Tiffany Haney
Steaming is the best way to cook bao buns, and you can do it right in a pan. You can use a bamboo steamer basket, or make a DIY steamer using bowls, plates, foil, or wax paper. If you want to pan-fry your bao buns, you can do that too—this will give them a crispy bottom. But if you want soft, fluffy bao buns, steaming is the way to go.
Characteristics and their values for steaming bao buns in a pan:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of pan | Large pot with a domed lid |
| Alternative | Frying pan with a cover |
| Water level | Enough to cover the bottom of the pan |
| Temperature | Low heat |
| Steam time | 10-20 minutes |
| Internal temperature | 170 degrees F |
| Equipment | Steamer basket, tongs or chopsticks, heat-proof bowl or plate |
| Cool-down time | A few minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare your pan and steamer basket
To prepare your pan and steamer basket, start by filling a pot or pan with water. The amount of water you add will depend on the size of your pot or pan, but make sure the water level is not too high—it should not reach the bottom of the steamer basket. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a heat-proof bowl or plate that fits inside your pot or pan. Alternatively, you can use aluminium foil by covering your pot with it, poking some small holes, and placing your bao on top.
If you're using a steamer basket, place it gently inside your pot or pan. Make sure the water level is below the bottom of the basket to avoid getting your buns soggy. You can line the basket with parchment paper or a leaf of cabbage to prevent the dough from sticking.
If you're using a plate or bowl, fill your pot or pan with just enough water to cover the bottom so it doesn't burn. Then, grab a piece of parchment or wax paper and cut it to fit the size of your plate or bowl. Place the paper on the plate or bowl, and then put your bun dough on top.
Another option is to use a bamboo steamer, which you can usually find at an affordable price at an Asian grocery store. These steamers sit nicely on top of a frying pan or pot, and you can stack multiple baskets to steam several buns at once. Like with other steamer baskets, you can line the bamboo steamer with parchment paper or a leaf of cabbage.
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Add water to the pan
When steaming bao buns in a pan, adding water is a crucial step. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:
Firstly, the type of pan you use is important. A large, deep pan with a lid is ideal. If you don't have a lid, you can use aluminum foil to cover the pan, ensuring you poke some small holes in it for ventilation. Alternatively, you can use a plate that is larger than the pan as a cover.
Now, for adding the water. Pour water into the pan, ensuring it covers the bottom of the pan to a depth of about one inch. You want enough water to generate steam, but not so much that it touches the buns when they are placed in the pan. The exact amount of water needed will depend on the size of your pan, so adjust accordingly.
If you are using a steamer basket, ensure the water level is not over the bottom of the basket. The basket should sit above the water, allowing the rising steam to cook the buns. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a heat-proof object, such as a small bowl or aluminum foil, to elevate the buns above the water.
Once the water is in the pan, you can proceed to the next steps of steaming your bao buns. Remember to always be cautious when handling hot pans and steam, and make sure the pan's contents do not boil dry.
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Place buns in the steamer basket
To steam bao buns in a pan, you will need a steamer basket that fits inside your pan. You can get a bamboo steamer basket from an Asian grocery store or online. These are inexpensive and can be placed on top of a frying pan or pot. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a couple of bowls that can fit inside your pan.
Once you have your steamer basket, follow these steps:
- Place the buns in the steamer basket: Ensure that the buns are not overcrowded and have enough space to expand. If you are using a bamboo steamer, it is recommended to line the surface with parchment paper or a leaf of cabbage to prevent sticking.
- Add water to the pan: Fill the pan with enough water to cover the bottom so that it doesn't burn. Make sure the water level is below the bottom of the steamer basket.
- Assemble the setup: Gently place the steamer basket with the buns into the pan. If using the bowl method, place the smaller bowl upside down in the pan, then put the plate with the bun on top of the bowl.
- Cover and steam: Cover the pan with a lid or foil. Turn the heat to low and let the buns steam for 10-20 minutes, depending on the instructions and desired doneness.
- Remove and serve: After steaming, carefully remove the buns from the steamer basket using tongs or chopsticks. Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving.
By following these steps, you can create delicious, fluffy bao buns right in your pan at home!
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Cover the pan and steam
Once you have prepared your bao buns and set up your steamer, it's time to cook them! Cover the pan and steam the buns for around 10 to 20 minutes. The exact steaming time may vary depending on the recipe and the cooking method. For example, one source recommends steaming the buns for about 15 minutes, while another suggests a range of 15 to 20 minutes.
It is important to ensure that the water does not completely boil off during the steaming process, as this can affect the cooking time and the final texture of the buns. The internal temperature of the buns should reach around 170 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you are using a traditional bamboo steamer, simply place the lid on top of the steamer basket before steaming. This setup will ensure that the steam circulates effectively and cooks the buns evenly.
On the other hand, if you are steaming the buns without a steamer basket, there are a few alternative methods to cover the pan. One method is to use aluminum foil. Place a piece of aluminum foil over a pot with a domed lid, and poke some small holes in the foil. Place the bao buns on top of the foil and then cover them with another layer of foil or the pot lid.
Another method is to use two bowls and a plate. Place a small bowl upside down in a large pot or pan. Fill the pot with enough water to cover the bottom, then place a plate on top of the bowl. Put the bun on the plate and cover it with a large bowl or the pot lid. This setup creates a steaming chamber for the bao buns.
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Remove buns from the steamer
When steaming bao buns in a pan, there are several methods you can use to remove the buns from the steamer. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Using a Steamer Basket or Bamboo Steamer:
If you are using a steamer basket or a bamboo steamer, carefully lift the steamer out of the pan once the buns are ready. You can use tongs or oven mitts to protect your hands from the steam and heat. Place the steamer basket or bamboo steamer on a heat-resistant surface, such as a trivet or a wooden board. Then, use tongs or chopsticks to gently remove the buns from the steamer and place them on a serving plate or basket.
Using the Foil and Bowl Method:
If you are using the foil and bowl method described in some sources, carefully remove the large bowl or pot lid first. Be cautious, as the steam will be hot. Then, using oven mitts or tongs, carefully lift the plate with the buns on it off the small bowl. Be careful not to spill any water, as it will be hot. Finally, use tongs or chopsticks to remove the buns from the plate and serve them.
Using a Rice Cooker:
If you are using a rice cooker with a steam basket or a heat-proof bowl, carefully lift the basket or bowl out of the rice cooker when the buns are done. You can use tongs or oven mitts for this step. Place the basket or bowl on a heat-resistant surface, then use tongs or chopsticks to gently remove the buns and place them on a serving dish.
Pan-Fried Buns:
If you are making pan-fried steamed buns (Sheng Jian Bao), you will first need to pan-fry the buns until golden on a shallow oiled cooking pan with the pleated side down. Then, add water to the pan and cover to steam the buns until they are fully cooked through. Once they are ready, carefully remove the buns from the pan using tongs or spatulas and drain any excess oil. Serve the buns while they are still hot and crispy.
Air Fryer Buns:
For those using an air fryer, carefully remove the buns from the air fryer basket once the cooking time is complete. Use oven mitts or tongs to protect your hands, as the buns and the basket will be hot. Place the buns on a serving plate and let them cool slightly before serving.
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