Are you a fan of steamed pork buns but struggle with the traditional steaming process?
Look no further than your Instant Pot! With its versatile steaming capabilities, you can easily make delicious and fluffy pork buns in no time.
Whether you’re a seasoned Instant Pot user or a beginner, this guide will walk you through the various methods for steaming pork buns in your Instant Pot.
So grab your bamboo steamers and let’s get cooking!
How To Steam Pork Buns In Instant Pot?
Method 1: Stackable Bamboo Steamers
If you’re cooking a large batch of pork buns, this method is perfect for you. First, fill the Instant Pot’s inner pot with 2 cups of water and bring it to a rapid boil using the “Saute High” function or “Steam” button.
Next, stack your bamboo steamers into tiers and carefully place them on top of the inner pot. Make sure the bamboo steamer’s lid is closed properly and steam the buns for 20 minutes.
Once done, turn off the heat and remove the bamboo steamers from the Instant Pot. Your delicious pork buns are now ready to be served!
Method 2: Dehydrating Rack
For a quicker method, you can use the dehydrating rack that comes with your Instant Pot. Simply place the pork buns on the rack and add three cups of water to the inner pot.
Use the pressure cooker lid and set the timer to three minutes on the steam button. Once done, release the pressure and your pork buns are ready to be enjoyed.
Method 3: Metal Trivet and Steamer Basket
If you don’t have bamboo steamers or a dehydrating rack, don’t worry! You can still make delicious pork buns using a metal trivet and steamer basket.
First, pour one cup of water into the inner pot of your Instant Pot and place a metal trivet inside. Then, use a bamboo or stainless steel steamer basket and arrange three buns in it, leaving about half an inch of space in between each bun.
Close the lid and turn the steam release valve to “sealing”. Press “Steamer” and make sure it’s on “high pressure”. Set the timer to three minutes for small buns or five minutes for larger ones. If there is raw meat filling, set the timer to eight minutes.
Once done, release pressure immediately and carefully remove the steamed buns to a cooling rack to let them cool down completely. Repeat with the remaining buns in batches.
Preparing The Pork Buns
Before steaming your pork buns in the Instant Pot, you need to prepare them first.
To make the dough, mix yeast and water in a bowl and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. Then, add vegetable oil, sugar, and self-rising flour to the bowl and mix using a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough comes together. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it into a smooth ball for about 10 minutes. Transfer the dough ball into a lightly oiled bowl, flip it to lightly coat, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size for about 2 hours.
Meanwhile, prepare the filling by rubbing five-spice powder evenly over pork. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and coat the pan with cooking spray. Add pork to the pan and cook for about 18 minutes or until a thermometer registers 155°F, turning pork occasionally. Remove pork from pan and let it stand for about 15 minutes. Cut pork crosswise into thin slices and then into thin strips. Place pork in a medium bowl and add onions, cayenne pepper, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, sugar, salt, and soy sauce. Stir well to combine and refrigerate.
Once the dough has risen, poke it down to deflate and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough in half and roll each half into a long tube. Divide each tube into 6 pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Press each ball into a disk and roll it until it is about 1/8-inch thick and 4 to 5 inches wide. Roll out edges so they are slightly thinner than the center.
Transfer a spoonful of filling onto the center of each dough circle. Pinch edges together to form multiple small pleats, moistening edges with water if needed. Squeeze pleats together at the top to seal in the filling. Place pork buns on individual squares of parchment paper.
Finally, transfer them to the steamer basket or bamboo steamer according to the method you choose above and steam them until noticeably puffed for about 20 minutes or until fully cooked through. Once done, remove them from the Instant Pot and serve them hot!
Setting Up The Instant Pot For Steaming
Before you start steaming your pork buns in the Instant Pot, it’s important to set it up properly. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Add water to the inner pot: Depending on the method you choose, you’ll need to add either 1, 2 or 3 cups of water to the inner pot of your Instant Pot. This will create the steam that will cook your pork buns.
2. Insert a trivet or rack: To keep your pork buns from touching the water, you’ll need to insert a trivet or rack into the inner pot. This will elevate the buns and allow steam to circulate around them.
3. Choose the steam function: Press the “Steam” button on your Instant Pot to activate the steam function. If your Instant Pot doesn’t have a specific steam button, you can use the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button instead.
4. Set the time: Depending on the size and type of your pork buns, you’ll need to set the cooking time accordingly. Refer to the instructions above for specific timings.
5. Close and seal the lid: Make sure the lid is securely closed and sealed before starting to cook. The pressure valve should be set to “Sealing” mode.
6. Wait for pressure to build: The Instant Pot will take some time to build pressure before cooking begins. This can take anywhere from 5-15 minutes depending on how much water you added and how full the pot is.
7. Release pressure: Once cooking is complete, you’ll need to release pressure from the Instant Pot before opening it. This can be done manually or naturally depending on the recipe.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to set up your Instant Pot for steaming and cook delicious pork buns in no time!
Steaming Pork Buns With A Bamboo Steamer
Steaming pork buns with a bamboo steamer is a classic and authentic way to cook these delicious treats. First, prepare the dough and shape it into small balls. Place the balls on parchment paper squares and let them rise for 20 minutes.
Next, fill a wok or pot with about an inch of water and bring it to a boil. Place the bamboo steamer on top of the pot, making sure the bottom rim is submerged in water at all times. Carefully place the risen buns into the steamer, making sure they don’t touch each other or the edges of the steamer.
Cover the steamer with its lid and steam the buns for 6-15 minutes, depending on their size. It’s important to let the buns rest for 5 minutes after steaming before opening the lid to avoid them collapsing.
Once done, remove the steamer from the pot and let the buns cool slightly before serving hot. You can also freeze any leftover pork buns by placing them in a plastic baggie and heating them up in the microwave for one minute when ready to use.
Bamboo steamers are a great investment for any home cook who enjoys Asian cuisine. They are affordable, easy to use, and versatile enough to steam not just pork buns, but also vegetables, rice, proteins, and desserts. Plus, their lids don’t collect condensation, which can ruin the texture and taste of your food. With these simple steps, you can easily make delicious pork buns using a bamboo steamer in your own kitchen.
Steaming Pork Buns With A Stainless Steel Steamer Basket
If you don’t have a bamboo steamer, you can still make delicious pork buns using a stainless steel steamer basket. Here’s how:
1. Pour one cup of water into the inner pot of your Instant Pot and place a metal trivet inside.
2. Use a bamboo or stainless steel steamer basket and arrange three buns in it, leaving about half an inch of space in between each bun. Make sure to use a basket with holes or ventilation at the bottom so the buns can cook properly.
3. Close the lid and turn the steam release valve to “sealing”. Press “Steamer” and make sure it’s on “high pressure”. Set the timer to three minutes for small buns or five minutes for larger ones. If there is raw meat filling, set the timer to eight minutes.
4. Once done, release pressure immediately and carefully remove the steamed buns to a cooling rack to let them cool down completely.
5. Repeat with the remaining buns in batches, refilling the inner pot with water as necessary.
When using a stainless steel steamer basket, it’s important to tightly wrap the steamer lid with a large piece of cheesecloth or a clean, dry kitchen towel, tying ends around the lid’s handle. This will absorb condensation and keep water droplets from dripping onto the food, preventing soggy buns.
With these simple steps, you can enjoy delicious and perfectly steamed pork buns using a stainless steel steamer basket in your Instant Pot.
Tips For Perfectly Steamed Pork Buns
Steaming pork buns can seem intimidating, but with a few tips, you can achieve perfectly steamed buns every time. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Rapid Boiling: When steaming buns, always bring the water in the pot to a rapid boil first. This ensures that the buns will cook evenly and quickly.
2. Spacing: Make sure to leave plenty of space between the buns in the steamer. At least 1 inch is recommended for yeasted buns, as they will expand as they steam and will stick to one another if they’re overcrowded.
3. Multiple Tiers: If you have a bamboo steamer, you can buy multiples in the same size and stack them high. This way, you can bulk steam your buns in one go rather than spending time steaming in multiple batches.
4. Follow Recipe Time: While steaming, follow the time indicated in the recipe and resist the urge to open your steamer and check on the buns. Any rush of cool air could potentially make the buns collapse.
5. Resting Time: If you’re making fluffy yeasted buns, let the buns sit covered in the steamer for an extra 5 minutes after turning off the heat. This resting time is crucial to maintain the texture of the buns.
6. Wrapping and Resting: Once you wrap the buns, let them rest for 15 minutes before cooking. This allows the dough to relax and rise slightly.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your pork buns turn out perfectly steamed and delicious every time you make them in your Instant Pot.
Serving And Enjoying Your Steamed Pork Buns.
After steaming your pork buns to perfection, it’s time to enjoy them! There are a few ways you can serve and enjoy your steamed pork buns:
1. Fresh: Enjoy your pork buns fresh out of the steamer basket. Be careful as the filling may be hot, so let them cool for a minute or two before taking a bite.
2. Frozen and Reheated: Pork buns can be frozen and reheated for a quick and tasty meal or snack. To freeze, place the cooked and cooled buns in an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, simply steam the frozen buns for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
3. Dipping Sauce: Serve your pork buns with a dipping sauce of your choice. Popular options include soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or chili oil.
4. Side Dish: Pork buns can be enjoyed as a side dish with other Chinese dishes such as fried rice or stir-fried vegetables.
No matter how you choose to serve and enjoy your steamed pork buns, they are sure to be a delicious and satisfying treat that will transport you to the streets of China or Japan.