As a time-honored staple, steamed buns have long been a common household food in Chinese history, particularly as a breakfast item. Given the increasing prevalence of food additives in the market, many now choose to make their own buns at home. Below, we share the healthy and proper method for steaming buns, helping you enjoy them while prioritizing wellness.
Steaming Time for Mantou
Reheating cooked mantou: Once water boils, steam for 5-8 minutes. For raw mantou: Size matters—egg-sized dough takes 12-13 minutes, goose-egg sized requires 15-18 minutes. Mantou is done when the surface cracks open and the bottom no longer sticks to the steamer tray.Method
1. Wash your hands and the mixing bowl thoroughly.
2. Add two to three small bowls of water to the mixing bowl, adjusting as needed.
3. Add an appropriate amount of yeast powder to the bowl and stir evenly by hand.
4. Scoop a large ladleful of white flour (you may add a small amount of cornmeal) into the bowl while stirring with the other hand to form flour strands.
5. Firmly grip the bowl's edge with one hand. Use the back of the other hand to scrape the bowl's rim until no flour sticks to it.
6.Rub your hands together until no dough sticks to them.
7. Use wrist pressure to knead the dough, repeatedly turning and pressing until it becomes soft and smooth.
8. Cover the mixing bowl to prevent the surface of the dough from drying out.
9. Place in a sunny or warm spot for three to four hours. You can do other household chores during this time. (The above is the dough-kneading process. Remember the three glows:bowl clean, hands clean, dough clean. Takes about 15 minutes.)
10. Prepare the work surface: ensure it is flat, clean, and dry. Place a dusting cloth (the base layer for the work surface) on top.
11. Transfer the proofed dough and mixing bowl to the work surface. Tip the dough onto the surface. Take a small amount of dry flour and rub it along the bottom of the mixing bowl until clean. Combine this scraped flour with the main dough lump.
12. Roll the dough into a long log. Hold the right end with your left hand. Using the width of your four fingers spread apart, move your left hand along the log. Cut off a piece. Continue moving leftward, cutting off pieces without damaging the dough.
12. Knead the dough into a long log. Hold the right end with your left hand. Using the width of your four fingers spread apart as a guide, slide your left hand to the left and cut off a piece. Continue sliding left to cut more pieces, avoiding injury to your hand.
13. Arrange the cut dough pieces neatly. They now resemble steamed buns. Cover them with a cloth and let rest for 2-3 minutes.
14. While the buns rest, prepare the steamer. Add an appropriate amount of cold water to the steamer, place the steamer basket inside, and lay the cloth evenly over the basket.
15. Place the buns in the prepared steamer basket and cover the steamer.
16. Place the pot over heat. Depending on the size of the buns, steam for 25 to 30 minutes.
17. Turn off the heat and wait briefly before opening the lid.
The above outlines the healthy and proper method for steaming buns, helping you enjoy wholesome meals. We hope you now have a clear understanding. Wishing you good health and happiness.