Steamed buns

steamed_buns

Chinese steamed buns, also known as mantou, are a popular staple in Chinese cuisine. These soft, fluffy buns are a versatile food that can be enjoyed in many ways, whether as a breakfast food or as part of a delicious meal. Steamed buns are made from a dough that is leavened and steamed, creating a fluffy and pillowy texture.

The history of steamed buns can be traced back thousands of years to Chinese legends. One story suggests that during the Three Kingdoms period (220-280 AD), a military strategist named Zhuge Liang had to cross a river on his way to battle. They had run out of rice and flour, and all they had left was a large amount of flour. In order to save their supplies, they steamed the flour, and mantou was born.

In Chinese cuisine, steamed buns have become a very common food item. The buns are often found in dim sum restaurants and are enjoyed as a hot and fresh breakfast food. Mantou are also used in savory dishes and can replace rice or bread as a staple. It is often served with a dipping sauce on the side or can be used as a vessel for a variety of fillings.

The process of making steamed buns involves several steps. First, the dough is made from flour, yeast, sugar, and water. The dough is then kneaded until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough is then left to proof, allowing the yeast to develop and create air pockets within the dough. This makes the buns light and fluffy once steamed.

Once the dough has finished proofing, it is divided into small pieces and rolled into individual buns. The buns are then left to rest for a short period before being steamed. Steaming is the most important part of making mantou, as it is what gives the buns their signature fluffy texture. The buns are placed in a steamer basket or bamboo steamer and steamed for about 10-15 minutes until they are fully cooked.

There are countless variations of steamed buns, with different shapes and fillings. Some fillings can be savory, such as pork, chicken, or vegetable fillings, while others can be sweet, like red bean, lotus seed, or sweet potato. Regardless of the filling, the dough remains the same, giving the buns their signature texture.

Steamed buns are enjoyed all over the world and have become a popular food item in many different cultures. From Chinese cuisine to Korean and Japanese cuisine, these fluffy buns are loved all around the globe. Steamed buns can be purchased pre-made from many Asian grocery stores, but making them from scratch is a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

In this recipe, we will show you how to make basic steamed buns from scratch, giving you the foundation to create your own variations with different fillings. These buns are easy to make and are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is a must-try for all food lovers.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup warm water

For the filling:

  • 1 cup minced pork or chicken
  • 1/2 cup chopped shiitake mushrooms
  • 1/4 cup chopped scallions
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually add the warm water and stir until a dough forms.
  2. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and allow to rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix together the pork or chicken, shiitake mushrooms, scallions, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, sugar, sesame oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Divide the dough into equal sized pieces and roll each one out into a round disc. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each disc and gather the edges around the filling, twisting gently to seal.
  5. Place the buns on a greased steaming rack, cover with a damp cloth, and allow to rise for a further 15-20 minutes.
  6. Steam the buns for around 15 minutes until puffed up and cooked through. Serve hot with soy sauce or other dipping sauce of your choice. Enjoy!