Mantou Steamed Chinese Buns Sprinkles and Sprouts from www.sprinklesandsprouts.com
Introduction to Steam Bun
If you are a fan of Chinese cuisine, you must have heard of steam buns. Steam buns, also known as baozi or bao, are soft and fluffy buns that originated from China. These buns are made by steaming dough that is usually filled with meat, vegetables, or sweet fillings. The dough is made from flour, yeast, sugar, and water, which are mixed together to form a smooth, elastic dough. The dough is then rolled out, filled, and steamed until it becomes light and fluffy. In this article, we will be sharing a recipe for making steam buns at home.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need to make steam buns:
2 cups of all-purpose flour
1 tsp of instant yeast
1 tbsp of sugar
1/2 cup of warm water
1 tbsp of vegetable oil
A pinch of salt
Filling of your choice (meat, vegetables, or sweet filling)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Slowly pour in the warm water and vegetable oil while stirring the mixture with a wooden spoon. Continue to stir until the dough comes together and forms a ball.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 10 minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Form the dough into a ball and place it in a clean bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let it rest for 1 hour.
Step 3: Make the Filling
While the dough is resting, prepare the filling of your choice. You can use any filling you like, such as ground pork with vegetables, stir-fried mushrooms, or red bean paste.
Step 4: Form the Buns
After the dough has rested, punch it down and knead it for a few minutes. Divide the dough into equal-sized pieces, depending on how big you want your buns to be. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten it with a rolling pin. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of the flattened dough and then gather the edges together to seal the bun.
Step 5: Steam the Buns
Line a steamer basket with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent the buns from sticking. Place the buns in the steamer basket, leaving enough space between each bun for them to expand. Cover the steamer basket with a lid and steam the buns over high heat for 15-20 minutes.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the buns are cooked, remove them from the steamer basket and serve them hot. You can eat the buns as they are or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition
Steam buns are a healthy and filling food option. Depending on the filling you use, steam buns can be a good source of protein, fiber, and other nutrients. However, they can also be high in calories and carbohydrates. It's important to be mindful of your portion sizes and to choose fillings that are nutritious and low in fat and sugar.
Conclusion
Making steam buns at home is easier than you think. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can enjoy delicious and fluffy steam buns in no time. Experiment with different fillings and flavors to find your favorite combination. Whether you enjoy them as a snack or a meal, steam buns are a tasty and satisfying food that is sure to please.
