Craving the soft, pillowy texture of traditional steamed buns but following a gluten-free diet? Get ready to be amazed by these incredible gluten-free steamed buns that require NO xanthan gum and can be made in just 45 minutes! Whether you're celiac, gluten-sensitive, or simply looking to explore delicious alternative baking, this recipe will transform your kitchen into an Asian-inspired culinary paradise. Prepare to impress your family and friends with these light, fluffy, and incredibly easy-to-make buns that taste just like the real deal!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 12 buns
Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together until they are well blended and there are no lumps.
- Make a well in the center of the dry mixture and pour in the warm water and olive oil. The water should be warm to the touch, but not hot, to help activate the baking powder.
- Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a soft dough begins to form. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the buns.
- Once the dough starts to come together, use your hands to knead it gently in the bowl for a minute or two until it is smooth and slightly sticky. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more gluten-free flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rest for about 15 minutes. This resting period allows the flour to absorb the moisture and helps improve the texture of the buns.
- While the dough is resting, prepare your steamer. If using a bamboo steamer, line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking. If using a metal steamer, lightly grease the steamer basket with olive oil.
- After the dough has rested, divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten it slightly into a disc shape, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Place the shaped buns onto the prepared steamer basket, leaving space between each bun to allow for expansion during cooking.
- Bring water to a boil in a large pot or wok. Once boiling, carefully place the steamer basket over the pot, ensuring that the water does not touch the buns.
- Cover the steamer with a lid and steam the buns for about 15 minutes. The buns should be soft and fluffy when cooked through.
- Once the steaming is complete, carefully remove the lid and allow the buns to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your gluten-free steamed buns warm, with your favorite dipping sauce or filling!
Tips
- Water Temperature Matters: Use warm water (not hot) to activate the baking powder without killing its rising potential.
- Don't Overmix: Gently combine ingredients to keep the dough soft and prevent a tough texture.
- Resting is Crucial: Allow the dough to rest for 15 minutes to help the gluten-free flour absorb moisture and improve texture.
- Parchment Paper Trick: Line your steamer with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Spacing is Key: Leave enough space between buns in the steamer to allow for expansion during cooking.
- Steam Precisely: Steam for exactly 15 minutes to achieve the perfect fluffy consistency.
- Experiment with Fillings: Once you've mastered the basic recipe, try adding savory or sweet fillings for variety.Pro Tip: If the dough feels too sticky, add gluten-free flour one tablespoon at a time until you reach the right consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
