steamed buns

How to Make Steamed Buns: A Step-by-Step Guide

Steamed buns, a beloved staple in many Asian cuisines, are soft, fluffy, and incredibly versatile. Here’s a simple guide to making them at home.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Mix 500g all-purpose flour, 7g instant yeast, and 50g sugar in a bowl. Gradually add 250ml warm water and 5ml cooking oil, kneading until a smooth, elastic dough forms (about 10 minutes). Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Filling

For a classic pork filling, mix 300g ground pork with 2 chopped scallions, 1 grated ginger, 1 soy sauce, 1 oyster sauce, and a pinch of salt. For a vegetarian option, use chopped cabbage, mushrooms, and tofu.

Step 3: Shape the Buns

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12–16 equal pieces. Roll each into a circle, place a spoonful of filling in the center, and pleat the edges to seal, forming a round bun. Place them on parchment paper, leaving space for expansion.

Step 4: Steam

Let the buns rest for 15 minutes. Steam over high heat for 15–20 minutes. Turn off the heat and wait 5 minutes before opening the lid to prevent collapsing.

Enjoy your homemade steamed buns plain or with soy sauce! They’re best served fresh but can be refrigerated or frozen for later.