Steaming chicken bao in a food steamer is a popular way to cook this delicious Chinese dish. Chicken bao, also known as chicken baozi or chicken steamed buns, is a type of Chinese dumpling made with a soft and fluffy dough filled with a savory chicken filling.
Steaming the bao in a food steamer is a healthy cooking method that helps retain the flavor and texture of the filling and dough, while also ensuring that the bao is cooked through evenly. Chicken bao can be served as a main dish or as a snack, and is often enjoyed with a dipping sauce on the side.
Why you should steam chicken bao in a food steamer?
There are several reasons why steaming chicken bao in a food steamer is a great cooking method:
- Retains nutrients: Steaming is a healthy cooking method that helps to retain the nutrients of the ingredients used in the chicken bao filling. This makes it a great option for those looking to incorporate healthy and nutritious food into their diet.
- Preserves flavor and texture: Steaming the chicken bao in a food steamer helps to preserve the flavor and texture of the filling and dough, making it a great option for those who want to enjoy the authentic taste and texture of this Chinese delicacy.
- Even cooking: Steaming ensures that the bao is cooked evenly throughout, as the steam penetrates the dough and filling, resulting in a moist and tender texture.
- No added fat: Unlike other cooking methods such as frying, steaming does not require any added fat, making it a healthier option for those watching their fat intake.
Overall, steaming chicken bao in a food steamer is a great way to cook this delicious dish, as it preserves the flavor, texture, and nutrients of the ingredients, while also ensuring even cooking without the need for added fat.
How to steam chicken bao in a food steamer
Here are the steps to steam chicken bao in a food steamer:
Ingredients:
- 1 recipe of chicken bao dough
- 1 recipe of chicken bao filling
- Parchment paper or lettuce leaves (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken bao dough and filling according to your preferred recipe.
- Roll out the chicken bao dough into small circles about 3 inches in diameter.
- Spoon a small amount of chicken bao filling into the center of each circle.
- Pinch the edges of the dough together to form a pleated seal at the top of the chicken bao, leaving a small opening at the top.
- Repeat until all the chicken bao are assembled.
- Line the bottom of the food steamer basket with parchment paper or lettuce leaves (optional). This will help prevent the chicken bao from sticking to the basket.
- Place the chicken bao in the steamer basket, leaving enough space between them so they do not touch.
- Cover the steamer basket with the lid.
- Bring water to a boil in a pot or wok that is large enough to hold the steamer basket.
- Carefully place the steamer basket over the boiling water, making sure that the water does not touch the bottom of the steamer basket.
- Steam the chicken bao for 10-12 minutes or until the dough is cooked through and the filling is hot.
- Once the chicken bao are cooked, carefully remove the steamer basket from the pot or wok.
- Serve the chicken bao hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Note: The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken bao and the thickness of the dough. It’s important to make sure that the chicken bao are cooked through before serving.
Tips for steaming chicken bao in a food steamer
Here are some tips to help you steam chicken bao in a food steamer:
- Use cold water: Start with cold water in the pot or wok, and then bring it to a boil. This will help prevent the chicken bao from sticking to the steamer basket.
- Leave enough space: Make sure to leave enough space between the chicken bao in the steamer basket, as they will expand during cooking. Overcrowding the steamer basket may result in uneven cooking and sticking.
- Use parchment paper or lettuce leaves: To prevent the chicken bao from sticking to the steamer basket, you can line the basket with parchment paper or lettuce leaves. This will also add a subtle flavor to the chicken bao.
- Don’t overfill the chicken bao: When filling the chicken bao, be careful not to overfill them as this can cause them to burst open during cooking.
- Seal the chicken bao well: Make sure to pinch the edges of the dough together tightly to form a good seal at the top of the chicken bao. This will help prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.
- Check for doneness: Check the chicken bao for doneness by opening one of them and checking if the dough is cooked through and the filling is hot.
- Serve immediately: Serve the chicken bao immediately after cooking while they are still hot and fresh.
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