Steaming Soft Buns With A Rice Cooker: A Simple Guide

Steamed buns are a staple in Chinese cuisine and can be easily made in a rice cooker. They are soft, fluffy, and delicious, and can be made with various fillings, such as sweet red bean paste or savoury minced meat. The process of making steamed buns in a rice cooker is simple and convenient, and can be done by anyone, from beginners to experienced chefs. The key to success is in the preparation and choosing the right rice cooker for the job. This guide will teach you how to make perfect steamed buns every time, with tips and tricks for customising your buns to your liking.

Preparing your steamer

To prepare your steamer, first, line the steaming tray or basket with parchment paper or cabbage leaves. This will prevent the buns from sticking. If you don't have parchment paper, coffee filters or lettuce can be used as a non-stick liner.

Next, fill the rice cooker with water, ensuring the water level is below the steaming tray to avoid direct contact with the buns. The amount of water you add is important. If you add too much water, the buns will be soggy, and if you add too little, they will be dry. A good rule of thumb is to use a measuring cup to add exactly 1 cup of water for every 6 buns.

If you are using frozen buns, allow them to thaw at room temperature first for a smoother steaming process. Then, place the buns on the steaming tray, leaving some space between each bun to allow for even steaming.

Finally, start the rice cooker on the steam setting and set the timer. Typically, it takes around 15-20 minutes to steam buns thoroughly, but this may vary depending on the type and size of the buns, so it is important to refer to your specific recipe.

Preparing the buns

The key to successfully steaming buns in a rice cooker is in the preparation. First, choose the right rice cooker for the number of buns you want to make. If you're making a large batch, you might want to invest in a larger model. For the buns themselves, it's important to use high-quality rice flour and yeast.

If you're making the buns from scratch, combine the dry ingredients in a bowl and mix the liquid ingredients in a measuring jug. Slowly pour the liquid into the bowl with the dry ingredients, kneading the mixture until all the water is mixed into the flour. Once mixed, turn the speed up and knead for a further 2 minutes until the dough has a smooth yet tacky feel.

Shape the dough into a ball and coat it with vegetable oil before placing it back into the bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and leave it in a warm, draft-free location for 1-1.5 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.

Once the dough has risen, you can shape it into your desired shape. If you're making filled buns, this is the time to add your filling. Roll the dough out into a rectangle and brush the surface with water. Roll the dough tightly from the longer edge to form a log, ensuring it is thin and tight with no spaces between the spirals. Slice the log into equal-sized pieces, depending on how many buns you want to make.

Place the dough slices on squares of parchment paper and put them in the steamer, spaced about 1 inch apart, as they will spread during steaming. Let the buns rise for about 20 minutes in a semi-warm area. If your kitchen is too cold, turn your steamer on warm to help them rise.

If you're using frozen buns, allow them to thaw at room temperature first for a smoother steaming process.

Adding aromatic elements

Adding herbs and spices is a great way to enhance the flavour of your steamed buns. Scallions, sesame seeds, and other herbs and spices can be added on top of the buns before steaming. This will give your buns an extra kick of flavour.

You can also infuse your buns with aromatic flavours by placing a small bowl of water with a few drops of essential oils or herbs in the rice cooker. This will fill the cooker with fragrant steam, infusing the buns with a subtle aroma.

If you're feeling creative, you can even experiment with different fillings to add an unexpected twist to your buns. Sweet fillings like red bean paste or custard will give your buns a delightful surprise, while savoury options like minced meat or vegetables will create a more substantial meal.

For a truly unique flavour experience, try adding some baking powder to the dough before shaping and steaming your buns. This will give them an extra soft and fluffy texture. Or, if you prefer a crispy exterior, brush the buns with an egg wash or milk before steaming.

With these tips, you can elevate the flavour and texture of your steamed buns, creating a delicious treat that's sure to impress your family and friends.

Experimenting with fillings

Now that you know how to cook steamed buns in a rice cooker, it's time to experiment with different fillings! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Meats

If you're a meat eater, you have a variety of options to choose from. The classic filling for bao buns is pork, specifically Chinese barbecue pork or Char Siu. However, you can also experiment with other meats such as crispy chicken or duck. If you're feeling adventurous, try using fish as your filling. Just make sure that your fish is properly cooked before filling your buns.

Vegetables

For a vegetarian option, you can fill your buns with pan-fried mushrooms and chives. You can also experiment with other vegetables, such as asparagus, which can be easily steamed in your rice cooker. If you're looking for a healthier option, try steaming some veggies and serving them as a side dish to your buns.

Tofu

For a plant-based protein option, try using tofu or tempeh as your filling. BBQ tofu is a great way to add flavour to your buns, and you can easily prepare it in your rice cooker. Simply cut the tofu into cubes, marinade it in your favourite BBQ sauce, and steam it in your rice cooker for 10-15 minutes.

Experimenting with Flavours

Don't be afraid to get creative with your fillings! Try combining different ingredients to create unique flavour profiles. For example, you could pair your crispy duck with a plum sauce, or your pan-fried mushrooms with a hint of truffle oil. If you're feeling extra adventurous, you can even experiment with sweet fillings, such as a chocolate or fruit compote.

Remember, the beauty of steamed buns is that you can customise them to your own taste preferences. So, don't be afraid to experiment with different fillings and find your perfect combination! Happy cooking!

Customising steaming conditions

Customising the steaming conditions is a great way to elevate your steamed buns and ensure optimal results. Here are some tips to achieve the perfect texture and consistency:

Temperature Control:

Experiment with the different steam settings on your rice cooker to find the ideal temperature and duration for your buns. Adjusting the temperature will allow you to fine-tune the cooking process and achieve your desired results.

Multiple Steaming Sessions:

If you're preparing a large batch of buns, consider steaming them in multiple, smaller batches. This ensures even cooking and prevents overloading your rice cooker. By steaming in smaller batches, you can also pay closer attention to each bun, ensuring they're cooked to perfection.

Soft and Fluffy Buns:

For extra soft and fluffy buns, add a small amount of baking powder to your dough before shaping and steaming. The baking powder will give your buns a lighter, airier texture.

Crispy Exterior:

If you prefer your buns with a crispy crust, brush them with an egg wash or milk before steaming. This simple step will give your buns a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.

By adjusting these steaming conditions, you can create steamed buns that suit your taste preferences and achieve the perfect texture and consistency. Whether you like them soft and fluffy or with a crispy exterior, these tips will help you customise your cooking process and elevate your steamed buns to the next level.

Frequently asked questions