Name: Steamed Buns Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast; 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F); 2 tablespoons sugar; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Parchment paper squares for steaming

Description

Deliciously soft and fluffy Chinese steamed buns made with a simple yeast dough. Perfect as a side dish or filled with your choice of savory or sweet fillings, these buns are lightly sweetened and steamed to perfection for a pillowy texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt

For Steaming

Parchment paper squares for steaming

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Instructions

Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the active dry yeast, warm water, and sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil, then stir until a rough dough forms.
Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until it is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
First Rise: Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough inside, and cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Shape Buns: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 10 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball or desired shape, placing each on a small square of parchment paper.
Rest Buns: Let the shaped buns rest for 15–20 minutes to relax the dough and slightly rise again while you prepare your steamer.
Steam Buns: Place buns with parchment paper in a bamboo or metal steamer set over boiling water. Cover and steam for 12–15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to keep steam trapped.
Serve: Carefully remove the lid to avoid water droplets falling on the buns. Serve the steamed buns warm, plain or with your favorite fillings.

Notes

You can fill these buns with cooked meat, vegetables, or sweet fillings before steaming for a delicious stuffed bao.
For fluffier buns, allow them to rest a bit longer before steaming.
To store, cool the buns completely, then keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Steaming
Cuisine: Chinese