18 Chinese Steamed Bun Recipe Altitude Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 24, 2024
Chinese steamed buns, also known as "baozi", are a staple in traditional Chinese cuisine. These soft, fluffy buns are typically filled with a variety of savory ingredients and can be found in many Chinese restaurants around the world. However, for those living at high altitudes, achieving the perfect steamed bun can be a challenge. Let's take a closer look at the factors that affect the cooking process at high altitudes and how to adjust your recipe to make the perfect Chinese steamed buns, no matter where you are.
Main Ingredients: Duck, Pepper, Kosher Salt, Ginger, Garlic Bulb, Green
Crispy, succulent roasted duck paired with soft and fluffy Chinese steamed buns is a classic dish that will never go out of style. This recipe takes it up a notch by using a homemade marinade and a special steaming technique to create the perfect combination of flavors and textures.
First, the duck is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, five-spice powder, and hoisin sauce for a few hours to infuse it with rich, savory flavors. Then, it is roasted in the oven until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender and juicy. While the duck is roasting, the Chinese steamed buns are prepared by mixing yeast, flour, and sugar to create a dough that will rise and become soft and fluffy when steamed.
Also known as "mantou," Chinese steamed buns are a staple in Chinese cuisine. They can be served as a side dish or used to make various types of buns, such as the popular char siu bao (barbecue pork buns). These buns are made by steaming a dough mixture of flour, yeast, sugar, and milk, resulting in a soft and slightly sweet bun that is perfect for soaking up the delicious flavors of any dish.
Chinese steamed buns can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as pork, chicken, vegetables, or sweet custard. They can also be served plain with a dipping sauce or used as a bun for a sandwich-like filling. No matter how you enjoy them, Chinese steamed buns are a versatile and tasty addition to any meal.
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Kaya Pao (Kaya Chinese Steamed Bun)
Main Ingredients: Fine Granulated Sugar, Hot Water, Coconut Milk, Eggs
Kaya pao, also known as "kaya bao," is a popular Chinese steamed bun filled with a sweet and fragrant coconut jam called kaya. This dish is especially popular in Southeast Asian countries like Singapore and Malaysia. The buns are made by steaming a dough mixture of flour, yeast, sugar, and coconut milk, resulting in a soft and delicate bun that pairs perfectly with the rich and creamy kaya filling.
To make kaya pao, the buns are steamed until they are fully cooked and then filled with a generous amount of kaya jam. The result is a deliciously sweet and satisfying treat that is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you're craving a little indulgence.
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Pumpkin Mantou (Pumpkin Chinese Steamed Bun)
Main Ingredients: Pumpkin Flesh, Instant Yeast, Plain Flour, Sugar
For a unique twist on traditional Chinese steamed buns, try making pumpkin mantou. This dish combines the soft and fluffy texture of Chinese steamed buns with the sweet and earthy flavor of pumpkin. The pumpkin is cooked and mashed before being added to the dough mixture of flour, yeast, sugar, and milk.
The result is a beautiful orange-colored bun that is not only visually appealing but also delicious. The pumpkin adds a subtle sweetness and a touch of moisture to the buns, making them even more soft and tender. Serve these pumpkin mantou as a side dish or use them as buns for your favorite fillings.
Chinese steamed egg, also known as "zheng shui dan," is a simple and comforting dish that is often served as part of a Chinese meal. The dish consists of a silky and smooth egg custard that is steamed until it is set and served with a savory sauce.
To make Chinese steamed egg, eggs, water, and a pinch of salt are mixed together and steamed until the eggs are set. The result is a delicate and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a topping for rice or noodles. Customize your steamed egg by adding vegetables, meats, or seafood to the egg mixture before steaming.
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Chinese Steamed Buns (Mantou)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Dry Active Yeast, Warm Water
Mantou, also known as "maan tou," is the basic and most common type of Chinese steamed bun. These buns are made by steaming a dough mixture of flour, yeast, sugar, and milk, resulting in a soft and slightly sweet bun that is perfect for soaking up the flavors of any dish.
Mantou can be enjoyed plain or filled with a variety of ingredients, such as red bean paste, pork, or vegetables. They are often served as a side dish or used as a bun for sandwiches or burgers. No matter how you enjoy them, mantou is a delicious and versatile addition to any meal.
For a sweet and indulgent treat, try making Chinese steamed custard buns. These buns are made by steaming a dough mixture of flour, yeast, sugar, and coconut milk until they are soft and fluffy, then filled with a rich and creamy custard filling.
The custard filling is made by cooking milk, sugar, eggs, and cornstarch until it thickens and becomes smooth and creamy. The buns are then filled with the custard and steamed until they are fully cooked. The result is a heavenly combination of soft and sweet bun with a luscious custard filling.
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Chinese Steamed Buns with BBQ Pork Filling
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Loin Roast, Barbecue Sauce, Shallots
These Chinese steamed buns, also known as "char siu bao," are a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. The buns are made by steaming a dough mixture of flour, yeast, sugar, and milk, then filled with savory and tender BBQ pork before being steamed again until the filling is hot and the buns are soft and fluffy.
Char siu bao can be enjoyed as a snack or served as part of a meal. They can also be made in a larger size and used as a meal on their own. The sweet and savory BBQ pork filling pairs perfectly with the soft and fluffy bun, making this dish a crowd-pleaser.
This Chinese-style dish is a favorite for many households. Tender chicken and crisp broccoli are stir-fried in a delicious sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and garlic, then served over steamed rice. This dish is easy to make and full of flavor, making it a go-to for busy weeknights.
The key to this dish is to cook the chicken and broccoli quickly over high heat, so they retain their crisp texture. The sauce adds a savory and slightly sweet flavor that complements the chicken and broccoli perfectly. Serve this dish with your favorite Chinese steamed buns for a complete and satisfying meal.
Also known as "ma lai gao," Chinese steamed sponge cake is a popular dessert in Chinese cuisine. This cake is made by steaming a mixture of flour, eggs, sugar, and milk until it is light, airy, and spongy. The result is a cake that is slightly sweet and has a delicate texture.
This cake can be served plain or topped with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or your favorite frosting. It can also be used as a base for other desserts, such as a trifle or layered cake. However you enjoy it, Chinese steamed sponge cake is a delicious and light option for any sweet tooth.
Chinese steamed fish, also known as "zheng yu," is a simple and healthy dish that is packed with flavor. The fish is steamed with a mixture of ginger, scallions, soy sauce, and sesame oil, resulting in a moist and tender fish with a savory and fragrant sauce.
To make this dish, a whole fish is typically used, such as tilapia, sea bass, or snapper. The fish is steamed until it is fully cooked and then served with the flavorful sauce poured over it. This dish is often served as part of a multi-course meal and is a refreshing and light option compared to fried or grilled fish dishes.
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Mantou (Chinese Steamed Bun)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Instant Yeast, Lukewarm Water, Milk
Mantou, also known as "maan tou," is the basic and most common type of Chinese steamed bun. These buns are made by steaming a dough mixture of flour, yeast, sugar, and milk, resulting in a soft and slightly sweet bun that is perfect for soaking up the flavors of any dish.
Mantou can be enjoyed plain or filled with a variety of ingredients, such as red bean paste, pork, or vegetables. They are often served as a side dish or used as a bun for sandwiches or burgers. No matter how you enjoy them, mantou is a delicious and versatile addition to any meal.
These Chinese steamed buns, also known as "char siu bao," are a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. The buns are made by steaming a dough mixture of flour, yeast, sugar, and milk, then filled with savory and tender BBQ pork before being steamed again until the filling is hot and the buns are soft and fluffy.
Char siu bao can be enjoyed as a snack or served as part of a meal. They can also be made in a larger size and used as a meal on their own. The sweet and savory BBQ pork filling pairs perfectly with the soft and fluffy bun, making this dish a crowd-pleaser.
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20 Minute Chinese Steamed Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thigh, Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, White Pepper
This quick and easy dish is perfect for busy weeknights. Chicken is marinated in a simple mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic for a few minutes, then steamed until it is fully cooked and tender. The result is a flavorful and juicy chicken dish that can be served with rice or your favorite vegetables.
This dish can also be customized by adding vegetables, such as broccoli or bell peppers, to the steamer with the chicken. The vegetables will cook alongside the chicken, making it a complete and healthy meal that can be made in just 20 minutes.
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Steamed Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Shrimp, Scallion, White Pepper, Shaoxing
Steamed dumplings, also known as "jiao zi," are a popular Chinese dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or a meal. These dumplings are made by steaming a filling of pork, cabbage, and ginger inside a thin dough wrapper. The result is a soft and juicy dumpling that is perfect for dipping in a savory and spicy sauce.
Steamed dumplings can also be made with a variety of other fillings, such as chicken, shrimp, or vegetables. They are often served at special occasions, such as Chinese New Year, and are a must-try for any dumpling lover.
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Pandan Spiral Mantou-Soft Fluffy Chinese Steamed Bun...
Main Ingredients: Flour, Wheat Starch, Instant Yeast, Sugar, Milk, Corn
For a visually stunning and delicious steamed bun option, try making pandan spiral mantou. These buns are made by adding pandan paste to the dough mixture of flour, yeast, sugar, and milk, resulting in a beautiful green and white spiral pattern when steamed.
These buns are soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet, making them perfect for any meal or snack. They can be served plain or filled with your favorite ingredients, such as meat, vegetables, or sweet fillings. However you enjoy them, pandan spiral mantou is sure to impress both visually and gastronomically.
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Vegan Baozi(Chinese Steamed Buns)
Main Ingredients: Cooking Oil, All Purpose Flour, Instant Yeast, Water
For our vegan friends, this recipe for baozi, also known as "bao," is a must-try. These buns are made by steaming a dough mixture of flour, yeast, sugar, and coconut milk, then filled with a savory and flavorful vegan filling, such as tofu, vegetables, or mushrooms.
The result is a delicious and satisfying bun that is perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike. These baozi can be enjoyed as a snack or served as part of a meal, and they are sure to impress with their soft and fluffy texture and tasty filling.
Chinese steamed eggs, also known as "zheng shui dan," is a simple and comforting dish that is often served as part of a Chinese meal. The dish consists of a silky and smooth egg custard that is steamed until it is set and served with a savory sauce.
To make Chinese steamed eggs, eggs, water, and a pinch of salt are mixed together and steamed until the eggs are set. The result is a delicate and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a topping for rice or noodles. Customize your steamed eggs by adding vegetables, meats, or seafood to the egg mixture before steaming.
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Steamed Chinese Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Fresh Mushrooms, Ground Pork, Shrimp, Salt, Sugar
Steamed Chinese dumplings, also known as "jiao zi," are a popular dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or a meal. These dumplings are made by steaming a filling of pork, cabbage, and ginger inside a thin dough wrapper. The result is a soft and juicy dumpling that is perfect for dipping in a savory and spicy sauce.
Steamed dumplings can also be made with a variety of other fillings, such as chicken, shrimp, or vegetables. They are often served at special occasions, such as Chinese New Year, and are a must-try for any dumpling lover.
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Cantonese Steamed Chicken & Chinese Sausage
Main Ingredients: Dried Shiitake Mushrooms, Boneless Skinless Chicken
This traditional Cantonese dish is a delicious combination of steamed chicken, Chinese sausage, and dried shiitake mushrooms. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil for a few hours, then steamed with the sausage and mushrooms until it is tender and flavorful.
The Impact of Altitude on Steamed Buns
Understanding the Science
When it comes to cooking at high altitudes, the main factor to consider is the low air pressure. At higher elevations, the air pressure is lower which affects the boiling point of water. This means that water boils at a lower temperature, which can result in longer cooking times and ultimately affect the texture and taste of your steamed buns.
Common Issues with High Altitude Steamed Buns
One of the most common issues when making steamed buns at high altitudes is the dough not rising properly. This is because the lower air pressure causes the dough to expand more quickly, leading to a collapsed and dense bun. Another issue is the filling not cooking thoroughly, resulting in a raw or undercooked center.
Adjusting Your Recipe for High Altitude
The Dough
To combat the low air pressure, it's important to adjust your dough recipe for high altitude. Reduce the amount of yeast by 25-30% and use less sugar in your dough as sugar can cause the dough to rise too quickly. You may also want to increase the amount of liquid in the dough to prevent it from becoming too dry.
The Filling
To ensure your filling cooks thoroughly, cut the ingredients into smaller pieces and avoid using ingredients that release a lot of moisture, such as mushrooms. It's also helpful to pre-cook the filling before adding it to the dough.
The Steaming Process
To achieve the perfect steamed bun at high altitudes, it's important to steam the buns for a longer period of time. This will allow the dough to fully rise and the filling to cook thoroughly. You may also want to increase the water level in your steamer to compensate for the lower boiling point of water at high altitudes.
Conclusion
Making Chinese steamed buns at high altitudes may require some adjustments to your recipe and cooking process, but with these tips, you can still achieve delicious and fluffy buns that are true to the traditional Chinese cuisine. Don't let the altitude hold you back from enjoying this delicious delicacy. With a little tweaking, you can now confidently make Chinese steamed buns no matter where you are.
