If you don’t have a steamer but are craving some fluffy, delicious bao buns, don’t worry – you can still make them at home with just a few simple ingredients and some creativity! In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making bao buns without a steamer. And don’t worry, it’s easier than you think!

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

To start, gather the following ingredients:

– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon of instant yeast
– 1 tablespoon of sugar
– 1/2 cup of warm water
– 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
– Pinch of salt

For the filling, you can get creative! Traditional options include pork, chicken, or tofu, but feel free to experiment with different fillings like mushrooms, vegetables, or even a sweet filling like red bean paste.

Step 2: Make the Dough

To make the dough, mix the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Then, gradually add the warm water and vegetable oil while stirring the mixture until it forms a dough. Once the dough begins to come together, knead it on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare your filling of choice. Cook and season your chosen protein or vegetable filling and set it aside to cool.

Step 5: Shape the Bao Buns

Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air. Then, divide the dough into equal portions and roll each portion into a ball. Using a rolling pin, flatten each ball into a small circle, leaving the edges slightly thicker than the center. Add a spoonful of your filling into the center of each circle, then gather the edges and pleat them together to seal the buns.

Step 6: Steam the Bao Buns

Now, it’s time to steam the bao buns. If you don’t have a steamer, simply place a heatproof plate or shallow bowl upside down in a large pot or wok. Fill the pot with enough water so that it’s just below the plate or bowl. Place the buns on a piece of parchment paper, then place the parchment paper with the buns on top of the plate or bowl in the pot. Cover the pot with a lid and steam the buns for 15-20 minutes, or until they are puffed up and cooked through.

Step 7: Enjoy Your Homemade Bao Buns!

Once the buns are steamed, carefully remove them from the pot and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade bao buns with your favorite dipping sauce or as part of a complete meal.

Making bao buns without a steamer is not only possible, but also a fun and rewarding cooking experience. With just a few simple ingredients and some creativity, you can enjoy fluffy, delicious bao buns right in your own kitchen. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress your family and friends with your homemade bao buns!