Chinese Steamed Buns Recipe

All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and texture.

Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the buns.

Instant yeast: Helps the dough rise, making the buns light and fluffy.

Warm water: Activates the yeast and helps form the dough.

Milk: Adds richness and a slight sweetness to the dough.

Vegetable oil: Keeps the dough moist and tender.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the buns.

When kneading the dough, make sure to use the heel of your hand to push it away from you, then fold it back over itself and give it a quarter turn. This technique helps develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a smoother and more elastic dough. If the dough feels too sticky, lightly dust your hands and the work surface with a bit of flour, but be careful not to add too much as it can make the buns dense.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with bread flour: Bread flour has a higher protein content, which can give the buns a chewier texture.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber, though it may make the buns denser.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and moisture, but you may need to adjust the liquid content slightly.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a unique flavor and sweetness, similar to honey, but also requires liquid adjustment.

• instant yeast - Substitute with active dry yeast: Active dry yeast works similarly but needs to be dissolved in water before use.

• warm water - Substitute with warm milk: Warm milk can add richness and a slightly different flavor profile to the dough.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a good non-dairy alternative that provides a similar consistency.

• milk - Substitute with soy milk: Soy milk is another non-dairy option that works well in baking, offering a neutral flavor.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used for a slightly different flavor and similar moisture content.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a subtle coconut flavor and works well as a plant-based fat.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used for a slightly different mineral content and flavor.

• salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has larger crystals and a purer taste, making it a good alternative.

• Allow the steamed buns to cool completely at room temperature before storing or freezing. This prevents condensation, which can make the buns soggy.

• For short-term storage, place the cooled buns in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• To freeze the buns, wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Place the wrapped buns in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the bag with the date to keep track of freshness.

• When ready to enjoy, reheat refrigerated buns by steaming them for 5-7 minutes until they are soft and warm. For frozen buns, steam them directly from the freezer for about 10-12 minutes.

• Alternatively, you can microwave the buns. For refrigerated buns, place them on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave on high for 30-45 seconds. For frozen buns, increase the time to 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you prefer a crispier texture, you can also reheat the buns in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), wrap the buns in aluminum foil, and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

• Avoid storing the buns at room temperature for extended periods, as this can lead to spoilage and loss of texture. Always ensure they are properly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.

• For added flavor, consider brushing the buns with a bit of vegetable oil or sesame oil before reheating. This can enhance the taste and give the buns a slight sheen.

• If you have leftover filling from the buns, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the filling before using it again to ensure it is thoroughly warmed.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Fill a steamer with water and bring it to a boil.
  2. Place the leftover Chinese steamed buns on a piece of parchment paper or a steamer basket.
  3. Steam the buns for about 5-7 minutes until they are heated through and soft.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Wrap each bun in a damp paper towel.
  2. Place the wrapped buns on a microwave-safe plate.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 30-45 seconds. Check if they are heated through; if not, continue in 10-second intervals.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Wrap each bun in aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  3. Place the wrapped buns on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-12 minutes.

• Pan Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium-low heat.
  2. Add a small amount of water to the pan and cover with a lid to create steam.
  3. Place the buns in the pan and steam for about 5 minutes until heated through.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the flour, sugar, and instant yeast, and later to mix in the wet ingredients.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring out the flour, water, and milk.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the sugar, yeast, vegetable oil, and salt.

• Wooden spoon: Handy for mixing the ingredients together until a dough forms.

• Kneading surface: A clean countertop or a large cutting board where you can knead the dough until it becomes smooth.

• Kitchen towel: Use this to cover the dough while it rises to prevent it from drying out.

• Knife: Useful for dividing the dough into 8 equal pieces.

• Parchment paper: Cut into squares to place the shaped dough balls on for the final rise and steaming.

• Steamer basket: This is where you will place the buns to steam them over high heat.

• Pot with lid: Needed to boil water and create steam for cooking the buns.

• Timer: To keep track of the rising and steaming times.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting to save time during the process.

Use a stand mixer: Knead the dough using a stand mixer with a dough hook to save effort and time.

Warm environment for rising: Place the dough in a warm spot to speed up the rising process.

Pre-cut parchment squares: Cut parchment paper squares ahead of time to streamline the shaping step.

Double steaming: If your steamer is large enough, steam all buns at once to save time.