Steaming Soft Buns With A Rice Cooker: A Simple Guide

Steaming buns in a rice cooker is a convenient and tasty alternative to using a dedicated steamer. This method is perfect for those who don't have a steamer at home but want to enjoy delicious, fluffy buns. The rice cooker's steam function is ideal for cooking soft and doughy Asian treats like bao buns. With a few simple steps, you can create restaurant-quality steamed buns with various fillings and toppings.

Preparing the steamer

The first step in steaming buns in a rice cooker is to prepare the steamer. Even if you don't have a dedicated steamer, you can easily create a makeshift one with a few simple items.

Here's what you'll need:

• A heatproof bowl or plate that fits inside your rice cooker
• A heatproof stand or a ring-shaped object to elevate the bowl or plate
• About 1 inch of water

To set up your steamer:

• Fill your rice cooker with about 1 inch of water. The exact amount may vary depending on the size of your rice cooker, but the goal is to create steam without submerging the buns.
• Place the heatproof stand or ring-shaped object in the rice cooker. This will serve as a base for the bowl or plate.
• Position the heatproof bowl or plate on top of the stand, ensuring it is stable.
• Ensure your setup is secure and stable, as you don't want the buns or the steamer to tip over during the steaming process.

Now that your steamer is ready, you can move on to preparing the buns!

Tips for preparing the steamer

• Choose the right type of rice cooker: Opt for one with a steam setting or the ability to switch to rice-cooking mode for steaming. This ensures even heat distribution and consistent results.
• Steamer capacity: Avoid overcrowding the steamer with too many buns, as this affects steam circulation and results in uneven cooking.
• Water level: Ensure the water covers the bottom of the steamer but does not touch the buns.

Alternative methods

If you don't have a rice cooker, there are several alternative methods you can use to steam buns:

• Sieve or colander method: Place a metal sieve or colander over a pan of boiling water. Place the buns on greaseproof paper and put them in the sieve. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave method: Wrap the bun in a damp paper towel and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave for about 1 minute until cooked.
• Perforated pan method: Add water to a pan and place a sieve inside, ensuring it's not submerged. Put the buns in a parchment-lined sieve and cover with a lid. Cook on high heat for about 10 minutes.
• Instant pot method: Fill the inner pot with 1 cup of water and place a metal trivet inside. Put the buns on a plate, steamer, or pan and set them on the trivet. Close the lid and steam for 3 minutes before releasing the pressure.

Preparing the buns

If you're using store-bought buns, follow the package instructions for defrosting or bringing them to room temperature. Most buns need to be at an internal temperature of 175 degrees Fahrenheit. If you're making the buns from scratch, prepare the dough according to your chosen recipe. Common ingredients include flour, yeast, water, and oil. Once the dough is ready, divide it into portions depending on the desired size of your buns.

Take one portion of the dough and flatten it with your hands or a rolling pin. The flattened dough should be slightly larger than your desired final bun size. If you're making filled buns, place your chosen filling in the centre of the flattened dough. Be careful not to overfill, as this may cause the bun to burst during steaming.

Gently shape the bun by pleating and gathering the edges of the dough, pinching them together at the top to seal the filling inside. Repeat this process for the remaining portions of dough. Once all the buns are shaped, place them on a tray lined with parchment paper or a bamboo steamer, leaving space between each bun to allow for expansion during steaming.

Cover the buns with a damp tea towel and let them rest for about 10 minutes, or until they puff up slightly. This step ensures that the buns will be soft and fluffy when cooked.

Placing the buns in the rice cooker

Now that your buns are prepared and ready, it’s time to transfer them to the rice cooker for steaming. Here’s a step-by-step guide on placing the buns in the rice cooker:

Firstly, carefully remove the steamer basket or plate from the rice cooker, being cautious of any escaping steam or hot surfaces. Always use oven mitts or tongs to protect your hands.

Next, arrange the prepared buns inside the steamer, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not touching. This spacing is crucial to allow steam to circulate around each bun, ensuring even cooking. If you are using a multi-tiered steamer, you can stack the trays, but be sure to maintain sufficient space between each layer for proper steam circulation.

Once all the buns are in place, carefully return the steamer basket to the rice cooker, ensuring it sits securely on the stand or ring-shaped object inside. Check that the steamer is stable and secure to prevent any accidental spills or tipping during the cooking process.

Finally, secure the lid of the rice cooker tightly to trap the steam inside. This will create the optimal cooking environment for your buns, ensuring they cook evenly and thoroughly. With the buns now in place, you are ready to begin the steaming process.

Steaming the buns

Now that your rice cooker is set up and your buns are prepared, it's time to start the steaming process. This is a crucial step in ensuring your buns turn out perfectly fluffy and cooked. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to steam your buns in a rice cooker:

Step 1: Adding Water to the Rice Cooker

Start by filling your rice cooker with the appropriate amount of water. The amount of water needed depends on the size of your rice cooker and the number of buns you plan to cook. As a general rule, aim for about 1 inch of water or 1 cup of water for every 6 buns. Make sure the water level is not too high, as you don't want it to touch the buns or the steamer basket.

Step 2: Placing the Buns in the Steamer Basket

Carefully place your prepared buns inside the steamer basket, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not crowded. This allows the steam to circulate evenly and cook the buns thoroughly. If you have multiple layers in your steamer basket, you can stack the trays, but be sure to leave enough space for proper steam circulation.

Step 3: Closing the Lid and Selecting the Steam Setting

Secure the lid of your rice cooker tightly to trap the steam inside. Select the "Steam" function on your rice cooker if it has one. If there is no dedicated steam setting, simply start the rice cooking mode. Some rice cookers may require you to set a timer, so refer to your rice cooker's instructions for the recommended cooking time.

Step 4: Allowing the Buns to Steam

Once your rice cooker is on, let the buns steam undisturbed. Avoid opening the lid unnecessarily, as this can cause steam to escape and result in uneven cooking. The steaming time will vary depending on the size and type of bun, as well as the power of your rice cooker. As a guideline, steamed buns typically take around 10-15 minutes to cook.

Step 5: Checking for Doneness

After the recommended cooking time has passed, carefully open the lid and use a skewer or toothpick to check if the buns are fully cooked. Insert it into the centre of one of the buns, and if it comes out clean without any dough sticking to it, they are ready. If there is dough on the skewer, your buns need a little more time to steam.

Step 6: Removing the Buns from the Rice Cooker

Once the buns are fully cooked, carefully remove the steamer basket from the rice cooker using oven mitts or tongs to protect your hands from the steam and hot surfaces. Place the steamed buns on a serving plate or steaming basket, allowing them to cool slightly before serving. Your buns should be soft, fluffy, and fully cooked through.

Tips for Optimal Steaming:

• Choose a rice cooker with a steam setting or one that allows you to switch to rice cooking mode for steaming.
• Consider the size of your rice cooker when shaping your buns to ensure they fit comfortably without touching the sides or each other.
• Avoid overcrowding the steamer basket to allow for proper steam circulation and even cooking.
• Pay attention to the water level, ensuring it covers the bottom of the steamer without touching the buns.
• Be mindful of the steaming time and adjust as needed depending on the size and type of buns and the power of your rice cooker.
• Avoid opening the lid frequently during steaming to prevent steam escape and undercooked buns.
• Allow the buns to cool slightly after steaming to make them easier to handle and prevent burns from trapped hot steam.

Checking for doneness

Determining when your buns are perfectly steamed is a crucial step in ensuring delicious, fluffy results. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you master the art of checking for doneness when steaming buns in a rice cooker:

Visual Inspection:

Look for visible changes in the appearance of the buns. Properly steamed buns should have a soft, pillowy texture with a smooth, slightly glossy surface. The buns should have expanded, and the pleats or folds you created when shaping the dough should be more prominent, indicating that the buns have risen adequately during the steaming process.

Touch Test:

Gently touch or poke the surface of a bun with your finger. A properly steamed bun should feel soft, springy, and slightly bouncy to the touch. If the indentation remains or the bun feels dense and soggy, it may need additional steaming time. However, be gentle when performing this test to avoid leaving fingerprints or causing the buns to deflate.

Color Check:

Observe the color of the buns. Well-steamed buns should have a bright, white appearance, indicating that the dough has been adequately cooked. If the buns have a yellowish or brownish tint, it could suggest over-steaming or that the buns are starting to dry out.

Taste Test:

Tasting is another way to check for doneness. Remove one bun from the rice cooker and carefully tear it open. The interior of the bun should be fully cooked, soft, and moist, without any raw dough or dry patches. Take note that the taste test should be used as a last resort, as removing the lid and exposing the remaining buns to room temperature for an extended period can affect their texture.

Internal Temperature:

For the most accurate doneness test, use a food thermometer. Insert the thermometer probe into the center of a bun. The internal temperature of a properly steamed bun should reach an ideal range of 205-210°F. This temperature range ensures that the starches in the dough are fully gelatinized, resulting in a soft and tender texture.

Remember that the exact steaming time can vary depending on various factors such as the size of your buns, the presence of fillings, and the specific model of your rice cooker. Always trust your senses and use a combination of these methods to ensure that your steamed buns are perfectly cooked and ready to be enjoyed.

Frequently asked questions