Steaming Soft Buns: Oven-Baked Perfection In Minutes

Steamed buns are a staple at dinner tables across Asia and the world. Their soft, airy texture, elasticity, and freshness make them irresistible. Traditionally, they are cooked using a bamboo steamer, which gives them their puffy texture. However, if you don't have access to a bamboo steamer, you can still cook steamed buns in an oven using a simple improvised steaming device. Here's how to do it.

How to line a steamer

To line a steamer for steamed buns, you can use a few different materials. The best option is to use a single round piece of perforated parchment paper that fits snugly into the steamer basket. The holes in the paper allow steam to circulate, and the paper prevents the buns from sticking to the steamer. If you don't have perforated parchment paper, you can make your own by cutting out a round piece of parchment paper to fit your steamer and then folding and cutting out small holes with scissors. You can also place each bun on its own square of parchment paper. If you don't have parchment paper, you can use lettuce leaves, cracking their spines so they lie flat in the steamer.

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 is a step-by-step guide on how to steam buns in the microwave:

Preparing the Buns for Steaming:

• If your buns are frozen, let them thaw first.
• Lightly dampen a clean kitchen towel or paper towel with water.
• Wrap each bun individually in the damp towel or paper. This helps retain moisture during the steaming process.

Setting Up the Microwave:

• Place the wrapped buns on a microwave-safe plate.
• Pour a small amount of water into a microwave-safe bowl or cup. This will create steam inside the microwave.
• Place the bowl or cup with water in the microwave, ensuring it is stable and won't tip over.
• Put the plate with the wrapped buns inside the microwave, next to the bowl or cup of water.

Steaming the Buns:

• Close the microwave door and set the timer. For frozen buns, microwave on high for about 1-2 minutes. For softer buns, steam for 20-30 seconds.
• Microwave in short intervals on a medium setting. Avoid microwaving for too long at a high setting, as this will dry out the buns and make them hard.
• After steaming, carefully remove the plate from the microwave using oven mitts or a towel, as the plate and buns will be hot.

Tips for Steaming Buns:

• Always steam buns individually in the microwave to ensure even cooking.
• The steaming time will depend on your microwave's wattage and your desired softness. Start with the recommended time and adjust as needed.
• Be careful not to over-steam the buns, as they can become soggy.

By following these steps, you can easily steam buns in the microwave, making them soft, warm, and ready to be enjoyed with your favorite fillings or toppings!

How to make your own bun steamer

If you don't have a bamboo steamer, you can make your own bun steamer using common kitchen items. Here's a guide on how to make your own bun steamer:

Items Required:

• Deep circular foil baking dish (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

Instructions:

• 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 piece of baking paper on top of it.
• Using a sharp knife or other pointed implement, poke about 12 evenly spaced holes through the paper and foil.
• Coat the paper with a layer of oil to prevent the buns from sticking.
• Fill the boiling pan with a few inches of water. Place the aluminium baking dish and paper inside, ensuring the water level is just below the depth of the dish.
• Place the buns on top of the baking paper and cover the boiling pan with its lid.
• Cook over medium-high heat for around 20 minutes, producing enough steam to cook the buns.

Tips:

• If you don't have a boiling pan with a lid, you can create a makeshift lid by using a combination of plates and tea towels to trap the steam.
• It is important to ensure that the buns do not come into direct contact with the water, as this can result in soggy and wet buns.

How to steam buns using a sieve

Steaming buns using a sieve is a great alternative if you don't have a bamboo steamer at home. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Boiling Pan

Fill a boiling pan with a few inches of water. Make sure you use a pan that is just large enough for the sieve to rest in. The water level should not submerge the lowest point of the sieve.

Step 2: Prepare the Sieve

Place your sieve in the pan. Use a metal sieve or colander if possible, as this will be more durable over the boiling water.

Step 3: Prepare the Buns

Place your buns on sheets of cooking paper, cabbage, or lettuce leaves before putting them into the sieve. This step will prevent the buns from sticking to the sieve mesh.

Step 4: Assemble and Cook

Place the loaded sieve into the boiling pan and cover it with the pan lid. Make the setup airtight by layering tea towels over the lid. Turn the heat to the highest gas mark and leave the buns to cook for about ten minutes. A high-intensity heat setting is necessary to generate enough hot steam for the cooking process.

Tips:

• Leave some space between the buns to allow for steam circulation and expansion.
• If you're using a metal pan with a glass or metal lid, condensation may drip down onto the buns. To avoid this, cover the pan with a kitchen towel or cheesecloth to absorb the condensation.
• Be sure to check the buns for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your buns are ready!

Now you can enjoy delicious, fluffy steamed buns without needing a bamboo steamer!

How to steam buns in a bamboo steamer

Steaming is a great way to cook, and a bamboo steamer is a versatile piece of equipment that every cook and baker should have. Here is a detailed guide on how to steam buns in a bamboo steamer:

Firstly, a bamboo steamer is ideal for buns, dumplings, or any steamed pastry. It is affordable and prevents condensation from dripping onto the buns, which can make them soggy. A 10" bamboo steamer is the standard size for the average home cook.

To use your bamboo steamer, add about 1" to 1 1/2" of water to a 14" wok or a large pot or pan. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Then, place the covered bamboo steamer with the buns inside over the water. Ensure that the bottom rim of the steamer is submerged in the water at all times; otherwise, it will char. The floor of the steamer should not touch the water, or the buns will get too wet. Depending on your steam time, you might need to top up the water now and then, so keep a kettle of boiling water handy.

When steaming buns, always bring the water in the wok or pan to a rapid boil first, and then carefully lower the steamer into the wok or pan. Follow the steaming time indicated in your recipe, and resist the temptation to open the steamer and peek at the buns, as this can cause them to collapse. If you are making fluffy buns, leave them covered in the steamer for an extra 5 minutes after turning off the heat.

To line your steamer, use a single round piece of perforated parchment paper that fits snugly into the steamer. The holes allow the steam to circulate, and the paper prevents sticking. If you don't have perforated paper, you can place each bun on a square of parchment paper, or use lettuce leaves (crack their spines so they lie flat). You can also make your own perforated parchment by cutting out steamer-sized rounds from a large sheet, folding and cutting out random sections with scissors, then unfolding and lining your steamer.

If you are using a metal steamer, you will need to cover the lid with a kitchen towel to prevent condensation from dripping onto the buns.

To maintain your bamboo steamer, wash it with soap and soak it in hot water for 5 minutes before the first use. After each use, wash it with mild soap and warm water, then air dry. If there are dough chunks stuck to the steamer, scrub them off with a nylon brush. Do not put your bamboo steamer in the dishwasher. If you live in a dry climate, occasionally brush the steamer with vegetable oil to prevent cracking. With proper care, bamboo steamers can last a couple of years.

Frequently asked questions