Chinese Steamed Buns

4.4
(194)

These steamed buns are yummy Chinese dim sum that can be made with or without meat filling. To make these tasty buns, you'll need a wok equipped with a stainless steel steam plate. After steaming the buns, make sure to remove the lid carefully so condensation doesn't drip onto the buns, as this will produce yellowish blisters on the bun surface. You may use milk in place of the warm water if you wish.

An open steamer basket with Chinese steamed buns
50
50
50
50
Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
45 mins
Additional Time:
3 hrs 30 mins
Total Time:
4 hrs 45 mins
Servings:
24
Yield:
24 buns
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 24 servings

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, divided

  • ¾ cup warm water, divided

  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast

  • 1 teaspoon white sugar

  • 2 tablespoons white sugar

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon baking powder

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    Ingredients to make Chinese steamed buns

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Mix together 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup warm water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar in a large bowl. Allow to sit for 30 minutes.

    A hand pouring a small measuring cup of water into a bowl with flour, sugar, and yeast

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Mix in remaining 1 1/2 cups flour, remaining 1/2 cup warm water, 2 tablespoons sugar, vegetable oil, and salt. Knead until dough is smooth and elastic.

    A large bowl of loose dough being stirred with a wooden spoon

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Transfer to a greased bowl, roll to coat with oil, and let sit until tripled in size, 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

    A bowl of risen dough

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  5. Punch down dough and spread out on a floured board. Sprinkle baking powder evenly on surface of dough; knead for 5 minutes.

    A shaggy ball of dough on a floured surface

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  6. Divide dough in half; set aside one half in a covered bowl. Divide remaining half into 12 equal pieces.

    A ball of dough with 12 smaller portions of dough with a bench scraper

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  7. Shape each into a ball; transfer each ball to a small square of waxed paper with the smooth surface facing up. Repeat portioning and shaping with remaining dough half. Cover all 24 dough balls and let sit until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.

    24 small round balls of dough on squares of wax paper

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  8. Bring some water to a boil in a wok, then reduce heat to medium and keep water at a low boil. Place the steam plate on a small wire rack in the middle of the wok, leaving at least 2 inches of space between the plate and the wok. Working in batches, place buns on waxed paper squares onto the steam plate, leaving 1 to 2 inches between buns.

    A steamer basket set over a pan of simmering water, with 7 rounds pieces of dough on wax paper

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  9. Cover and steam buns for 15 minutes. Carefully remove the lid, so condensation doesn't drip onto buns. Continue steaming remaining buns until all are cooked.

    A steamer basket set over a pan of simmer water, with seven steamed buns

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

332 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

44 Calories
1g Fat
8g Carbs
1g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 24
Calories 44
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 1g 1%
Saturated Fat 0g 1%
Sodium 35mg 2%
Total Carbohydrate 8g 3%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 1g 2%
Calcium 8mg 1%
Iron 1mg 3%
Potassium 20mg 0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.