Chinese Food

Grilling food has always been a cherished pastime for many, offering a unique way to enjoy the outdoors while savoring the smoky, char-grilled flavors that can only be achieved over an open flame. While traditional grilling fare often includes burgers, hot dogs, and steaks, there’s a world of possibilities beyond these classics. One such delightful and unconventional item to grill is steamed buns, or “mantou” as they are known in Chinese cuisine. These soft, fluffy dough balls are traditionally steamed but can be transformed into a crispy, golden-brown treat when grilled. In this article, we’ll embark on a culinary adventure, exploring how to grill steamed buns to perfection, complete with tips, tricks, and flavorful variations.

Understanding Steamed Buns

Before diving into the grilling process, it’s essential to understand the basics of steamed buns. Steamed buns are a staple in Chinese cuisine, often used to scoop up dishes like braised pork belly, dumplings, or served plain with a simple soy sauce dipping sauce. They are made from a simple dough of flour, water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar for fermentation. The dough is allowed to rise, shaped into small balls, and then steamed until soft and fluffy.

When grilling steamed buns, the goal is to achieve a balance between the soft, tender interior and a crispy, golden exterior. This requires careful handling and a bit of creativity to ensure the buns don’t dry out or burn.

Ingredients and Equipment

Before starting, gather the necessary ingredients and equipment:

• Steamed Buns: You can make your own from scratch or purchase ready-made ones from your local Asian market.
• Olive Oil or Butter: For brushing on the buns to promote browning and add flavor.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, sesame seeds, or any other spices you prefer.
• Grill: A charcoal or gas grill is ideal, but a grill pan on the stove can also work.
• Tongs: For flipping the buns without piercing them.
• Brush: For applying oil or butter.
• Aluminum Foil: Optional, for indirect grilling to prevent burning.

Preparing the Buns

1. Thaw and Warm: If using frozen steamed buns, thaw them completely. You can warm them slightly by steaming them for a couple of minutes to soften them up, but be careful not to over-steam them as they will continue to cook on the grill.

2. Flavoring: Lightly brush each bun with olive oil or melted butter. This will help them brown nicely and add a touch of richness. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any other seasonings you prefer. For an added touch, press a few sesame seeds into the surface of each bun.

Grilling Techniques

Grilling steamed buns requires a delicate balance of heat and time to avoid drying them out or burning the exterior before the interior has a chance to warm up. Here are a few techniques to achieve the best results:

Direct Grilling

1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are glowing red with a layer of white ash.

   

2. Grill the Buns: Place the seasoned buns directly on the grill grates. Use tongs to handle them, as they can be fragile. Grill for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and have a nice crust. Be vigilant to avoid burning, as the sugar in the dough can cause them to brown quickly.

3. Check for Doneness: The internal temperature should be warm, and the buns should have a pleasant crunch on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy inside.

Indirect Grilling

For a more gentle cooking process, especially if you’re worried about burning, indirect grilling is a great option:

1. Set Up for Indirect Grilling: If using a charcoal grill, move the coals to one side, leaving the other side without coals. For a gas grill, turn off one or two burners.

   

2. Place the Buns: Place the seasoned buns on the grill grate over the indirect heat side. Cover the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and heated through. You can flip them once or twice during cooking to ensure even browning.

3. Finish with Direct Heat (Optional): For an extra crispy finish, you can move the buns to direct heat for a minute or two on each side, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Creative Variations

Grilled steamed buns are a blank canvas for creativity. Here are a few variations to inspire your culinary adventures:

• Stuffed Buns: Fill the steamed buns with ingredients like shredded pork, beef, or vegetables before grilling. Secure the filling with a toothpick if necessary.

  

• Sweet Versions: Brush the buns with honey or maple syrup before grilling for a sweet, caramelized crust.

• Herb and Cheese: Mix fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill into the dough before shaping. Sprinkle grated cheese on top before grilling.

• Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha sauce before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Grilled steamed buns are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:

• As an Appetizer: Serve them plain or with a dipping sauce like soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or a spicy chili sauce.
• Main Dish Accompaniment: Pair them with grilled meats, vegetables, or tofu for a complete meal.
• Breakfast Treat: Fill them with scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage for a hearty start to the day.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover grilled steamed buns can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day or refrigerated for up to three days. To reheat, wrap them in aluminum foil and place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can steam them for a couple of minutes to restore their softness.

Conclusion

Grilling steamed buns might seem unconventional, but it’s a delightful way to enjoy this traditional Chinese staple with a twist. By following the steps outlined above, you can achieve perfectly grilled buns with a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. Whether you’re looking for a new grilling adventure or simply want to elevate your steamed bun experience, grilling is a fantastic method to try. With endless flavor possibilities and creative variations, grilled steamed buns are sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire. Happy grilling!