I love to experiment with different types of cuisines, and recently I’ve been fascinated by Chinese food. One dish that I’ve always enjoyed eating is steamed bao. These soft, pillowy buns filled with savory or sweet fillings are a delight to bite into. However, I always thought that making them at home would be a daunting task. That is until I discovered a quick and easy way to steam bao in the microwave. Yes, you heard that right – the microwave! In this article, I will guide you through the process of making perfectly steamed bao using this kitchen appliance.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the dough:
For the filling:
Making the Dough
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s start by making the dough for the bao.
1. In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Mix well.
2. Slowly add the warm water to the dry ingredients, a little at a time, while stirring with a spoon or your hands.
3. Once the dough comes together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Forming the Bao
When the dough has risen and doubled in size, it’s time to form the bao.
1. Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles and transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
2. Divide the dough into small equal-sized balls, depending on how big or small you want your bao to be.
3. Take one ball of dough and roll it into a circle, about 3-4 inches in diameter.
4. Place a spoonful of your chosen filling in the center of the dough circle.
5. Gather the edges of the dough and pinch them together at the top to seal the bun.
6. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling, until you have formed all your bao.
Steaming the Bao in the Microwave
Now comes the most exciting part – steaming the bao in the microwave!
1. Line a microwave-safe dish with parchment paper.
2. Arrange the bao in the dish, leaving some space between each bun to allow them to expand.
3. Cover the dish loosely with a microwave-safe plate or plastic wrap.
4. Place the dish in the microwave and cook on high power for 2-3 minutes, depending on the wattage of your microwave. Keep an eye on the bao as they cook to prevent them from becoming too dry.
5. Once the bao have doubled in size and the dough is cooked through, carefully remove the dish from the microwave.
Enjoying Your Steamed Bao
Congratulations! You have successfully steamed bao in the microwave. Now it’s time to enjoy your delicious creations.
1. Let the bao cool for a few minutes before serving, as the filling can be very hot.
2. Optionally, serve your steamed bao with dipping sauces like soy sauce or sweet chili sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
3. Bao can be enjoyed as a snack or as part of a meal. They are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Final Thoughts
Who would have thought that making steamed bao could be so quick and easy? With the help of your trusty microwave, you can enjoy these fluffy buns filled with your favorite ingredients in no time. Experiment with different fillings to find your personal favorites. So, next time you’re craving steamed bao, don’t hesitate to give this microwave method a try. Happy steaming!