But how to steam buns in microwave? Add warm water to the bottom part of the steamer and connect the basket. On the basket, place your buns and place the lid on top. Steam for a minute, then eject and serve them.
However, this is one of the several methods you can use to steam buns in a microwave. Read on to learn more methods to know the one that will suit you.
Methods of Steaming Buns in a Microwave
Microwaves are fast, especially when you intend to warm or steam food for a quick dinner. Buns are among these foods and are convenient to prepare even in the smallest microwave oven.
The following table contains the various methods to steam buns in a microwave. These points are discussed in the next section.
| Method | Things Needed | Steaming Time |
| 1. Steamer Basket Method | Steamer basket A bowl Water | A minute or two |
| 2. Microwave Steamer Method | Microwave steamer Warm water | One – two minutes |
| 3. Paper Towel Method | Paper towel Water Plate | 20 seconds intervals |
| 4. Cup & Water Method | Microwavable mug Water | One or two minutes |
The best thing about having various methods of microwave-steaming buns is that you’re spoilt for choice. You’re not limited to specific tools that you need to get them done. You only need to ensure your safety while using any of the utensils.
How to Steam Buns in Microwave?
Traditionally, bamboo steamers are used for cooking and heating buns to the right softness and fluffiness. The reason a bamboo steamer is a popular choice is that it absorbs condensation that makes the buns soggy.
However, since most people don’t have bamboo steamers in their homes, their only option is to use a microwave. The downside is that if heated, like other foods, it becomes soggy and gets a gummy texture.
So, how do you do it right? There are several methods of steaming buns in a microwave. They include
Using a steamer basket
A steamer basket allows you to steam the buns while they are close to the water for better convenience. Follow the steps below;
Step 1: Add some warm water to a microwave-friendly container and place them in the microwave
Step 2: Rinse your steamer basket with some water and add the buns. Ensure they don’t touch each other, which can interfere with steaming
Step 3: Cover the top of the steamer basket and place it in the microwave
Step 4: Cook for a minute and eject them from the microwave. Now serve.
Using a microwave steamer
A microwave steamer allows you to steam almost any type of vegetable and meat to your liking. Whether you have the best convection microwave or not, you can prepare the buns by following the following steps;
Step 1: Add warm water to the bowl on the base of the steamer
Step 2: Place the buns on the steaming basket
Step 3: Place the lid on top of the steamer and open the steaming vents
Step 4: Place the steamer in the microwave and start cooking. It should be ready within a minute or two.
Using a wet paper towel
This is among the popular methods used by people who want to learn how to steam buns in microwave. The method is easy and doesn’t involve using a lot of things. You will need a wet paper towel.
Follow the steps below;
Step 1: Dampen the paper towel in water and squeeze to remove extra water
Step 2: Use the towel to wrap the bun completely. If you have two or more buns, wrap them separately
Step 3: Place the wrapped bun on top of a microwavable plate
Step 4: Place the plate inside the microwave and start steaming for one minute or 20-second intervals
Step 5: After a minute, it should be hot and soft. Eject it from the microwave, unwrap it, and serve.
Using a Cup and Water
This method utilizes the steam from the cup of water to cook and warm the bun. You will need a microwavable cup with around an inch of water. Follow the following steps;
Step 1: Add about an inch of water to the microwavable glass mug
Step 2: Place your bun on top of the mug
Step 3: Put the two in the oven and heat for a minute
Step 4: Eject and check if the bun is hot enough or not
Step 5: If not, steam for another minute. Then serve in your way.
Downsides of Steaming Buns in a Microwave
While microwaving the buns is fast and effective, it has various downsides, especially when compared to freshly steamed buns. These downsides include;
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Unnatural Bun Texture
Most times, the buns may get a soggy or gummy texture after steaming them in a microwave. This texture can be unpleasant for bun lovers who prefer the natural and freshly cooked texture.
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Not Ideal for Steaming Multiple Buns
While using some methods, like when using a microwavable cup, you can only warm one bun at a time. Therefore, it is not ideal to use the microwave when preparing buns for several people.
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Some Methods Are Risky
Some methods, like the cup and water method, may result in a bun inside the water. With the cup expanding as it heats, if the bun is not large enough, it may slide into the cup and into the water.
Apart from that, buns are a high-calorie diet and should be in moderation. For a healthier diet, use vegetarian buns or eat them along with other healthy foods.
FAQs:
The following are some frequently asked questions on steaming buns in a microwave. The answers are well-researched to offer you the necessary guidance.
Q1: Is it Safe to Steam Buns in a Microwave?
Yes. In terms of health safety, it’s perfectly safe to microwave a steam bun. However, ensure the materials used are microwave-safe to avoid melting and contaminating the buns.
Q2: Can You Steam Frozen Buns in a Microwave?
Yes. If you have frozen buns in your freezer, you can steam them in a microwave. After defrosting them, wrap and warm them for a minute or two in the microwave.
Q3: Is It a Must You Wrap Buns When Steaming Them in a Microwave?
No. Wrapping the buns is not necessary when using a microwave steamer. A slightly damp paper towel is only necessary when steaming the bun without a steamer to absorb condensation.
Conclusion
Steamers are often underappreciated tools in most kitchens despite being very important. Luckily for steam bun lovers, all hope is not lost since they can also use a microwave. However, you require basic knowledge of how to steam buns in microwave.
The article covers various methods you can utilize and prepare the buns to your liking. These methods also have downsides as discussed in the article. With all these, you should comfortably steam your buns in a microwave with nothing to worry about.