Steaming Buns in Rice Cooker
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davesimpso6158
4 min read
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Steamed buns, a delicious staple in many Asian cuisines, are traditionally made using a specialized steamer. However, you can easily steam buns to perfection using a common kitchen appliance - your rice cooker.
Choosing the Right Rice Cooker for Steaming
When choosing a rice cooker for steaming, look for models that come with a steamer basket or tray that sits above the rice. Many multi-functional rice cookers include this feature, allowing you to conveniently steam vegetables, fish, or even meat patties while the rice cooks below.
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The size of the rice cooker is another important consideration - larger capacity models around 4-5 liters are ideal for steaming decent quantities of food or cooking for a crowd, while smaller 1-2 liter rice cookers are better suited for individuals or couples.1
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Avoid very cheap basic models which may not have a steamer function. Mid-range options from brands like Aroma, Zojirushi, and Hamilton Beach offer excellent performance and versatility at reasonable prices.4
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Creative Filling Ideas for Steamed Buns
dishedbykate.com
Here are some creative and delicious filling ideas for steamed buns:
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Hoisin chicken: Stir-fry small pieces of chicken with garlic, chili, and hoisin sauce until cooked through. Add chopped spring onions at the end.1
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Honey soy duck or lamb: Cook shredded duck or lamb in a honey and soy sauce mixture for a rich, flavorful filling.1
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Korean BBQ tofu: Marinate firm tofu in a spicy Korean BBQ sauce made with gochujang, then pan-fry until crispy on the outside.2
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Pulled jackfruit: Simmer young jackfruit with BBQ spices and sauce for a tasty vegan pulled pork alternative.2
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Spicy shrimp: Coat small popcorn shrimp in a spicy Asian batter, deep fry until crisp, and toss with chili sauce.2
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Custard or coconut: Fill the buns with a sweet egg custard or a sugary shredded coconut mixture for a dessert bao.23
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Bulgogi beef: Marinate thinly sliced beef in a Korean bulgogi sauce with soy, ginger, garlic and gochujang, then grill and stuff into the buns along with pickled vegetables.3
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Troubleshooting Common Steaming Issues
Here are some tips for troubleshooting common issues when steaming buns in a rice cooker:
Uneven cooking or soggy buns can result from overcrowding the steamer. Make sure to leave space between the buns and don't let them touch the sides of the steamer basket. Placing the buns on individual parchment paper squares can also help prevent sticking and promote even steaming.
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If your buns are coming out too dry or dense, the dough may have been overworked or the steaming time was too long. Be gentle when kneading and shaping the dough, and reduce the steaming time by a few minutes if needed. Adding a bit more fat or oil to the dough can also help keep the buns moist and fluffy.2
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Buns that split open or collapse during steaming often have too much filling or trapped air bubbles. Don't overstuff the buns, seal them tightly, and let the filled buns rest for 10-15 minutes before steaming to allow the dough to relax. Poking a small hole in the top of the bun just before steaming can allow steam to escape and prevent bursting.1
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If water is dripping onto the buns from the rice cooker lid, try wrapping the lid tightly in a kitchen towel to absorb excess moisture. You can also cover the steamer basket with a layer of parchment paper or cabbage leaves as a barrier between the water and buns.3
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Rice Cooker Steaming Techniques
RICE COOKER...
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Here are some effective techniques for steaming in a rice cooker:
Use 1.5-2 cups of water in the inner pot when steaming food alone without rice. This ensures there is enough steam generated to cook the food thoroughly.
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When steaming while cooking rice, add the steam basket over the rice and water.
Cut vegetables and proteins into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Smaller pieces will steam faster than larger ones.5
Leafy greens like spinach only need around 3-5 minutes, while denser vegetables like potatoes and carrots can take 20-30 minutes.1
Spread food out in a single layer in the steamer basket, leaving a little space between pieces. Avoid overcrowding the basket, which can lead to uneven steaming.4
If steaming large batches, cook in multiple smaller loads for best results.
For delicate foods like fish and seafood, steam in foil packets to prevent them from falling apart.1
Chicken and meat should be cut into thin, even pieces and steamed until they reach a safe internal temperature as measured by a thermometer.4
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Experiment with steaming times to find the ideal doneness for different foods. Start checking foods a few minutes early and adjust as needed. Most rice cookers take 20-40 minutes to steam vegetables and proteins, depending on the type and quantity.1
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Who Are Rice Cooker Junkie?
delish.com
Based on the information provided, Rice Cooker Junkie appears to be a website dedicated to providing comprehensive information and reviews about rice cookers and cooking rice. The site covers a range of topics to help readers choose the best rice cooker for their needs and get the most out of the appliance.
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Rice Cooker Junkie offers reviews of top rice cooker brands and models, likely discussing factors such as price, features, performance, and durability to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions. The site aims to be a go-to resource for "the best deals on top brands" of rice cookers.1
In addition to rice cooker reviews and comparisons, Rice Cooker Junkie also provides general tips and information related to cooking rice, such as the ideal ratios of water to rice, cooking times for different varieties, and troubleshooting common issues.1
The goal is to be a comprehensive source for "everything to do with rice cookers" and "enjoying this most versatile of foods."1
While the specific individuals behind Rice Cooker Junkie are not mentioned in the sources provided, the site aims to be an authoritative and helpful resource for home cooks looking to get the best results from their rice cookers. By combining product reviews and recommendations with more general rice cooking advice, Rice Cooker Junkie provides well-rounded information to meet the needs of rice enthusiasts.1
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Related
what are the best rice cookers for beginners
how do I choose between different rice cooker brands
what are some creative recipes you can make with a rice cooker
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