If you love Chinese cuisine, then you know that steamed buns are a staple dish. They are delicious, fluffy, and can be filled with a variety of ingredients. However, not everyone has a steamer at home to cook these delicious buns. Fear not!
In this article, we will show you how to steam buns without a steamer.
What Are Steamed Buns?
Before we dive into the different methods of steaming buns without a steamer, let’s briefly discuss what steamed buns are. Steamed buns, also known as mantou or baozi, are a type of Chinese bread made from flour, yeast, and water. They are steamed instead of baked, which gives them their fluffy texture. Steamed buns are often filled with meat, vegetables, or sweet fillings.
Method 1: Steaming Buns with a Wok
The first method to steam buns without a steamer is by using a wok. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Prepare Your Wok
Fill your wok with water, leaving about 1 inch of space below the steamer rack. Bring the water to a boil.
Step 2: Prepare Your Buns
Place your buns on a heatproof plate or on pieces of parchment paper. Make sure to leave space between each bun as they will expand during cooking.
Step 3: Steam Your Buns
Place the plate or parchment paper with the buns on top of the steamer rack. Place the steamer rack in the wok and cover with a lid. Steam the buns for about 15 minutes or until they are fully cooked.
Method 2: Steaming Buns with a Pot
The second method to steam buns without a steamer is by using a pot. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Prepare Your Pot
Fill a large pot with about 1 inch of water. Place a heatproof plate or a small metal rack at the bottom of the pot.
Step 2: Prepare Your Buns
Place your buns on a heatproof plate or on pieces of parchment paper. Make sure to leave space between each bun as they will expand during cooking.
Step 3: Steam Your Buns
Place the plate or parchment paper with the buns on top of the heatproof plate or small metal rack in the pot. Cover the pot with a lid and steam the buns for about 15 minutes or until they are fully cooked.
Method 3: Steaming Buns in a Microwave
The third method to steam buns without a steamer is by using a microwave. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Prepare Your Buns
Place your buns on a heatproof plate or on pieces of parchment paper. Make sure to leave space between each bun as they will expand during cooking.
Step 2: Steam Your Buns
Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and place it in the microwave. Microwave the bowl of water for about 2 minutes or until the water is hot. Place the plate or parchment paper with the buns in the microwave and close the door. Microwave the buns on high for about 2 minutes or until they are fully cooked.
Method 4: Steaming Buns in a Rice Cooker
The fourth method to steam buns without a steamer is by using a rice cooker. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Prepare Your Rice Cooker
Fill the rice cooker with water up to the level that is meant for cooking rice. Place the steamer basket or a heat.
Step 2: Prepare Your Buns
Place your buns on a heatproof plate or on pieces of parchment paper. Make sure to leave space between each bun as they will expand during cooking.
Step 3: Steam Your Buns
Place the plate or parchment paper with the buns on top of the steamer basket or heatproof plate in the rice cooker. Close the lid and turn on the rice cooker to the “Cook” or “Steam” setting. Steam the buns for about 15 minutes or until they are fully cooked.
Tips for Steaming Buns
Here are some tips to keep in mind when steaming buns without a steamer:
- Make sure your buns have enough space to expand during cooking.
- Use heatproof plates or parchment paper to prevent your buns from sticking to the steaming surface.
- Always use boiling water when steaming buns to ensure that they cook evenly.
- Check on your buns periodically during cooking to make sure they are cooking evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a pressure cooker to steam buns?
Yes, you can use a pressure cooker to steam buns. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for steaming food in your pressure cooker.
Can I freeze steamed buns?
Yes, you can freeze steamed buns. Let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and store them in the freezer.
How do I reheat steamed buns?
To reheat steamed buns, you can microwave them for about 30 seconds or steam them for a few minutes until heated through.
Can I use a bamboo steamer basket instead of a metal one?
Yes, you can use a bamboo steamer basket to steam buns. Make sure to line the basket with parchment paper to prevent the buns from sticking.
Can I make steamed buns without yeast?
Yes, you can make steamed buns without yeast. There are several yeast-free recipes available online that use baking powder or baking soda instead.
Conclusion
Steamed buns are a delicious and popular Chinese dish, but not everyone has a steamer to cook them. Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to steam buns without a steamer, such as using a wok, pot, microwave, or rice cooker. With these methods, you can enjoy fluffy and delicious steamed buns in the comfort of your own home.
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