Name: Steamed Buns: Amazing Ultimate Asian Delicacies You Must Try Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon instant yeast; 3/4 cup warm water; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; Char siu (Chinese BBQ pork); Sautéed mushrooms; Sweet red bean paste; Parchment paper, cut into squares

Description

Discover how to make delicious and fluffy steamed buns, a beloved Asian delicacy. These buns are soft, slightly sweet, and versatile with options for savory or sweet fillings like Chinese BBQ pork, mushrooms, or red bean paste. Perfect as a snack or part of a meal, these steamed buns are a must-try for fans of Asian cuisine.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon instant yeast
3/4 cup warm water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Fillings (Optional)

Char siu (Chinese BBQ pork)
Sautéed mushrooms
Sweet red bean paste

Others

Parchment paper, cut into squares

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Instructions

Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Gradually stir in the warm water and vegetable oil, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Divide and shape: Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten slightly.
Add fillings: Place your choice of filling in the center of each flattened piece. Pinch the edges to seal the buns tightly.
Second rest: Place each sealed bun seam-side down on a parchment square. Cover and let them rest for another 20–30 minutes.
Steam the buns: Prepare a steamer over boiling water. Steam the buns in batches for 12–15 minutes on their parchment squares, ensuring they do not touch. Carefully remove the lid to avoid water dripping onto the buns.
Serve: Enjoy the steamed buns warm for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

For plain steamed buns (mantou), skip fillings and shape dough into round balls before steaming.
You can freeze shaped buns before steaming; steam directly from frozen for 15–18 minutes.
Ensure buns do not touch during steaming to prevent sticking.
Handle the steamer lid carefully to avoid condensation dripping on the buns.