Fluffy Steamed Buns
How to make steamed buns fluffy? These little Fluffy Steamed Buns recipe yield spongy, soft and delicious. They’re easy to make and turn out perfect. Here’s sharing a very basic bread which tastes great even when eaten all by itself. The best time to eat fluffy steamed buns is when their freshly made, hot and tender.
ABOUT THESE STEAMED BUNS – How to make fluffy steamed buns
They are not dry but moist in every bite just like the bao recipe
Also, taste good even when eaten plain.
The fluffy and sponge-like texture on the inside with a smooth skin on the outside is what makes perfect steam buns
This is a very basic plain steamed buns recipe however you can also fill them with some stuffing and then steam.
Let’s Talk Ingredients – Foolproof Steamed Buns Recipe / Fluffy steamed buns
All-purpose Flour for these Chinese steamed buns
Use the best quality flour that is available. This does influence the texture and color of the buns. However, do not substitute all-purpose flour with any other flour like wheat flour, tapioca flour, etc. The texture will change as well as the appearance of the buns
Yeast
Instant dry yeast is the best for this recipe. It is easily available and easy to use. I’ve not worked with fresh yeast when it comes to steamed buns. If you do so, let me know how they turn.
Make sure the yeast you use is not very old or kept open exposed to air. All of these do have an impact while making steamed buns
Sugar
These fluffy steamed buns are slightly sweet. If you do not want them this sweet reduce the quantity of sugar added. If you want them sweeter, increase the quantity. I’ve used castor sugar, also known as breakfast sugar. Feel free to use regular powdered sugar as well.
How To Make Steamed Buns Fluffy
Kneading The Dough for soft, airy Chinese steamed buns
While making any type of bread, kneading is essential. You can either do this using a kitchen aid or by hand. I like to do it in my kitchen aid. Once all the dough has come together it is not the end of the process. Now, is when you need to keep kneading by hand or in the mixer. The dough should feel soft and non-sticky. This process of kneading takes about 6 to 8 mins.
If you plan to use a kitchen aid, make sure to keep it on medium speed and if you doing it by hand make sure to use your palms and not fingers while kneading. The more you knead the softer the dough.
Always cover the fluffy steamed buns dough with cling wrap while it’s proving
How To Make Soft Fluffy Asian Steamed Buns Every Time
Steaming
These little steamed milk buns need to be steamed in a double boiler. Firstly, make sure the water does not touch the buns while they are being steamed. Firstly, you start with placing the buns in the double boiler when the water is boiling. Cover the dish once the buns are placed. Initially, let the buns steam on high flame for 3 mins and then on a medium flame for 15 mins. Switch off the flame, then let the buns stay in for 10 mins and then remove them out.
Also, during the steaming process it’s essential that each bun has a piece of parchment paper at the bottom to avoid sticking
Fluffy Steamed Buns Recipe
Ingredients
285 grams all-purpose flour
15 grams corn flour
4 grams instant dry yeast
40 grams castor sugar
15 ml oil
160 ml milk, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon white gel food color (optional)
a dash of salt
1/2 tablespoon milk to rub onto each bun
Instruction to make these fluffy steamed buns
In a bowl, add all the purpose flour, corn flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well
Next, add the oil, milk, and mix using a spoon till all of it is combined. Knead this dough for 6-8 mins. The dough should be smooth.
Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough in it. Cover the bowl with cling wrap and let it sit at room temperature for half n hour
Once done, add the white food coloring (optional) and knead until the color is well blended. Divide the dough into equal parts ( The buns I steamed were 60 grams each)
Using your palms knead each part of the dough making sure all the cracks remain at the bottom and you have a smooth top. Keep the shape round, remember the buns spread a bit while steaming.
Steaming the buns
Place each of the buns on a piece of parchment paper. With your finger lightly rub some milk onto the top of each bun and let it sit for another half n hour. Cover the buns during this time to avoid it from drying
Add water into a double boiler making sure the water does not touch the buns while steaming. Let the water come to a boil. Place the buns in the boiler with the parchment paper piece below each of them.
Steam for 3 mins on high flame and reduce the flame to medium for the next 15 mins. Once done, do not open the lid for 10 mins. Once 10 mins are complete remove the buns and enjoy them.
Notes – fluffy steamed buns
The white gel food coloring enhances the color of the dough. I like to add it to make sure I get white buns. You can skip it if you’d like to.
Fluffy Steamed Buns Recipe
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Recipe Card – Fluffy Steamed Buns
Ingredients
- 285 grams all-purpose flour
- 15 grams corn flour
- 4 grams instant dry yeast
- 40 grams castor sugar
- 15 ml oil
- 160 ml milk room temperature
- ½ teaspoon white gel food color optional
- a dash of salt
- ½ tablespoon milk to rub onto each bun
Instructions
- In a bowl, add the all the purpose flour, corn flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well
- Add the oil, milk, and mix using a spoon till all of it is combined. Knead this dough for 6-8 mins. The dough should be smooth.
- Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough in it. Cover the bowl with cling wrap and let it sit at room temperature for half n hour
- Once done, add the white food coloring and knead until the color is well blended. Divide the dough into equal parts ( The buns I steamed were 60 grams each)
- Using your palms knead each part of the dough well making sure all the cracks remain at the bottom and you have a smooth top. Keep the shape round, remember the buns spread a bit while steaming.
- Place each of the buns on a piece of parchment paper. With your finger lightly rub some milk onto the top of each bun and let it sit for another half n hour. Cover the buns during this time to avoid it from drying
- Add water into a double boiler making sure the water does not touch the buns while steaming. Let the water come to a boil. Place the buns in the boiler with the parchment paper piece below each of them.
- Steam for 3 mins on high flame and reduce the flame to medium for the next 15 mins. Once done, do not open the lid for 10 mins. Once 10 mins are complete remove the buns and enjoy them
Recipe Notes
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I am wondering the all purpose flour is not made of wheat?
It is made of wheat, however all purpose flour is made from wheat grains after removing the brown covering. It is also bleached. But definitely made from wheat
Alisha, do you leave these somewhere warm to prove or just at room temperature?
Hey Karen .. The weather in India is humid most of the time so I don’t have to worry about prooving the dough at any particular spot. However, it’s best to set it anywhere around the kitchen area, as its normally warmer out there
These look perfect inside! I think I’ll use my kitchen aid mixer since I’m terrible kneading by hand. Can’t wait to try this!
Thanks, Ana !! Do give it a try
I’ve never had steamed buns before, but these look so moist and delicious! I follow a gluten free diet, so would love to try making a gluten free version. Yum!
Sounds exciting !! Let me know how the gluten free version turns out
I love baking yeast breads, but I’ve never tried making my own steamed buns at home. I can’t wait to give this a try; I love how moist the steamed buns always stay.
Thanks, Julie !! You will love these
Wowie your steamed buns look like clouds! Carb-y clouds that I want to eat! Def wanna give this recipe a go! Thanks so much for sharing :).
Thanks, Daniela !! Hahah, Carb-y- clouds indeed …
I have always wanted to try these steamed buns. I know I sometimes have trouble with yeast but a warm oven has been helping me with the process. These look delish for a family meal.
Thanks, Jessica !! Yes, they make a good family meal
Steamed buns are the best! I love how fluffy and soft these buns are — they’re just perfect. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Amanda !!
It’s hard to believe how easy these were to make. Coming straight out of the oven so hot and fluffy was the best part.
Thanks, Jacquelyn… I’m so glad you liked this recipe
These buns look like perfection! I love how fluffy they come out and are perfect to eat alone or as a sandwich.
Thanks, Des !! I’m glad you like it
I am fond of buns in general but always ate store bought ones. But these fluffy buns looks delectable and easy to make as well. I would love to try this and see if I can finally avoid the store bought ones.
Thanks, Gunjan !! I’m sure you’re going to love these
These buns look mazing. Soooo so good! I love how easy this recipe is. A no brainer really. I will definitely give this a try. My family loves having fresh buns for breakfast in the morning.
Thanks, Natalie
Glad you find this interesting !!
I love how light and fluffy these buns are. The perfect side dish to any main meal or a snack.
Thanks, Sharon !! Glad you like it
I really want to try this recipe. I’ve had fresh steamed buns and they are amazing! Never made anything other than baked bread, so hope I can do this!
It’s really easy, actually even easier than baked bread. You’ll love it
I’ve never made steamed buns. They look so fluffy! I’m usually a bit intimidated working with yeast, but you included lots of helpful tips in this post! Thanks!
Thanks, Leanne. Happy you noticed those little details
Oh they are so cute! I’d feel temped to add pink or blue food colouring to them to make them look even cuter 😀
Oh yes !! They’ll look lovely
Would definitely like to try this recipe. These buns look so soft and delicious!
Thanks, Amy !!