airy texture and versatility. They can be enjoyed as a snack or a side dish, and are often filled with savoury or sweet fillings. While traditional methods of cooking steamed buns involve the use of a bamboo steamer, there are alternative ways to cook premade steamed buns without a steamer. Here are some methods to cook premade steamed buns:

Using a Microwave

Microwaving is a convenient and quick way to cook premade steamed buns. Simply dampen a paper towel, wrap the bun, and place it on a microwavable plate. Cover with a bowl that has been lightly wet on the inside and microwave for one minute at a time on a medium setting until cooked. It is important to avoid microwaving at a high setting for too long, as this will dry out the bun.

Using a Sieve or Colander

This method involves suspending a metal sieve or colander over a pot of boiling water. Place the buns on sheets of cooking paper, cabbage, or lettuce leaves before putting them in the sieve to prevent sticking. Cover the pot with a lid and then with layers of tea towels to create an airtight seal. Cook on the highest gas mark for about ten minutes to generate enough steam.

Deep-Frying

Deep-frying premade steamed buns in a wok with oil will result in a unique flavour profile and texture. Heat the oil to 150°C and fry the buns for approximately three minutes, turning frequently, until they are golden brown.

Using an Oven

A quick and easy way to cook premade steamed buns is to create a makeshift steamer using a tin foil baking dish and a boiling pan. Cut a circular piece of baking paper to fit the foil baking dish and poke about 12 holes through the paper and foil. Oil the paper, place the buns on top, and cover with a lid. Steam over medium-high heat for around 20 minutes.

How to steam buns in the microwave

Steaming premade 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 steam buns in the microwave:

Preparing the Buns for Steaming:

• Lightly dampen a paper towel with water and wring out the excess.
• Wrap each bun individually in the damp paper towel and place them on a microwave-safe plate. This helps retain moisture during the steaming process.

Setting Up the Microwave:

• Place a microwave-safe bowl or cup filled with a small amount of water into the microwave. Ensure it is stable and won't tip over.
• Alternatively, fill a microwave-safe mug with about one centimeter or one inch of water and place the bun on top of the mug.
• The water in the bowl or mug will create steam inside the microwave, acting like a traditional steamer.

Steaming the Buns:

• Close the microwave door and set the timer. The steaming time will depend on the size of the buns and your desired level of softness.
• For smaller, regular-sized buns, steam for about 1 minute on a medium setting or 20-30 seconds on high power.
• For larger buns, steam for about 2 minutes on high power.
• Check the buns after the first round of steaming. If they need more time, microwave in short intervals to avoid overcooking.
• The buns are ready when the filling is steaming hot. You can also touch the bun cautiously to see if it is heated through, or insert a fork and check if the prongs are warm.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• Avoid microwaving the buns for too long at a high setting, as this can dry out the buns and make them hard.
• If you are steaming multiple buns, it is recommended to steam them individually to ensure even cooking.
• If you want to steam a batch of buns together, place them in a microwave-safe container with some space between each bun to allow for even steaming.

How to steam buns using a sieve

If you don't have a bamboo steamer to hand, don't worry! You can still cook steamed buns using a simple kitchen sieve. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Fill a boiling pan with a few inches of water. The water level should not touch the lowest point of the sieve when it is placed inside the pan.
• Place a sheet of cooking paper, a cabbage leaf, or a lettuce leaf inside the sieve to prevent the buns from sticking to the mesh.
• Put your buns on top of the paper or leaf.
• Place the sieve inside the boiling pan, ensuring it rests on the rim of the pan and doesn't submerge.
• Cover the pan with a lid, then seal any gaps with tea towels to make it airtight.
• Turn the heat to the highest gas mark and leave the buns to steam for about 10 minutes, maintaining high heat to generate enough steam.

And there you have it—steamed buns, cooked to perfection using a simple kitchen sieve!

How to deep-fry premade steamed buns

Deep-frying premade steamed buns will give them a very different finish, but the technique comes with its own unique flavour profile and texture.

Firstly, you will need to gather your premade steamed buns and some oil. Sesame oil is a great option as it gives the buns a nutty flavour, but you can use any oil of your choice.

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Add the oil to a wok and heat it to 150°C.
• Carefully place the desired number of buns into the wok and deep-fry them for approximately 3 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
• Turn the buns frequently to achieve an even colour.

And that's it! Your deep-fried steamed buns are now ready to be served and enjoyed. This cooking method adds a unique crispy texture to the soft and fluffy buns, creating an interesting contrast.

If you want to get creative, you can also cut the buns in half before deep-frying to increase the crispiness. Serve them with condensed milk, jams, Nutella, peanut butter, or even savoury sauces. The possibilities are endless!

How to steam buns in the oven

Firstly, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is preheating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, arrange the buns on the baking sheet, leaving some space between them. Next, boil some water and pour it into a roasting pan or a heatproof dish. Place the roasting pan or dish on the bottom rack of the oven. Put the baking sheet with the buns on the middle rack. Close the oven door and let the buns steam for about 15-20 minutes or until they are fully cooked and puffed up.

Alternatively, you can make a quick and easy improvised steaming device using a tin foil baking dish and boiling pan. You will need a deep circular foil baking dish (for a pie) and a boiling pan with a cover lid (with a slightly larger circumference than your foil baking dish). First, cut out a circular piece of baking paper roughly the same size as your foil baking dish. Turn the foil baking dish upside down and put your piece of baking 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 in a layer of oil to stop the buns from sticking. Fill the boiling pan with a few inches of water and put the aluminium baking tray and paper top inside, the water level should be just below the depth of the aluminium baking tray. Place the buns on top of the baking paper layer and cover the boiling pan with its lid. Cook over a medium-high heat to produce enough steam for around 20 minutes.

How to steam buns on the stove

Firstly, you will need a deep stovetop pan with a tight-fitting lid. Fill the pan with about an inch of water and bring it to a simmer. Then, place a heatproof plate or a shallow dish on top of the pan. Next, arrange the buns on the plate, leaving some space between them for the steam to circulate. Cover the pan with the lid to trap the steam inside. Finally, steam the buns for around 15-20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and puffed up.

If you don't have a steamer, there are other ways to steam your buns. You can use a colander or a sieve placed over a pot of boiling water. Cover it with a lid or aluminium foil, then arrange the buns on top, leaving enough space for steam to circulate. You can also use a microwave. Dampen a paper towel and wrap your bun in it, placing it on a microwavable plate. Take a bowl and lightly wet the inside, placing it over the wrapped bun. Microwave for one minute at a time on a medium setting. Alternatively, a bamboo steamer basket is a versatile tool. Line the bottom with parchment paper or cabbage leaves, fill a large pot with a couple of inches of water and bring it to a simmer. Place the bamboo steamer on top, making sure the water doesn't touch the bottom of the basket. Arrange the buns inside, cover, and steam for 15-20 minutes.

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