How to Reheat Steamed Bun

I was down in L.A. over the weekend and of course I went to my favorite restaurant in Sol Cal – Ding Tai Fung in Arcadia. If you like little steamed dumplings (xiao long bao), this place simply is the best of the best. After the meal, I bought some frozen buns and 8 treasure rice/sticky rice dessert to enjoy at home this week.

Often heard friends complaining about the frozen buns they bought at supermarket become too hard or too dry after reheating them, so today I am sharing my secret of “how to” reheat steamed buns –

There are two common ways to reheat frozen buns:

• Steam – with a steamer or rice cooker

First you will wet the paper towel you have in the kitchen, wet enough that it’s wrinkled then place it on a plate. Place your frozen buns on the paper, and then put your plate in the steamer or rice cooker. The steam will get into the buns through the paper towel, so the buns won’t get too hard or too dry. Without the wet paper towel, you are almost “baking” the buns so they become dry.
The time it takes in a steamer and rice cooker is the same – you steam them for about 8 minutes, then simmer the heat and let them sit in the steamer/rice cooker for another 8 minutes to “breathe in” the steam.

• Microwave

Wet paper towel also, and wrap the bun(s) with the wet paper towel. Place them in your microwave safe plate and heat them on high for one to one and half minutes, depending on how many buns you have. Let them sit in the microwave for another 20 seconds to “breathe in” the steam, then enjoy your steamed buns.

Bon appétit!