Perfect Steamed Buns

Steamed Buns

Yield: 6 buns

These steamed buns can be filled with almost anything.  For this recipe you’ll only need 1 cup of most fillings, just be sure the filling isn’t too wet.

Try something unique like a Korean Bulgogi meat filling, or go vegetarian with a mushroom ragout. The options are limitless!       

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon dry yeast

1/4 cup warm water

1 1/2 cup all purpose flour

1 1/2 Tablespoons sugar

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 cup warm milk

1/2 Tablespoon canola oil

Procedure:

 1. In a small bowl, sprinkle the yeast over warm water until bubbles begin to form and the

    mixture becomes frothy. 

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder, make a well in the

    middle and add the active yeast, milk, and oil.  With a large fork, combine the ingredients

    until a shaggy dough starts to form.  Then with your hand, start kneading the dough until it

    becomes smooth, about 5-10 minutes. 

3. Place the dough in a large lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic and place in a warm area for

    about 40 minutes to 1 hr..  The dough will double in volume.

4. In the meantime, make whatever filling you want to use.  You’ll only need about 1 cup of

    filling mixture for this size of recipe. Make sure that your mixture is cooled before forming the

    buns.

5. On a clean, lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a long cylinder and cut into 6 equal

    parts and roll each into a ball. Flatten each ball into 4-inch circles, leaving the center a bit

    thicker then the edges.  Put a heaping tablespoon of filling in the center of the dough and

    bring the edges to the middle pinching to seal. 

6. Arrange the buns on a parchment lined baking sheet and cover them with a clean cloth.

    Allow the buns to rest for 10 minutes.

7. In the meantime, fill a steamer, bamboo or stainless, with a couple inches of water and bring

    to a boil.  Place the buns on individual parchment rounds and place into the steamer.  Be

    careful not to overcrowd the steamer, steaming in batches is necessary.  Steam the buns for

    12-15 minutes in the covered pot. Remove the buns from the steamer and serve warm.