**Chinese Steamed Buns: A Journey Through Culinary Traditions**
In the diverse landscape of Chinese cuisine, few dishes capture the essence of culinary artistry and tradition like steamed buns. These soft, fluffy pockets of dough, known as baozi in Mandarin or mantou in Cantonese, have been enjoyed for centuries across China and beyond. With a history dating back to the Three Kingdoms period, steamed buns have evolved into a versatile culinary canvas, embracing a myriad of fillings and flavors. From savory minced pork and shrimp to sweet red bean paste, these buns offer a delightful symphony of textures and tastes. Join us on a culinary journey as we explore the intricacies of Chinese steamed bun recipes, taking you through the steps to create these delectable treats in your own kitchen. Our comprehensive guide features both classic and contemporary recipes, catering to diverse preferences and skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary adventure, we'll provide you with all the necessary guidance and inspiration to make perfect steamed buns. Let's embark on this delicious exploration, unraveling the secrets behind these iconic Chinese delicacies.
CHINESE STEAMED BUNS WITH BBQ PORK FILLING
This is a simple recipe for Char-Siu Bau. A wok equipped with a stainless steel steam plate--a plate with holes to allow steam to pass--is required to make these tasty buns.
Provided by Carol chi-wa Chung
Categories Bread
Time 9h40m
Yield 24
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Mix together pork, barbecue sauce, shallots, flour, chicken stock, soy sauce, oil, and sugar. Chill in refrigerator for at least 6 hours.
- Preheat grill for medium heat and lightly oil the grate. Cook the pork until an instant-read meat thermometer reaches 145 degrees F (63 degrees C). Allow to cool; shred or finely chop the meat.
- Prepare dough for Chinese Steamed Buns (see footnote).
- Shape dough into balls. Roll each out into a circle, (like won-ton wrappers). Put 1 tablespoonful of prepared meat mixture in the center of each circle, and wrap dough around filling. Place seam-side down onto wax paper squares. Let stand until doubled, about 30 minutes.
- Bring water to a boil in wok, and reduce heat to medium; the water should still be boiling. Place steam-plate on a small wire rack in the middle of the wok. Transfer as many buns on wax paper as will comfortably fit onto steam-plate, leaving 1 to 2 inches between the buns. At least 2 inches space should be left between steam-plate and the wok. Cover wok with lid. Steam buns over boiling water for 15 to 20 minutes.
- REMOVE LID BEFORE you turn off heat, or else water will drip back onto bun surface and produce yellowish "blisters" on bun surfaces. Continue steaming batches of buns until all are cooked.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 28.1 calories, Carbohydrate 2.7 g, Cholesterol 4.4 mg, Fat 1.1 g, Protein 1.7 g, SaturatedFat 0.3 g, Sodium 109.4 mg, Sugar 1.9 g
CHINESE STEAMED BUNS WITH MEAT FILLING
This Chinese Steamed Bun recipe has a meat and vegetable filling. The filling is best if allowed to rest in the refrigerator overnight. Use meat that is half fat and half flesh for the most tender filling. A wok equipped with a stainless steel steam plate, a plate with holes to allow steam to pass, is required to make these tasty buns.
Provided by Carol chi-wa Chung
Categories Main Dish Recipes Dumpling Recipes
Time 4h
Yield 24
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Cook chopped pork in a wok over medium heat. After 3 minutes of cooking add chopped shrimp if desired. Cook until pork is no longer pink. Drain, season with salt and set aside to cool.
- Mix together green onions, ginger, soy sauce, rice wine, oil, sugar, and pepper. Stir in minced meat. Stir in water and mix thoroughly. Chill in freezer for 2 hours, or in refrigerator overnight to firm up and blend flavors.
- Prepare dough for Chinese Steamed Buns.
- Shape dough into balls. Roll each out into a circle, (like Won-Ton wrappers). Put 1 tablespoonful of prepared meat mixture in the center of each circle, and wrap dough around filling. Place seams down onto wax paper squares. Let stand until doubled, about 30 minutes.
- Bring water to a boil in wok, and reduce heat to medium; the water should still be boiling. Place steam-plate on a small wire rack in the middle of the wok. Transfer as many buns on wax paper as will comfortably fit onto steam-plate leaving 1 to 2 inches between the buns. At least 2 inches space should be left between steam-plate and the wok. Cover wok with lid. Steam buns over boiling water for 15 to 20 minutes.
- REMOVE LID BEFORE you turn off heat, or else water will drip back onto bun surface and produce yellowish "blisters" on bun surfaces. Continue steaming batches of buns until all are cooked.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 32.9 calories, Carbohydrate 0.8 g, Cholesterol 14 mg, Fat 1.8 g, Protein 3 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, Sodium 131.9 mg, Sugar 0.6 g
CHINESE STEAMED BUNS WITH BARBECUED PORK FILLING
My sister-in law is Chinese and this is one of her most delicious Dim Sum recipes. It's Chinese name is Char Siu Bao, takes a little effort but is extremely worth it. Barbequed pork can be found in Asian markets, or often in the supermarket deli section.
Provided by Sneakyteaky
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Asian Chinese
Time 3h15m
Yield 24
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Place the warm water in a large bowl, and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Stir in 1 cup of the flour, and mix thoroughly. Cover with a cloth, and let stand until bubbles appear, about 20 minutes.
- Dissolve sugar and shortening in boiling water, and allow to cool to lukewarm. Stir into the yeast mixture along with the remaining flour. When the dough becomes too stiff to stir, turn out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead until smooth, about 10 minutes. Coat a large bowl with sesame oil, and place the dough inside. Turn over to coat, and cover the bowl with a damp cloth. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add green onions and garlic, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds. Add pork, and fry for a minute, then stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Dissolve cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water, then stir the mixture into the pork. Cook, stirring constantly until the pork is coated with a thickened glaze. Remove to a bowl, and allow to cool.
- Remove the dough from the bowl, and roll it out into one long log. Slice the log into 1 inch pieces. Flatten each piece into a 3 inch circle using the palm of your hand or a rolling pin. Place 2 tablespoons of the pork filling onto the center of each circle, and gather up the edges around the filling and pinch together to close the bun. Place each bun seam side down onto a square of aluminum foil. Cover with a towel, and let rise for about 1 hour.
- Bring a couple inches of water to boil in a wok. Place a few buns at a time in a steamer, such as a bamboo steamer for a wok, or a fitted steam tray. Cover, and steam buns over briskly boiling water for 10 minutes. Repeat with remaining buns.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 142.2 calories, Carbohydrate 21.1 g, Cholesterol 6.9 mg, Fat 4 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 5.1 g, SaturatedFat 0.8 g, Sodium 90.5 mg, Sugar 2.7 g
CHINESE STEAMED BUNS
Here's some yummy, Chinese dim sum you can make, either plain without meat fillings, or with meat fillings. A wok equipped with a stainless steel steam plate, a plate with holes to allow steam to pass, is required to make these tasty buns. You may use milk in place of the warm water if you wish.
Provided by Carol chi-wa Chung
Categories Bread Yeast Bread Recipes
Time 4h
Yield 24
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Mix together yeast, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/4 cup flour, and 1/4 cup warm water. Allow to stand for 30 minutes.
- Mix in 1/2 cup warm water, flour, salt, 2 tablespoons sugar, and vegetable oil. Knead until dough surface is smooth and elastic. Roll over in a greased bowl, and let stand until triple in size, about 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
- Punch down dough, and spread out on a floured board. Sprinkle baking powder evenly on surface, and knead for 5 minutes. Divide dough into 2 parts, and place the piece you are not working with in a covered bowl. Divide each half into 12 parts. Shape each part into a ball with smooth surface up. Put each ball on a wax paper square. Let stand covered until double, about 30 minutes.
- Bring water to a boil in wok, and reduce heat to medium; the water should still be boiling. Place steam-plate on a small wire rack in the middle of the wok. Transfer as many buns on wax paper as will comfortably fit onto steam-plate leaving 1 to 2 inches between the buns. At least 2 inches space should be left between steam-plate and the wok. Cover wok with lid. Steam buns over boiling water for 15 minutes.
- REMOVE LID BEFORE you turn off heat, or else water will drip back onto bun surface and produce yellowish "blisters" on bun surfaces. Continue steaming batches of buns until all are cooked.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 44.4 calories, Carbohydrate 8.4 g, Fat 0.7 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 1.1 g, SaturatedFat 0.1 g, Sodium 35 mg, Sugar 1.2 g
Tips:
- Use warm water for the dough. This will help the yeast to activate.
- Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This will help to develop the gluten in the dough and make the buns chewy.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size. This will give the yeast time to work and produce gas.
- Steam the buns in a bamboo steamer. This will help to keep them moist and fluffy.
- Serve the buns hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Conclusion:
Chinese steamed buns are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They are soft, fluffy, and can be filled with a variety of ingredients. With a little practice, you can easily make these buns at home. So next time you are looking for a tasty and satisfying meal, give Chinese steamed buns a try!
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