Best Easy Steamed Buns Plain Recipe

Soft, fluffy plain steamed buns are a versatile Chinese breakfast staple. A vegetarian, family-friendly bread perfect with any savory or sweet accompaniment.

Cook 85 min Difficulty NORMAL 135 kcal
#vegetarian #family friendly #breakfast #soft bread
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • all-purpose flour 2 cups
  • whole milk 0.75 cup
  • active dry yeast 2.25 tsp
  • sugar 2 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • vegetable oil 1 tbsp
  • salt 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 26 g 77%
Protein 4 g 12%
Fat 1.5 g 11%
Serving size 60g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk (about 110°F), sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy, ensuring the yeast is activated.

  2. 2

    Add all-purpose flour, salt, and vegetable oil to the bowl. Mix until a sticky dough forms, then knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Adjust with a little extra flour if needed.

  3. 3

    Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

  4. 4

    Punch down the dough to release air, turn it onto a lightly floured surface, and divide into 8 equal pieces. Shape each into a smooth ball and place on parchment squares.

  5. 5

    Let shaped buns rise for another 30 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare a steaming setup with boiling water, ensuring high steam.

  6. 6

    Steam the buns over medium-high heat for 12-15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let rest, covered, for 2 minutes before removing to prevent the buns from collapsing.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this steamed buns plain recipe?
The essential ingredient is all-purpose flour, as it forms the base structure of the buns. Along with milk and yeast, it delivers the signature soft and fluffy texture that defines plain Chinese steamed buns.
Q. Why does the recipe call for a second rise after shaping?
The second rise after shaping ensures the buns are extra fluffy and have a light texture. Allowing the formed buns to proof again gives yeast time to create more air pockets, resulting in a softer bite.
Q. How do I prevent the steamed buns from collapsing after cooking?
After steaming, keep the lid on and let the buns rest for 2 minutes before opening the steamer. This gentle cooling avoids a sudden temperature drop that can cause shrinkage or collapsing.
Q. What is the nutrition breakdown per serving for this plain steamed buns recipe?
Each serving (60g bun) has approximately 135 kcal, with 26g carbohydrates (77% of calories), 4g protein (12%), and 1.5g fat (11%). These buns are lower in fat and mostly composed of carbs for a light, energy-rich profile.
Q. Is this steamed buns recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or animal fats—just flour, milk, sugar, yeast, oil, and salt—making it perfect for many dietary preferences.
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