How to Perfectly Steam Hot Dog Buns? (Ultimate Guide)

Steaming is the best way to increase the flavor of hot dog buns, it can make your hot dog buns chewable and soft. In this post I’ll introduce several methods to steam hot dog buns.

How to Choose the Right Buns

Whole-grain items are the best choice for you when it comes to bread and buns. They contain carbohydrates that make you feel fuller faster, preventing you from overeating and assisting you in maintaining a healthy weight.

It is also a great idea to stay away from buns that contain too much sugar. To find out if there is additional sugar, look at the ingredient list. Yes, the majority of people favor white hot dog buns. However, in the end, you should put your health first.

Furthermore, breads that are dense and heavy are better. After being steamed, soft bread will turn into mush and soggy.

5 Foolproof Methods to Steam Hot Dog Buns

It’s not at all difficult to steam hot dog buns. However, steaming the buns for an excessive amount of time may result in them becoming sticky or mushy. Thus, it is imperative to pay attention to how long each method requires for cooking.

1. With a Steaming Basket

You can still enjoy warm, soft buns even if you don’t have a bun steamer. You can do just that with a steaming basket! A first-rate bamboo steamer can do the job just fine. In order to steam your beloved hot dogs, use the one you already have in your kitchen.

Step 1: Place the Basket In

3 inches of water should be added to a pot, and it should be brought to a boil. A few inches above the boiling water, position the steaming basket. Ensure that the bottom of the basket cannot come in contact with the water.

Step 2: Put the Buns In

The buns should be split open and placed in the steaming basket face down. You can put more than 1 bun each time, depending on how big your pot is. Your buns will gradually warm up from the water’s steam.

You can use the steam to warm up your hot dogs if the pot and steaming basket are large enough. In fact, this is one of the best methods to thaw or defrost frozen hot dog.

Step 3: Take Them Out

Use a pair of tongs to remove the buns from the pot after about two minutes. Use your fingers instead as the hot steam could burn you!

Note: If you don’t have a steaming basket, you can utilize other kitchen utensils to steam hot dog buns using the same way:

• Colander: Make sure the water level in the pot is not high enough to seep through the holes in the colander before placing it inside. Put the buns inside and steam them for a few minutes. Keep in mind that closing the lid will cause water to drip onto the bread.
• Oven-safe bowl: Place the bowl in the pot with the handle facing up. Then put a plate on top, make sure that it doesn’t touch the water. Steam a few buns by placing them on the plate. To prevent soggy buns, do not close the lid.
• Tongs: Use a pair of tongs to hold the buns over the steam until they are heated. Use oven mitts to shield your hands from the steam.
• Chopsticks: The buns should be balanced on a pair of long chopsticks placed over the pot. Once more, make sure the water level is low enough so as not to touch the buns.

2. With a Bun Steamer

I really wish I had a bun steamer, so congratulations if you do. Every day at home, you’ll be able to eat hot dog buns of the same high caliber as those at the stadium or amusement park.

A bun steamer might be a wise purchase if you don’t already have one. The simplest, quickest, and most efficient method for obtaining soft, chewy buns is to use a steamer. When you host a cookout or BBQ party, it will also be the highlight of the event.

Step 1: Place the Buns In

Fresh buns are placed in the upper rack of the steamer along with a small amount of water. To avoid making the buns soggy, make sure the water doesn’t touch them. Then start the appliance.

Step 2: Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions

Every bun steamer comes with its own instructions. Therefore, be sure to read them and adjust the water level or the heat as necessary. If water is required to maintain steam, add it.

Step 3: Take Them Out

Once the buns are nice and warm, remove them from the steamer with a pair of user-friendly kitchen tongs. The rest should stay in the steamer to stay warm; only remove the ones you need.

After using the machine, don’t forget to unplug it and drain any leftover water. To keep the steamer clean, wipe it down completely.

3. With a Microwave

Your hot dog buns can also be steamed in this simple and efficient manner. Once more, you cannot simply microwave it. You need to prepare a thing or 2 first:

Step 1: Make Steam

In a microwave-safe bowl, heat 3 tablespoons of water for 1 minute. This will produce steam, which helps the hot dog buns become softer. Put the bowl back in the microwave.

Step 2: Put the Buns In

Option 1 (for 1 – 2 buns): Lightly spray a paper towel with water. Do not soak it; just lightly dampen it. Alternatively, you can gently wet your hand and flick water on the paper with fingers. Next, wrap the buns in the wet paper towel and set them on a plate that can be heated in a microwave.

Option 2 (for more than 2 buns): On a plate, arrange 2 paper towels. To avoid the bottom of the bun getting soggy, the paper towels can absorb the moisture from the microwave. Place the buns on the paper-covered plate, make sure that they aren’t touching.

Then spray water on another piece of paper towel to dampen it and use it to cover the buns. The buns will stay fluffy and soft as a result.

Step 3: Microwave the Buns

Place the buns’ plate in the microwave, but leave the bowl of hot water in place. Use the low power setting in the microwave to zap the buns for 10 seconds.

Afterward, remove the damp paper towel on top and turn the buns over. The buns should cook for an additional 10 seconds on the other side after being covered with a fresh, damp paper towel.

Fun fact: You can also cook hot dogs using this technique. Though, it is hard to be specific about the exact cooking time for microwaving hot dogs.

Step 4: Take Them Out

Use oven mitts to get the plate of buns and the water bowl out of the microwave. Be careful not to scald yourself.

For more instructions on steaming buns with a microwave, check this out!

4. With a Rice Cooker

The rice cooker ought to be a staple in your kitchen if you enjoy Asian cuisine. Rice cookers are super versatile. Besides rice, they can also make porridge, chili, oatmeal, and even cake! And now, you can use it to make your hot dog buns soft and steamy.

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Cooker

Incorporate water into the rice cooker. Put the lid back on and continue. When the water reaches a boil, wait.

The buns should now be in a steaming basket. Keep space between the buns and avoid packing the basket too tightly.

Step 2: Steam the Buns

Put the basket in the rice cooker after the water has boiled, then secure the lid and wait a few minutes. Remove the buns from the rice cooker when you’re satisfied with the outcome, then serve them.

5. With the Oven

Steaming hot dog buns in your trusted oven is a great idea. Tossing them in the oven and hoping for the best is not an option, though. Follow the instruction below to see how:

Step 1: Prepare the Buns

Set the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (or 180 degrees Celsius). Put the buns on a baking sheet and mist them with water. After that, cover the buns with foil.

Step 2: Bake Them

Ten minutes are enough time to bake the buns. Depending on how big your oven is, this might take more time. Make sure they aren’t burning by checking them frequently.

Step 3: Take Them Out

The tray should be removed from the oven while wearing oven mitts. Remove the aluminum foil and get the buns out.

Besides hot dog buns, you can also cook hot dogs in the toaster oven or conventional oven.

Remember to cook the sausages separately if you want to, and then steam the buns afterwards to prevent the buns from cooling off.

See Also

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8 Best Ways to Keep Your Waffles Warm

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