Steamed buns, also known as “bao buns” in some Asian countries, are one of the delicious recipes popular worldwide. Show
It’s hard to resist these fluffy steamed bao buns with flavorful fillings (especially the egg jam filling). It is traditionally cooked in a bamboo steamer to achieve the perfect, soft texture. But what if you don’t have a steamer? Is it possible to cook steamed buns? Good news – this article aims to guide you on how to steam buns without a steamer. Let’s start. Page Contents
5 Best Methods to Steam Buns Without Steamer1. Sieve or Colander MethodIf you don’t have a bamboo steamer, you can substitute it using a metal sieve or colander. Here’s how you can steam bao buns using the metal steamer or sieve method:
2. Microwave MethodYes, you can use your microwave to prepare bao buns. However, if you don’t own the traditional bamboo basket, you will need a steaming container (a bowl with a lid and steamer basket). Then, follow the steps below:
3. Pan MethodOne of the inventive alternative methods to cook buns is the perf pan method. But disclaimer, the inside of a pan can collect condensation, which makes bao buns soggy. To avoid this, consider the following steps:
Read: Does Parchment Paper Burn? 4. Rice Cooker MethodYou can make your own Malaysian steamed buns or cai bao and even dim sum using your rice cooker. When the cooking process begins, the water is heated and converted to steam. So, the bao bun is cooked by the steam itself. Here’s how you can go about it:
5. Instant Pot MethodAn instant pot is an alternate version of an electric cooker. It works by generating heat while being placed over the fire while the instant pot is tightly sealed. As a result, it raises the temperature above the boiling point [1]. If you don’t have a steamer to cook steamed buns, you can opt for the instant pot method. Here’s how:
Quick Tip: You can put pandan coconut leaves for a fragrant aroma. Also, depending on your preference, you can re-steamed if needed or deep-fry. Read: How To Keep Corn on the Cob Warm How to Know if It Is Done?Finger Test When you press your finger on the bao bun, an indentation appears but quickly disappears as the soft dough springs back. If it returns too quickly, it needs a little more cooking time. But if it does not spring back, it has been overcooked. Appearance As the dough rises after steaming buns, the size of the bao buns will increase slightly. It will also appear smooth on the outside. Texture You know the bao bun is already cooked when you pick up the bao, and it feels airy and light. If it’s no longer heavy and dense as it was before you cooked them, it’s done. FAQsHow long should you steam buns without a steamer? How long you should cook steam buns without using a steamer may vary depending on the cooking methods used. But it can be anywhere between 1 minute to 20 minutes max. But what can you do with leftover dumpling filling? Can I use a plastic colander as a steamer for steam buns? No, we do not recommend the use of a plastic colander for steaming buns. Plastics are susceptible to high heat, causing them to melt. So, using a metal colander or sieve is highly recommended. Learn how to dry rice for fried rice here. In SummaryMaking your own steamed buns without a steamer at home is possible. You can use your sieve, instant pot, microwave, rice cooker, and pan as an alternative to a steamer or the traditional bamboo weaving steamer to make this savory delicacy. But make sure not to overcook the buns. Finger test and observe its appearance and texture to see if it’s done. Once confirmed, you can now serve it and add some spices like black sesame paste or roasted sesame seeds to add flavor. Enjoy! How do you steam perfect buns?Boil 70mm of water in a pot over high heat. Position the steaming basket a few inches over the boiling water. Place 2 buns in the steamer for 1-2 mins without covering the lid. Take the cooked product out, slice, and serve.
How do you steam buns without getting soggy?To combat this, follow the steps below:. Line the metal steamer with greaseproof paper, this will protect it.. Do not overfill with water.. Don't let your bao touch the sides, as the sides of the metal steamer can become quite wet.. Cover the pan with a clean tea towel to absorb any condensation and then place lid on top.. How do you steam steamed buns without a steamer?Fill the steaming container with 2 to 3 glasses of warm water or boiling water. Wrap your bun in a damp paper towel and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Before placing the wrapped-up bun on your plate, lightly wet the inside of the small bowl by running it under the tap. Microwave it for about 1 minute until cooked.
How to steam bao buns at home?Preheat the water in a water compartment of the steamer. Place the buns in the second tear of the steamer still on the baking parchment. Make sure the buns don't touch the sides of the steamer, as the water will drip directly down the sides. Cover and steam for 10-12 minutes.
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