Steam-Cooking Biscuits: A Simple, Quick, And Tasty Guide

Steam cooking is a great way to prepare biscuits, and it's easy to do! You can use a steamer basket or a pot with a plate to create your own steamer. Simply add water to the pot, place the biscuits in the basket or on the plate, and let the steam do its work. The key to successful steam cooking is ensuring that your ingredients are fresh and cold, as this will result in tender, flaky biscuits. You can also experiment with different types of butter, milk, and flour to find the perfect combination for your taste. So, get ready to enjoy delicious, homemade biscuits with that melt-in-your-mouth texture!

Preparing the steamer

Choose the Right Steamer:

First, select an appropriate steamer for biscuit-making. You can opt for a bamboo steamer, which is a traditional choice for steaming. Alternatively, you may use a deep skillet or saucepan with a steamer ring and parchment liners. Make sure to have a rolling pin handy to roll out the biscuit dough.

Prepare the Steamer Basket:

Line the steamer basket with parchment paper or bamboo steamer liners. If using parchment paper, cut small slits or holes in the paper to allow the steam to escape. This step ensures that the biscuits cook evenly. Place the prepared steamer basket over a pot or skillet of boiling water.

Space Out the Biscuits:

When placing the biscuit dough in the steamer, ensure they are spaced at least 2 inches apart. This spacing is crucial as it allows the biscuits to expand as they cook. Overcrowding the steamer basket will hinder the cooking process and result in unevenly cooked biscuits.

Maintain Moisture:

Keep an eye on the water level in the pot or skillet and replenish it as needed. Steaming biscuits require a consistent supply of steam, so it's important to ensure the water doesn't completely evaporate. Refill with hot water if necessary to maintain a steady flow of steam.

Control the Temperature:

Steamed biscuits cook best when the temperature is controlled. Aim for a steady temperature of around 425°F to 450°F. Adjust the heat source as needed to maintain this temperature range. Using a kitchen thermometer can help you monitor the temperature accurately.

By following these detailed steps for preparing your steamer, you'll create the ideal environment for cooking delicious, evenly steamed biscuits. Now you're all set to steam those biscuits to perfection!

Biscuit dough ingredients

The ingredients you will need for your biscuit dough will vary depending on the type of biscuits you want to make. Here are some common ingredients and their functions in the biscuit-making process:

• Flour: All-purpose flour is a standard ingredient in biscuit dough, providing structure by holding the other ingredients together. It also contains protein, which creates gluten when combined with moisture and heat, giving the biscuits more structure.
• Leavening Agent: Baking powder or yeast is used as a leavening agent to help the biscuits rise and expand, giving them volume and a tender texture.
• Fat: Shortening, butter, or lard is added to reduce gluten strands and create a softer, flakier biscuit. Butter is preferred for its rich, buttery flavour, but other fats can be used.
• Liquid: Milk, buttermilk, or water is added to provide moisture and flavour, as well as help with structure. The type of liquid can impact the richness, fluffiness, and colour of the biscuits.
• Salt: Salt acts as a flavour enhancer and helps to strengthen the protein in the dough.
• Sugar: Sugar is not always necessary but can be added for a touch of sweetness.

Basic Biscuit Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• Shortening
• Milk

3-Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits:

• 2 cups self-rising flour
• 1 stick frozen butter
• 1 cup cold buttermilk

Easy Homemade Biscuits:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold)
• 3/4 cup milk (whole, buttermilk, or 2%)

How to cut and shape the biscuits

Now that you've prepared your biscuit dough, it's time to cut and shape them before steaming. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Lightly flour a work surface and turn out your biscuit dough onto it. This will prevent the dough from sticking.
• Gently knead the dough. Add more flour to your hands and the work surface as needed, but be careful not to use too much, as this can make your biscuits dry. The dough should remain slightly sticky.
• Fold the dough several times to create layers. This step is important for a flaky, tender texture. Work quickly to prevent the dough from warming up, which could result in flat, dry biscuits.
• Pat or roll the dough into a rectangle or circle, about 1/2-inch thick. The shape doesn't have to be perfect, but aim for an even thickness throughout.
• Using a biscuit cutter, cookie cutter, or even a drinking glass, cut out your biscuits. Press the cutter firmly into the dough and lift straight up without twisting. This ensures the biscuits will rise evenly.
• Place the cut biscuits on a baking sheet or tray, with their sides touching. This will provide stability and help them stay upright as they rise and bake.
• Gather and gently knead any remaining dough, then repeat the rolling and cutting process until you've cut out as many biscuits as possible.
• If you're not planning to bake the biscuits right away, you can freeze the unbaked biscuits by placing them individually on a tray and freezing them solid before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag.
• When you're ready to steam your biscuits, place them in the steamer, making sure they're not overcrowded and have enough space to expand.

Remember, the key to successful biscuit-making is to keep the dough cold and handle it as little as possible. Now you're ready to steam your perfectly cut and shaped biscuits!

Cooking time and temperature

Steaming is a great way to cook biscuits, and the cooking time and temperature will depend on a few factors, such as the size of your biscuits, the type of steamer you're using, and your desired level of doneness. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you get perfect steamed biscuits:

Preparing Your Steamer:

Before you start cooking, it's important to prepare your steamer. If you have a bamboo steamer, line it with parchment paper or steamer liners with holes to allow the steam to pass through. You can also use a deep skillet or saucepan with a steamer ring and place a plate inside to hold the biscuits. Make sure you have enough water in your steamer or skillet, and bring it to a boil before adding the biscuits.

Cooking Time:

The cooking time for steamed biscuits can vary, but on average, it takes around 8 to 15 minutes to steam them thoroughly. The cooking time will depend on the size of your biscuits and your desired level of doneness. Smaller biscuits will cook faster, while larger ones may take a few extra minutes. It's important to keep an eye on your biscuits to ensure they don't overcook or become soggy.

Temperature:

The ideal temperature for steaming biscuits is around 212°F (100°C), which is the temperature at which water boils. This temperature ensures that the steam is hot enough to cook the biscuits thoroughly. If you're using a stovetop steamer, maintain a steady boil by adjusting the heat as needed. For electric steamers, set the temperature according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Checking for Doneness:

To check if your steamed biscuits are cooked, look for visual and textural cues. The biscuits should appear puffy and fully cooked, with a soft and tender texture. You can also use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 190°F to 200°F for a standard biscuit. Insert the thermometer into the center of the biscuit to get an accurate reading.

Tips for Consistent Cooking:

• Space your biscuits evenly in the steamer, allowing enough room for steam to circulate and expand the dough.
• Avoid overfilling your steamer to ensure consistent cooking and prevent the biscuits from becoming soggy.
• If you're cooking in batches, keep the first batch warm by placing them in a low-temperature oven or covering them with a kitchen towel while you steam the remaining biscuits.
• Adjust your cooking time based on your desired level of doneness. For a softer, fluffier texture, steam for a shorter duration, and for a more well-done biscuit, extend the cooking time slightly.

Serving suggestions

Steamed biscuits are a fun and tasty treat, perfect for breakfast or brunch. They can also be served as an appetizer. Here are some ideas for serving steamed biscuits:

• Sandwiches: Place a precooked sausage patty and a slice of cheese in between two steamed biscuits. This is a fun take on a breakfast sandwich or appetizer.
• Bao: Steamed biscuit dough can be used to make bao. Add ground sausage, cheese, and half a hard-boiled egg for a delicious breakfast bao.
• Pulled pork buns: Add some pulled pork to the centre of the biscuit dough, bringing the edges to the middle and pinching to seal. Steam the buns and serve with green beans, asparagus, or a quick salad.
• Classic pairings: Biscuits go well with breakfast meats such as bacon, sausage, or chicken. They can also be topped with homemade sausage gravy, jam, honey butter, or other spreads.
• Soup or stew: Steamed biscuits can be a great side to a hearty soup or stew.
• Salads: Steamed biscuits can be served with fresh tomato and avocado salad or a simple side salad.

Frequently asked questions