Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these soft steamed beef buns! They’re like little pillows of happiness, with a fluffy exterior that gives way to a savory filling of spiced ground beef. I can still remember the first time I had them—they were fresh out of the steamer, the aroma wafting through the air, and I couldn’t resist! The moment I took a bite, the satisfying combination of textures and flavors made my heart sing. Trust me, once you try making these at home, you’ll never want to stop! They’re perfect for a cozy dinner or even a fun gathering with friends. You’ll love how easy they are to whip up, and the joy of sharing them is just the cherry on top!
Ingredients List
To make these delightful soft steamed beef buns, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base for our fluffy buns. Make sure it’s all-purpose so they rise perfectly!
- 1/2 cup warm water: Warm water helps activate the yeast, so don’t go too hot or too cold!
- 1 tablespoon sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors and feed the yeast.
- 1 teaspoon yeast: This is the magic ingredient that makes the buns rise and become soft.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance the overall flavor of the dough.
- 1 pound ground beef: The star of the filling! Choose a lean cut for a healthier option.
- 2 green onions, chopped: These add a fresh, savory crunch to the beef mixture.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: For that umami kick that you’ll absolutely love!
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: This gives a lovely nutty flavor to the filling.
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced: A little zing that brightens up the beef beautifully.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re well on your way to creating some delicious, fluffy buns! Enjoy the process—you’ll be amazed at how they come together!
How to Prepare Soft Steamed Beef Buns
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making these delightful soft steamed beef buns! It’s truly a fun process, and I promise you’ll feel accomplished once you see those fluffy buns come to life. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious homemade treat in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
First things first, let’s get that dough going! In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of warm water, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of yeast. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial because you want the yeast to activate and get bubbly! Meanwhile, in a larger bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Once your yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the flour mix. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. It’s therapeutic, I promise! When it’s ready, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Make the Filling
While the dough is rising, let’s whip up that savory filling! In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 pound of ground beef. Brown the beef and break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once it’s no longer pink, toss in 2 chopped green onions, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of minced ginger. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 3-5 minutes until the flavors meld beautifully. The aroma will be irresistible, and you might just want to sneak a bite! Once cooked, set it aside to cool a bit while you work on the dough.
Step 3: Assemble the Buns
Alright, here comes the fun part! Once your dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball. On a floured surface, flatten each ball into a small circle, about 4 inches wide. Spoon a generous amount of your beef mixture (about 1-2 tablespoons) into the center of each circle. Now, here’s the key: carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching them together tightly to seal the buns. Make sure there are no gaps; otherwise, the filling might leak out during steaming. Place each sealed bun on a piece of parchment paper to keep them from sticking once they’re in the steamer.
Step 4: Steam the Buns
Now it’s time to steam these beauties! Fill your steamer pot with water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Carefully place the buns on the steaming rack, making sure they’re not touching each other (they’ll expand!). Cover the pot and steam the buns for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re puffed up and fluffy. Just a tip: keep an eye on the water level, and add more if needed to prevent it from boiling dry. When they’re ready, carefully remove them and let them cool for a minute before serving. Oh, the anticipation is worth it!
Nutritional Information
It’s always good to know what you’re putting into those delicious soft steamed beef buns! Keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these values are just a guideline. Each bun generally contains about 180 calories, with 6g of fat, 8g of protein, and 24g of carbohydrates. You’ll also find 1g of sugar and 1g of fiber in each serving. Enjoy these tasty treats without any guilt, knowing they’re not only satisfying but also a balanced choice for your meal!
Tips for Success
Let me share a few pro tips to make sure your soft steamed beef buns turn out perfectly every time! First, always check that your water is warm but not hot when activating the yeast—too hot can kill it, and we definitely don’t want that! Also, don’t be afraid to get creative with the filling; adding spices like five-spice powder or a pinch of chili flakes can elevate the flavor profile. If you like a bit of crunch, consider throwing in some finely chopped water chestnuts or mushrooms into the beef mixture. And remember, when sealing the buns, pinch them tightly to avoid any leaks during steaming. Trust me, these little details can make a world of difference!
Variations
The beauty of soft steamed beef buns is their versatility! You can easily switch things up based on your cravings or what you have on hand. For a lighter option, try swapping in ground turkey or chicken instead of beef—both are delicious and lean! If you’re feeling adventurous, how about a vegetarian twist? Just mix some sautéed mushrooms, shredded carrots, and chopped bok choy into the filling for a colorful and tasty treat. You can also experiment with different spices; adding a bit of curry powder or cumin can give your buns a whole new flavor profile. And don’t forget about herbs! Chopped cilantro or basil can add a fresh kick. The possibilities are endless, so let your imagination run wild and create your perfect version of these delightful buns!
Serving Suggestions
To truly elevate your experience with soft steamed beef buns, consider pairing them with some delicious sides or sauces! A simple dipping sauce made of soy sauce mixed with a splash of rice vinegar and a sprinkle of chili flakes adds a delightful kick. You might also enjoy these buns alongside a fresh cucumber salad or a light Asian slaw for some crunch. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve them with a side of spicy chili oil for those who love a bit of heat. Trust me, these combinations will take your meal to the next level!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your soft steamed beef buns, you might find yourself with some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). To store them, let the buns cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply steam them for about 5-10 minutes until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave them for about 30 seconds, but I recommend steaming for the best texture. Enjoy those fluffy delights again!
FAQ Section
Can I use other meats in the filling?
Absolutely! While I love the classic ground beef filling, you can easily swap it for ground pork, chicken, or even turkey. Each option brings its own unique flavor, so feel free to experiment!
What if I don’t have a steamer?
No worries at all! If you don’t have a traditional steamer, you can use a large pot with a heatproof plate or a colander placed over simmering water. Just make sure to cover it with a lid to trap the steam!
Can you freeze soft steamed beef buns?
Yes! I love making a big batch and freezing some for later. Just steam them, let them cool completely, and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, steam them straight from the freezer!
How do I know when the buns are done?
You’ll know they’re ready when they’ve puffed up and are fluffy to the touch. If you gently press on one and it springs back, they’re perfect! Just be careful not to overcook them, or they might get tough.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just bring it back to room temperature before shaping your buns. This can save you time on a busy day!
Soft Steamed Beef Buns: 4 Steps to Pillowy Perfection
- Temps Total: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Rendement: 12 buns 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Gras
Description
Soft steamed beef buns are fluffy buns filled with savory ground beef and spices.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
Instructions
- Mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and knead until smooth.
- Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour.
- In a pan, cook ground beef with green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger.
- Divide the risen dough into small balls.
- Flatten each ball and place a spoonful of beef mixture in the center.
- Seal the buns and place them on parchment paper.
- Steam the buns for 15-20 minutes.
Notes
- Ensure the water is warm, not hot.
- You can add more spices to the beef mixture for extra flavor.
- Store leftover buns in the refrigerator.
- Temps De Préparation: 30 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Steaming
- Cuisine: Chinese
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 bun
- Calories: 180
- Sucre: 1g
- De Sodium: 300mg
- La graisse: 6g
- Graisses Saturées: 2g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 4g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 24g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 8g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: soft steamed beef buns, steamed buns, beef buns, Chinese cuisine
