Bring Back the Bao: Foolproof Methods to Reheat Bao Buns

Bao buns, also known as Chinese steamed buns, are a delicious snack or meal accompaniment. But like most foods, they taste best when freshly steamed. If you have leftover bao buns, whether homemade or store-bought, here are some tips for reheating them to taste freshly made.

Reheating Bao Buns in the Microwave

The microwave provides a quick and easy way to reheat bao buns.

• Unwrap bao buns and place on a microwave-safe plate. Do not stack them.
• Microwave for 20-30 seconds per bun. The time will vary based on your microwave wattage and size of buns.
• Microwave buns in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
• Check buns after 20 seconds. Microwave for 10 more seconds if still cold in the center.
• Wrap buns in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10 more seconds if the bun exterior is still not hot and moist.
• Allow to sit for 1 minute before serving. The steam will continue heating the bun.

Reheating Bao Buns in the Oven

The oven allows you to reheat multiple bao buns evenly.

• Preheat oven to 300°F.
• Place bao buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Do not overcrowd.
• Heat buns for 8-10 minutes until hot throughout.
• For a moist exterior, brush or spray buns lightly with water halfway through baking.
• You can also wrap buns in foil and reheat for 10-15 minutes. Open foil packet halfway through for moisture.
• Allow buns to sit for 1-2 minutes before serving.

Reheating Bao Buns with a Steamer

Steaming is the traditional cooking method for bao buns. Reheating them with a steamer will make them taste freshly made.

• Place bao buns in a single layer into a steaming basket or bamboo steamer lined with parchment paper. Do not overcrowd.
• Fill steamer pot or wok with enough water so it doesn’t touch the bottom of the steam basket.
• Steam bao buns for 4-6 minutes until hot. Check frequently to avoid sogginess.
• Consider adding aromatics to the water like ginger, garlic, or green onions for extra flavor.
• Allow buns to sit in steamer for 1 minute before removing to plate and serving.

Tips for Reheating Bao Buns

• Do not reheat more than once or bao buns will become soggy. Leftover reheated buns should be discarded.
• Reheat only the number of buns that will be immediately eaten to ensure fresh taste and texture.
• Never microwave bao buns for more than 30 seconds at a time to prevent drying out.
• Microwave works best for 1-4 buns. Oven is ideal for 4-8 buns. Steamer works best for 8+ buns.
• Store leftover uncooked bao bun dough in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and steam to order.

Q&A About Reheating Bao Buns

Q: Can you reheat bao buns in an air fryer?
A: Yes, an air fryer can be used to reheat bao buns to a hot and crispy exterior. Air fry at 300°F for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spritz with oil or brush with egg wash if needed.

Q: How do you reheat frozen bao buns?
A: Frozen bao buns can be reheated in the microwave or steamer. Microwave for 30-60 seconds per bun. Steam for 6-8 minutes until hot throughout. Thaw first for best results.

Q: What is the best way to reheat barbecue pork bao?
A: The oven is ideal for reheating barbecue pork bao buns. The dry heat will keep the pork filling crispy. Bake at 300°F for 8-10 minutes.

Q: Can you reheat bao buns in the fridge?
A: It is not recommended. The refrigerator will dry out the buns rather than make them hot and moist. Use the microwave, oven, or steamer instead.

Recipes for Bao Buns

Here are 3 tasty bao bun recipes to try making at home. The leftover buns can easily be reheated using the instructions above.

Pork Belly Bao Buns

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pork belly, sliced 1⁄4 inch thick
• 1⁄2 cup soy sauce
• 1⁄2 cup rice wine
• 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp five spice powder
• 1 package bao bun dough or make your own
• Sliced cucumbers, cilantro, and hoisin sauce for serving

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, rice wine, brown sugar, and five spice powder. Add pork belly slices and marinate for at least 30 minutes up to overnight.
2. Drain pork from marinade and pat dry. Roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until browned and cooked through.
3. Steam or pan fry bao buns according to package instructions. Slice buns in half and open them up.
4. Add roasted pork belly, sliced cucumbers, cilantro, and drizzle with hoisin sauce. Enjoy!

Char Siu BBQ Pork Bao Buns

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs pork shoulder, sliced into 1⁄4 inch thick strips
• 1⁄2 cup honey
• 1⁄4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon five spice powder
• 1 package bao bun dough or make your own
• Sliced cucumber and cilantro for serving

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, hoisin, garlic, and five spice. Add pork and marinate for 1-2 hours.
2. Drain pork from marinade and roast at 425°F for 20 minutes until caramelized, flipping halfway.
3. Steam or pan fry bao buns according to package directions. Cut buns in half.
4. Fill buns with char siu pork, cucumber slices, cilantro, and extra hoisin sauce if desired.

Vegetable Curry Bao Buns

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, cabbage, onion, peppers) diced small
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 package bao bun dough or make your own
• Cilantro chutney

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, sauté vegetables with curry powder and turmeric until softened.
2. Add vegetable broth and simmer for 5 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Steam or pan fry bao buns according to package directions. Cut buns in half.
4. Spoon vegetable curry mixture into buns. Top with cilantro chutney.

Product Recommendations

Microwaves:

• Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN966S – 1200W with Inverter Technology
• Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor – 1100W
• GE JES2051SNSS 2.0 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave – 1000W
• Breville Quick Touch BMO734XL 1800W Microwave Oven
• LG NeoChefTM LMC2075BD Countertop Microwave Oven – 1200W

Ovens:

• GE JB860SJSS 30″ Free-Standing Electric Double Oven Convection Range
• Whirlpool WOS31ES7JS Single Electric Wall Oven with Steam Assist
• LG LDE3037ST Double Electric Wall Oven with EasyClean®
• Frigidaire Gallery 30” Electric Double Wall Oven
• Bosch 800 Series HBE845WD Wall Oven

Steamers:

• Aroma Housewares 3-in-1 6-Cup Pot Rice Cooker, Slow Cooker and Food Steamer
• Cuisinart STM-1000 CookFresh Digital Glass Steamer
• Aicok 3-Tier Food Steamer
• Oster Double Tiered Food Steamer
• Hamilton Beach Digital Food Steamer

Reheating bao buns helps you get maximum enjoyment out of homemade or store-bought buns. With the proper technique, you can enjoy leftover bao buns that taste like they just came fresh off the steamer.