Steamed Custard Buns Recipe: A Perfect Sweet Treat

Introduction to Steamed Custard Buns

Steamed custard buns, known for their pillowy soft texture and rich, sweet filling, have become a beloved treat across many cultures. These buns, typically found in Chinese and Japanese cuisine, have a delightful custard filling that makes them a perfect snack, dessert, or accompaniment to a cup of tea. Whether you’re making Chinese-style custard buns or their Japanese counterpart, the beauty of these sweet buns lies in their soft, airy dough combined with a smooth, creamy custard filling. In this article, we will explore how to make these delightful steamed sweet buns at home with a simple yet delicious recipe.

What are Steamed Custard Buns?

Steamed custard buns are soft, sweet buns with a rich custard filling. The dough used for making these buns is typically yeast-based, making them fluffy and light. The custard filling inside is made using ingredients like eggs, sugar, milk, and a thickening agent such as cornstarch. After the dough is filled with the custard mixture, the buns are steamed, resulting in a sweet, creamy, and tender treat. These buns are often enjoyed as a part of a dim sum meal in Chinese cuisine or as a sweet dessert in Japanese culinary traditions.

Steamed sweet buns like these offer an irresistible contrast between the soft, pillowy texture of the dough and the creamy sweetness of the custard. They are an ideal treat for any occasion, be it a cozy afternoon tea, a light dessert, or a part of a larger meal. The versatility of steamed buns also means that you can tweak the filling or the dough flavor to suit your preferences, making them a fun and customizable recipe.

The History of Custard Buns in Chinese and Japanese Cuisine

Custard buns are a popular snack in both Chinese and Japanese cultures, though they are slightly different in their preparation and filling.

Custard Buns in Chinese Cuisine: Known as “Nai Wong Bao” (奶黄包) in Mandarin, these Chinese steamed buns are a popular dim sum dish. They are typically filled with a sweet, egg-based custard that is creamy and smooth. The filling often has a slight yellow hue, which comes from the egg yolks used in the custard. The buns are soft and fluffy, and they are typically steamed to perfection. In Chinese culture, custard buns are often served during celebratory occasions such as Chinese New Year, weddings, or family gatherings.
Custard Buns in Japanese Cuisine: In Japan, a similar version of the steamed custard bun is called “Chin Chin Manju” or “Custard Manju.” The Japanese version also uses a sweet, creamy custard filling, but the dough might have slight differences in texture and flavor. These buns are a popular treat enjoyed with tea, especially in the afternoon. In Japan, custard-filled manju are often found in bakeries and are served as a comfort food that complements a warm beverage.

Key Ingredients for Steamed Custard Buns

To make these delightful sweet buns, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Para la Masa:

De harina para todo uso: This forms the base of the dough, giving it structure and texture. Flour is a staple ingredient in most bun recipes and is essential for creating the light and airy dough that is characteristic of steamed buns.
Azúcar: A little sweetness is added to the dough to complement the custard filling. This ingredient balances the slight savory flavor of the dough.
De levadura seca activa: This helps the dough rise and become light and fluffy. Yeast is essential in creating the soft, airy texture of the buns.
Baking powder: Helps to make the dough even fluffier. The combination of yeast and baking powder creates a wonderfully light texture for the buns.
Milk or water: Used to hydrate the dough and make it soft. You can use either milk or water based on your preference, but milk will give the dough a richer flavor.
Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and tenderness to the dough. Oil keeps the dough soft and pliable, making it easier to handle.
Sal: Balances the sweetness of the dough. A pinch of salt is needed to enhance the overall flavor of the buns.

For the Custard Filling:

Egg yolks: The main ingredient for the custard filling, providing richness and color. Egg yolks contribute to the custard’s smooth texture and golden hue.
Azúcar: Sweetens the custard, balancing the flavor of the egg yolks. This ingredient is what gives the filling its satisfying sweetness.
La leche: Adds creaminess to the custard mixture. The milk creates the smooth texture needed for the custard.
Cornstarch: Thickens the custard and gives it a smooth consistency. Cornstarch is essential for turning the milk and egg yolks into a thick, creamy custard filling.
Vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor to the custard. The vanilla adds a subtle, fragrant sweetness that enhances the overall flavor of the custard.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Steamed Custard Buns

Follow this easy recipe to make your own steamed custard buns at home. This recipe combines a light, fluffy dough with a smooth, creamy custard filling that is sure to impress.

Paso 1: Preparar la Masa

Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and stir until dissolved. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. The warm liquid helps activate the yeast, creating the bubbles that will make your dough rise.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt together. This ensures the ingredients are evenly distributed and eliminates any lumps.
Combine wet ingredients: Add the activated yeast mixture to the flour mixture, along with vegetable oil. Mix everything together until a dough forms. Stir until the mixture is incorporated and a dough begins to form.
Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much. Kneading helps to develop the gluten, making the dough soft and elastic, which is crucial for the perfect steamed bun texture.
Let the dough rise: Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. The dough needs to rise in a warm place for the yeast to work, creating bubbles that make the dough airy and soft.

Step 2: Make the Custard Filling

Prepare the custard mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir them together until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
Heat the milk: In a separate saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to steam, but not boil. Be careful not to let the milk come to a full boil, as it can affect the consistency of the custard.
Cook the custard: Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, stirring constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens to a custard-like consistency. The cornstarch will help thicken the custard, and the egg yolks will give it a rich, velvety texture.
Add flavor: Once the custard has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the custard cool slightly before using. This will ensure that the custard has the right texture and flavor for filling the buns.

Step 3: Assemble the Buns

Shape the dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to remove any air bubbles. Divide the dough into small, equal portions (about 12-15 pieces). Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten it into a small disc, about 3 inches in diameter. Be sure to shape the dough evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
Fill the buns: Place a small spoonful of custard filling in the center of each dough disc. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling may spill out during steaming. Gently spoon the custard into the center, ensuring that the filling is spread evenly.
Seal the buns: Gently fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pinch the seams together to seal the bun. Make sure the buns are completely sealed to avoid leaks during steaming. You can twist the top of the dough to form a small knot, or simply pinch it closed.
Prepare for steaming: Place each filled bun onto a small piece of parchment paper or cupcake liner to prevent them from sticking to the steamer. Arrange the buns in the steamer basket, making sure they are not touching. This ensures that the buns will have enough space to expand as they steam.

Step 4: Steam the Buns

Steam the buns: Bring a pot of water to a boil and place the steamer basket over the pot. Steam the buns for 12-15 minutes, or until they are puffed up and cooked through. Ensure that the pot has enough water, and that it is kept at a simmer during steaming.
Check doneness: To ensure the buns are fully cooked, you can check one by gently pressing the top. If it springs back, the buns are ready. The buns should be light, fluffy, and slightly golden on the surface.
Serve: Remove the buns from the steamer and allow them to cool slightly before serving. These buns are best enjoyed warm, as the custard filling will be deliciously smooth and creamy.

Tips for Perfect Steamed Custard Buns

Use fresh yeast: The success of your steamed sweet buns depends largely on the yeast. Ensure that the yeast is fresh and active for the best results.
Don’t overfill the buns: Too much filling can cause the custard to leak out while steaming. A small spoonful is enough for each bun.
Allow proper rising time: Give the dough enough time to rise so that your buns are fluffy and light. Don’t rush this process!
Use a double steamer: If you don’t have a large steamer, you can use two smaller steamers, or you can also steam the buns in batches.
Customize the filling: While traditional custard is delicious, feel free to experiment with different fillings such as chocolate or red bean paste for a unique twist.

Benefits of Steamed Custard Buns

Steamed custard buns are a delightful dessert that offers several benefits:

Soft and Fluffy: The steamed bun dough is soft, light, and airy, making each bite a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Rich and Creamy Custard: The custard filling is rich and creamy, offering a sweet contrast to the fluffy dough.
Healthy Alternative: Steamed desserts, compared to baked ones, often retain more moisture and can be slightly lighter in texture. The absence of heavy oils or fats also makes them a healthier option.
Versátil: The custard filling can be easily adapted to suit personal tastes, such as adding fruit or nuts for added texture.

Conclusión

Whether you’re a fan of sweet Chinese steamed buns or prefer the Japanese style, these custard-filled buns are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. The soft, fluffy dough combined with the creamy, smooth custard filling creates a treat that is perfect for any occasion. By following this simple recipe, you can enjoy homemade steamed custard buns anytime you desire, bringing a taste of East Asia into your kitchen.

So, gather your ingredients, start kneading, and enjoy the magic of making your own sweet steamed buns at home!