Steam Bun Secrets: A Step-By-Step Guide To Cooking Perfection

Steamed buns are a staple food around the world, with different names and variations such as baozi in China, buuz in Mongolia, and siopao in the Philippines. They are typically cooked by steaming using a traditional bamboo steamer, which gives them a moist and puffy texture. However, it is also possible to cook them without a steamer by using alternative methods such as microwaving, deep frying, or steaming them in a pan or oven. The basic ingredients for the dough are flour, yeast, and water, but milk, oil, or sugar can also be added to enhance the flavour or improve the texture.

How to Cook Steam Buns

How to steam buns in the 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's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

What You'll Need:

• Microwave-safe plate
• Microwave-safe bowl or cup
• Paper towel (optional)
• Oven mitts or a towel

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Pour a small amount of water into the microwave-safe bowl or cup. This will create steam inside the microwave.
• Place the bowl or cup with water inside the microwave, ensuring it is stable and won't tip over.
• If you're steaming hamburger buns, split them open and lay them face-up on the microwave-safe plate. For other types of buns, you can wrap them in a damp paper towel before placing them on the plate.
• Place the plate with the buns inside the microwave next to the bowl or cup of water.
• Close the microwave door and set the timer. For hamburger buns, 20 seconds is usually sufficient. For other types of buns, start with 1 minute on medium heat and adjust as needed.
• Turn on the microwave and let it run for the set duration.
• Carefully remove the plate of steamed buns from the microwave using oven mitts or a towel, as they will be hot.

Your steamed buns are now ready to be enjoyed! This method is perfect for softening the buns, making them pillowy and light, while also warming them to the ideal temperature. It's a great way to elevate your burger game or simply enjoy warm, fluffy buns as a snack or side dish.

How to steam buns using a pan

Firstly, pour water into a pan and place a steamer rack and bowl in the centre. The water level should not be so high that the steamer rack is submerged. Line the bowl with parchment paper to prevent the buns from sticking.

Turn on the heat and bring the water to a boil. Once it is boiling, place the buns into the bowl and cover the pan with a lid.

Steam the buns until they are cooked. You can check if they are done by lightly pressing them with your fingers – they should be puffy to the touch and slowly return to their original shape. They should also feel light, airy and bouncy.

How to steam buns using a sieve

To steam buns using a sieve, you will need a shallow pan or pot for boiling water, a metal sieve, colander, or strainer, parchment paper, and kitchen or tea towels.

First, fill the pan or pot with a few inches of water. Next, place the sieve, colander, or strainer on top, ensuring it does not touch the water. Then, place parchment paper on top of the sieve to prevent the buns from sticking. Put the buns on the parchment paper and cover the pan or pot with a lid. To make the setup airtight, cover any gaps with a kitchen towel. Finally, turn on the heat and let the buns steam for about 10 minutes or until they are cooked through.

Some signs that the buns are cooked include a puffy consistency, a larger size, and a light and fluffy feel when held.

How to deep-fry steamed buns

Deep-fried steamed buns are a delicious treat, with a soft, fluffy interior and a crunchy exterior. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving perfect deep-fried steamed buns.

Ingredients and Equipment:

• Steamed buns (store-bought or homemade)
• Oil for deep frying (such as vegetable or peanut oil)
• Deep frying pan or pot
• Slotted spoon or tongs for removing the buns from the oil
• Paper towels for draining excess oil
• Condiments of your choice (e.g. condensed milk, jam, or peanut butter)

Step 1: Prepare the Steamed Buns

If you are making your own steamed buns, there are various recipes available online that you can follow. The basic ingredients are usually flour, yeast, and water, but you can also add milk, oil, or sugar to enhance the flavour and texture. You will need to allow time for the dough to rise and rest before shaping and steaming the buns. Alternatively, you can buy premade steamed buns from Asian supermarkets, usually in the fresh noodle section or freezer section.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

Pour oil into your deep frying pan or pot to a depth of at least 2 inches. Heat the oil to 350-375°F (180-190°C). You can use a candy/deep-frying thermometer to check the temperature, or test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread into it; if it sizzles and turns golden within 60 seconds, the oil is ready.

Step 3: Deep-Fry the Buns

Carefully place the steamed buns into the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the buns for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the buns from the oil, and drain them on paper towels to absorb excess grease.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Deep-fried steamed buns are best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve them with your choice of condiments, such as condensed milk, jam, or peanut butter. You can also fill them with savoury or sweet fillings before deep-frying, such as zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, or meat. Experiment with different flavours and enjoy the delicious combination of textures!

How to steam buns in the oven

Steaming buns in the oven is a great way to achieve warm, moist buns without the need for a steamer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is heating up, prepare your buns by spritzing them with a fine mist of water. This will help create the desired moist texture. Wrap the buns in aluminum foil to retain the moisture during the heating process.

Once the oven has reached the desired temperature, place the wrapped buns inside and set a timer for approximately 10 minutes. This timing is crucial to ensure the buns are heated through without becoming soggy.

When the timer goes off, remove the buns from the oven and carefully open the foil, being cautious of the escaping steam. Your buns should now be warm and ready to serve.

If you are making a large batch of buns, you may need to steam them in batches to ensure even heating. Additionally, if you are using a convection steam oven, you will need to adjust the settings accordingly, as per the manufacturer's instructions.

For an even more makeshift method, you can try using a combination of a deep hotel pan, a perforated pan insert, and another hotel pan as a lid. Line the perforated pan with parchment paper or lettuce leaves to prevent the buns from sticking. This setup allows you to steam a larger number of buns at once.

With these simple techniques, you can enjoy delicious, steamed buns without the need for specialized equipment.

Frequently asked questions