Steaming Soft Buns: No Steamer, No Problem!

Steamed buns are a staple food worldwide, known by many names such as baozi, buuz, siopao, and chūkaman. They are typically cooked using a traditional bamboo steamer, but what if you don't have one? Well, there are several alternative methods to achieve those soft, airy, and irresistible steamed buns. Whether you're craving a savoury pork bun or a sweet custard bun, you can use common kitchen equipment to create a steamer and enjoy these fluffy treats. Here are some ways to cook steamed buns without a steamer.

Use a Stovetop Pan Method

If you have a deep stovetop pan with a tight-fitting lid, you can easily improvise a steamer. This method is ideal for cooking steamed buns without a steamer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, fill the pan with about an inch of water and bring it to a gentle simmer. It is important to ensure that the water is not boiling vigorously, as this may affect the cooking process. Place a heatproof plate or a shallow dish on top of the pan. A heatproof plate is ideal, but if you don't have one, you can use a regular plate, being careful to handle it with oven mitts or a kitchen towel to protect your hands from the heat.

Arrange the buns on the plate, making sure to leave some space between them for steam circulation. This is an important step as it ensures even cooking and prevents the buns from becoming soggy. Cover the pan with the lid, trapping the steam inside. This step is crucial, as it creates the steam environment necessary for cooking the buns.

Finally, steam the buns for the recommended time, usually around 15-20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and puffed up. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the number of buns you are cooking and the heat setting, so it is important to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Using a stovetop pan is an effective and straightforward way to cook steamed buns without a steamer. With this method, you can still enjoy delicious, fluffy steamed buns anytime you want!

Try the Oven Method

If you have an oven, you can easily steam buns using this method. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is preheating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Now, arrange the buns on the baking sheet, leaving some space between them. 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 and 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 fully cooked.

You can also make a quick and easy improvised steaming device using a tin foil baking dish and a boiling pan. Take 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). 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 prevent sticking. Fill the boiling pan with a few inches of water and put the aluminium baking tray and paper top inside, ensuring the water level is 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.

Utilise a Sieve, Colander or Strainer

If you don't have a bamboo steamer, you can still achieve the soft, airy texture of steamed buns with a simple kitchen hack. All you need is a sieve, colander or strainer, a deep pan, and some kitchen or tea towels.

First, fill your pan with a few inches of water and place it on the hob. Then, take your sieve, colander or strainer and place it on top of the pan, making sure it doesn't touch the water. You can use a metal or heat-proof glass bowl instead, if you prefer. Next, place a sheet of parchment paper on top of your chosen utensil to prevent the buns from sticking. Put the buns on the parchment paper, cover the pan with a lid, and seal any gaps with a towel to make it airtight. Finally, turn the heat on high and let the buns steam for about 10 minutes, or until they are cooked through.

This method is a great alternative to using a bamboo steamer, and it's easy to do with common kitchen equipment. Just make sure you don't let the sieve, colander or strainer submerge in the water, and be careful when handling the hot pan and lid.

Deep-Fry the Buns

Deep-frying is a great way to cook steamed buns without a steamer, and it will give them a unique flavour and texture. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, you will need a wok and some oil. Sesame oil is a great choice as it will give the buns a nutty flavour, but you can use any oil of your preference. Heat the oil in the wok to 150°C. While the oil is heating up, you can prepare the buns.

If you are making the buns yourself, here is a simple dough recipe you can follow: mix flour and a pinch of salt in a large bowl until well combined. In a separate bowl, mix active dry yeast and sugar with warm water until well incorporated. Then, add this mixture to the flour along with a drizzle of oil and knead until you form a soft dough. Cover the dough and let it proof until it doubles in size. Next, divide the dough into equal portions and roll them into balls. Roll out each dough piece into a circular shape and place a spoonful of filling in the middle. Bring all the sides together or pleat to seal the buns.

Now you can start frying! Place the buns in the wok with the pleated side facing down, leaving some space between them. Fry until the bottom turns golden brown, turning them frequently to achieve an even colour. Then, add enough water to cover about 1-2 cm of the buns and cover the wok with a lid. Let the buns cook until all the water has evaporated.

Once the buns are cooked, remove the lid and garnish them with chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve them warm as they are, or place a plate over the wok and flip it over so that the crispy bottom layer is shown upright. Enjoy!

Use a Microwave

Using a microwave is a great way to steam buns as it's fast, simple, and microwaves are a common fixture in many kitchens. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, take a paper towel and dampen it with water. Squeeze out any excess water so that the paper towel is just damp. This will help keep the bun moist and prevent it from drying out during the cooking process.

Next, wrap your bun in the damp paper towel and place it on a microwave-safe plate. It's important to use microwave-safe utensils to avoid any damage or safety hazards.

Then, take a microwave-safe bowl and lightly wet the inside by running it under the tap. Place this bowl over the wrapped bun on the plate. This will create a steaming effect in the microwave.

Now, you're ready to microwave your bun. Set the microwave to a medium setting and cook the bun for one minute. Steaming buns in the microwave requires shorter intervals on a medium setting to avoid overcooking. After the first minute, check if the bun is cooked. If not, continue microwaving in one-minute intervals until it is done to your liking.

Using a microwave is a convenient and effective way to steam buns without a steamer. This method ensures your bun is cooked evenly and maintains its soft and puffy texture.

You can also try other methods like using a stovetop pan, an oven, or a bamboo steamer basket to steam your buns without a traditional steamer.

Frequently asked questions