Steamed Chicken Buns, or Chinese Steamed Chicken Buns, are a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, often served as part of dim sum, enjoyed as a snack, or served during special occasions and gatherings. These soft, fluffy, and flavorful buns are filled with seasoned chicken and steamed to perfection, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. The combination of delicate steamed dough and a savory chicken filling is a treat for the taste buds.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to make the perfect Chicken Buns from scratch, including tips on creating that fluffy texture and the ideal filling. Whether you’re new to making steamed buns or you’re an experienced cook looking for a fresh recipe, this article will guide you every step of the way.
What Are Steamed Chicken Buns?
Steamed Chicken Buns are essentially a type of Chinese dim sum, known for their pillowy soft texture and savory fillings. They are a type of Chinese Buns (also known as baozi or bao buns), which are typically filled with a variety of meats, vegetables, or sweet fillings. The key to their deliciousness lies in the dough – it’s light and fluffy, while the filling is rich in flavor and moisture.
The buns are traditionally prepared using a bamboo steamer, which allows the buns to cook evenly while keeping them soft and tender. Steam buns recipe varies widely depending on the region, but the Chinese steamed chicken version is one of the most beloved, often filled with a mixture of chicken, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and other spices that infuse the meat with deep umami flavors.
Ingredients for Steamed Chicken Buns
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need to make these fluffy chicken buns.
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup milk (optional, for a softer dough)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (for fluffiness)
For the Chicken Filling:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, finely chopped or ground
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to help thicken the filling)
- 2 tablespoons chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon green onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for balance)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Steamed Chicken Buns
Now that we have everything ready, let’s start making these delicious chicken buns. We’ll walk you through both the dough-making and filling preparation to ensure the best results.
1. Prepare the Dough for Steamed Chicken Buns
Start by activating the yeast for the dough. In a bowl, combine warm water and sugar, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Sprinkle the dry yeast over the top of the water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy.
While the yeast is activating, in another bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix the dry ingredients together to evenly distribute the baking powder.
Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the flour mixture. Add vegetable oil (or melted butter) and milk (if using) to the bowl. Mix everything until it forms a dough. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a little extra flour, but be careful not to add too much – you want the dough to be soft and slightly tacky.
Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can do this by hand or use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Once the dough is ready, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest in a warm area for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
2. Prepare the Chicken Filling
While the dough is rising, it’s time to prepare the chicken filling for your Chinese steamed chicken buns.
In a mixing bowl, combine finely chopped chicken, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Stir everything together until the chicken is well coated in the sauces. Then add ginger, garlic, cornstarch, and chicken broth, mixing again until the filling becomes smooth and thickens slightly.
Season the filling with white pepper and sugar (if desired). Then fold in the chopped green onions to add a bit of fresh flavor. Once mixed, set the filling aside and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes for the flavors to meld together.
3. Shape the Buns
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and divide it into about 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a small ball.
Take one ball of dough and flatten it with your hands or a rolling pin to form a small circle. The circle should be about 4-5 inches in diameter. Place a heaping tablespoon of the chicken filling in the center of the dough circle.
Carefully pinch the edges of the dough together to seal the filling inside, forming a bun shape. Make sure the seal is tight to prevent any of the filling from leaking out during the steaming process. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling.
4. Prepare the Bamboo Steamer
Next, get your bamboo steamer ready. You can also use a regular steamer if you don’t have a bamboo one, but a bamboo steamer helps impart a nice aroma and allows the buns to cook evenly.
Line the bottom of each layer of the steamer with parchment paper, ensuring that the buns don’t stick to the surface. Arrange the steamed chicken buns in the steamer, making sure to leave space between each one to allow for expansion during the steaming process.
5. Steam the Chicken Buns
Bring a pot of water to a boil over medium heat. Once the water is boiling, carefully place the bamboo steamer over the pot, ensuring that the buns are not touching the water. Cover the steamer with a lid and steam the buns for 12-15 minutes, or until the buns are soft and fully cooked.
You may need to steam the buns in batches depending on the size of your steamer. Keep an eye on the water level to ensure it doesn’t run dry. Add more water if necessary.
6. Serve the Steamed Chicken Buns
Once the buns are cooked, remove them from the steamer and let them cool slightly before serving. These Chinese chicken buns are best enjoyed warm, with a side of soy sauce or chili oil for dipping if desired.
Tips for Making the Best Steamed Chicken Buns
- Make the Dough Ahead of Time: If you want to save time, you can make the dough a day ahead of time and let it rest in the fridge overnight. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before shaping the buns.
- Steam in Batches: If your steamer is small, don’t overcrowd it. Steam the buns in batches to ensure they cook evenly and maintain their soft texture.
- Use a Light Hand When Rolling the Dough: Be gentle when rolling out the dough, as you want to keep the buns soft and fluffy. Rolling too thin can lead to tough buns.
- Use Fresh Chicken: For the best flavor, use fresh chicken that you chop or ground yourself. Pre-packaged ground chicken can sometimes be dry or have added fillers.
- Serve with Dim Sum: These chicken buns are a perfect addition to any dim sum spread. Serve them alongside other dim sum favorites like dumplings, spring rolls, or steamed buns with pork or vegetables.
Variations of Steamed Chicken Buns
While chicken buns are delicious on their own, there are many ways to get creative with the filling. Here are a few variations to try:
- Spicy Chicken Buns: Add a bit of chili paste or Sriracha to the chicken filling for a spicy kick. You can also include finely chopped chilies in the filling to adjust the heat level to your taste.
- Vegetarian Chicken Buns: For a vegetarian alternative, replace the chicken with finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, or other vegetables. Add some plant-based protein to keep the filling hearty.
- Curry Chicken Buns: For a unique twist, add curry powder to the chicken filling, and combine it with coconut milk for a creamy, aromatic flavor.
- Sweet and Sour Chicken Buns: Mix sweet and sour sauce into the filling for a tangy, flavorful variation of these buns.
Conclusion
Making steamed chicken buns from scratch is an incredibly satisfying process that results in a delicious, comforting dish. These fluffy, savory buns are perfect for a snack, a meal, or as part of a larger dim sum feast. With the right ingredients and technique, you can easily recreate these Chinese steamed chicken buns at home. Whether you’re using a bamboo steamer or a regular steamer, the key to success is in the dough, the filling, and the steaming process. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy this beloved Chinese treat right in your kitchen.
Feel free to experiment with different fillings, and make these Steam Buns your own by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting the seasonings. Happy cooking!
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