Soft Steamed Beef Buns: 7 Irresistible Delights to Savor

Name: Soft Steamed Beef Buns: 7 Irresistible Delights to Savor
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup warm water; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon yeast; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup ground beef; 2 green onions, chopped; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon ginger, minced; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced

September 14, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about soft steamed beef buns! These little pockets of joy are a savory delight that perfectly combine tender, juicy beef and fluffy, cloud-like dough. The moment you bite into one, the steam escapes and fills the air with an irresistible aroma that makes your mouth water. I remember the first time I had these at my cousin’s family gathering; they were freshly made, and I couldn’t resist going back for seconds (and maybe thirds!). The combination of flavors from the seasoned beef, fresh green onions, and that soft, pillowy dough is just heavenly. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll want to share them with everyone you know – or keep them all to yourself!

soft steamed beef buns - detail 1

Ingredients for Soft Steamed Beef Buns

Before you dive into making these delightful buns, let’s gather our ingredients! Having everything prepped and ready makes the process so much smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup warm water (not too hot, just warm enough to activate the yeast)
1 tablespoon sugar (this helps the yeast rise)
1 teaspoon yeast (make sure it’s fresh for the best results)
1/2 teaspoon salt (to enhance the flavors)
1 cup ground beef (you can use beef that’s finely minced for tender bites)
2 green onions, chopped (these add a fresh crunch)
2 tablespoons soy sauce (for that savory depth)
1 tablespoon sesame oil (this gives a lovely nutty flavor)
1 teaspoon ginger, minced (for a zesty kick)
1 teaspoon garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better)

Make sure you’ve got everything on hand, and then we’ll move on to the fun part – preparing these fluffy buns!

How to Prepare Soft Steamed Beef Buns

Alright, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started on making these scrumptious soft steamed beef buns! This process is super fun and satisfying, and I promise, the end result will be worth every minute spent. Here’s how you can prepare them step by step:

Step-by-Step Instructions

First, grab a bowl and combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Give it a gentle stir, then let it sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the yeast to activate and get all bubbly – you want to see some froth on top!
While that’s doing its magic, take another bowl and mix the all-purpose flour and salt together. This is your dry mixture.
Once the yeast mixture is nice and frothy, pour it into the bowl with the flour. Now, it’s time to knead! Mix everything together until a dough forms, and then knead it on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This is my favorite part – it’s like giving the dough a little workout!
After kneading, cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour. It should double in size, so be patient!
While the dough is rising, let’s prepare the filling. In a pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the chopped green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced ginger, and garlic. Stir it all together and cook until the beef is fully browned and the flavors meld together. This will smell amazing, trust me!
Once your dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and then divide it into small, equal pieces – about 12 should do. Roll each piece into a small ball and then flatten it into a disc about 4 inches wide.
Now comes the fun part: place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each disc. Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching to seal it tightly. Make sure there are no gaps; we want to keep that delicious filling inside!
Finally, place the sealed buns on a steaming rack lined with parchment paper (to prevent sticking). Make sure to leave some space between them for expansion. Steam the buns for about 15 minutes over boiling water, and voila! You’ll have fluffy, soft steamed beef buns waiting for you.

And there you go! That’s how you prepare these delightful buns. I can’t wait for you to taste them – they’re just so good!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy preparation – you’ll be enjoying these buns in no time!
Deliciously tender beef filling that’s bursting with flavor.
Fluffy and soft dough that practically melts in your mouth.
Great for meal prep or gatherings; they’re always a crowd-pleaser!

Tips for Success

Now that you’re on your way to making the most delicious soft steamed beef buns, let me share some of my best tips to ensure everything turns out perfectly! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will make all the difference.

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ground beef and crisp green onions really elevate the flavor. Don’t skimp on quality – it truly makes a world of difference!
Adjust the seasoning: Taste the beef mixture before you seal the buns. If you love a little extra kick, feel free to add more soy sauce or even a dash of chili paste for some heat. It’s all about your personal preference!
Perfect your steaming technique: Make sure the water is boiling before you place the buns in the steamer. This helps them rise beautifully and ensures that they cook evenly. And remember, don’t overcrowd the steamer – give them some room to expand!
Keep an eye on the time: Steam them for about 15 minutes, but if you’re making larger buns, you might need to add a few extra minutes. Just check for that soft, fluffy texture!
Let them rest: After steaming, let the buns sit for a minute or two before serving. This helps them firm up a bit and makes them easier to handle!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress everyone with your soft steamed beef buns. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve made a batch of these delicious soft steamed beef buns and now you have some leftovers. No worries! Storing them properly is key to keeping that fluffy texture and savory flavor intact.

First off, once the buns have cooled to room temperature, you can store them in an airtight container. Just make sure they’re not stacked on top of each other to avoid squishing them. If you’ve got a lot, consider placing a piece of parchment paper between layers to keep them nice and fluffy. These buns can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze them! Just wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply take out the desired amount and let them thaw in the fridge overnight.

Now, for reheating! The best way to bring back that fresh, steamed goodness is to use a steamer. Just place the buns in the steamer for about 5-7 minutes until they’re heated through. If you don’t have a steamer, you can also microwave them, but be cautious! Place a damp paper towel over the buns to keep them from drying out, and heat them in short bursts of about 30 seconds, checking to see if they’re warm enough.

Whichever method you choose, just know that these buns are just as delightful the second time around. So dig in and enjoy every last bite!

Nutritional Information

Alright, let’s talk numbers! While I always say that the love and joy of cooking matter most, I know keeping an eye on nutrition is important too. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values for each soft steamed beef bun, based on common ingredient brands:

Calories: 150
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 200mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 8g
Sugar: 1g

Keep in mind, these values can vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use, so it’s always a good idea to double-check if you’re tracking your intake closely. Enjoy those buns guilt-free, knowing you’ve whipped up something both delicious and satisfying!

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve been asked quite a few questions about these delicious soft steamed beef buns, so let’s tackle some of the most common ones together!

Can I use pork instead of beef?

Absolutely! You can definitely substitute ground pork for the beef if that’s your preference. It will still be just as flavorful and delicious! Just make sure to adjust the seasoning if you like it a bit spicier or richer.

How do I know when the buns are done steaming?

Great question! You’ll know the buns are done when they’re fluffy and soft to the touch. If they look slightly shiny and have puffed up nicely, that’s a good sign! You can also peek inside one to ensure the filling is hot and cooked through.

What can I serve with soft steamed beef buns?

These buns are perfect on their own, but if you want to elevate your meal, consider serving them with a side of pickled vegetables, a fresh salad, or even a simple dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and a touch of sesame oil. It adds a wonderful contrast to the soft texture of the buns!

I hope these answers help you feel more confident in making and enjoying your soft steamed beef buns! If you have more questions, feel free to reach out – I love sharing my cooking adventures!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve got your fluffy soft steamed beef buns ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside them to create a truly delightful meal experience! These buns are versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:

Pickled Vegetables: A side of tangy pickled cucumbers, radishes, or carrots adds a refreshing crunch that perfectly complements the savory buns. The acidity cuts through the richness of the beef, making each bite even more enjoyable!
Spicy Dipping Sauce: Whip up a simple dipping sauce using soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of sesame oil. You can also add chili paste or fresh chopped chili for an extra kick! It’s a fantastic way to enhance the flavor of the buns.
Fresh Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a sesame vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the beef. The freshness of the vegetables adds a lovely contrast to the soft texture of the buns.
Hot and Sour Soup: If you’re looking for a comforting option, serve the buns with a bowl of hot and sour soup. The warm, tangy broth is a perfect companion, and it feels like a cozy hug in a bowl!
Steamed or Stir-Fried Vegetables: Consider serving a medley of steamed broccoli, bok choy, or stir-fried bell peppers and snap peas. The vibrant colors and flavors will brighten up your meal and add some healthy greens to your plate!

With these delicious accompaniments, your soft steamed beef buns will shine even brighter at the dinner table. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a well-rounded meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor!

For more delicious recipes and cooking tips, check out Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni or Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta.

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.