How to Steam Mantou (A Plain Asian Bun) in a Microwave

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How to Steam Mantou (A Plain Asian Bun) in a Microwave

Mantou is a plain Asian bun that is sold frozen in most Asian supermarkets. It's easy and can be a tasty snack or accompany a meal. Steaming frozen mantou is a snap as long as you've got microwave.

Kimberly Wong

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Typically and more traditionally, mantou is prepared in a real steamer. Unfortunately, that takes a while. For people who are short on time, a microwave will usually do just as well.

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Mantou can be prepared straight from your freezer to your plate- all you need is a microwave.

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The only difference between the two methods is that traditionally steamed mantou stays soft longer than microwaved mantou does. I value the saved time more, so I don't mind.

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Also, the thing gets gobbled up pretty quickly.

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Go to the nearest Asian supermarket and buy a bag of Asian buns also known as 'mantou' pronounced like 'man' with a Jamaican accent and 'toe' like your big toe.

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This company sells many types of mantou- plain, plain red bean filling, whole wheat, taro, brown sugar, and whole grains and nuts.

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Take one bun out of the bag, and remove the wax paper lining (if there is one) attached to its bottom

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Get a paper towel, soak it in water, and then squeeze most of the water out. What you want is a damp towel -not a mop!

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Wrap the bun completely, and set it in the microwave.

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Let 'er roll for one minute.

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Once it's done, unwrap, and enjoy!

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To let the bun cool down faster (so you can dig into it faster of course) split it in half.

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See the steam?

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Now you can enjoy your mantou either as a standalone snack

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Or pair it with your favorite dish. Mantou goes great with leftover pork ribs - more specifically, the sauce! (To learn more about how to make Taiwanese pork ribs, check out my previous guide.)

You're Done

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