As one of the traditional staple foods in China, steamed buns have always been a frequent guest on people’s tables. With the development of the times and people's pursuit of delicious food, steamed buns have begun to become more diverse and creative. Fancy steamed buns are one of the creative delicacies. They are not only different from traditional steamed buns in shape, but also have unique characteristics in texture and taste.

1. Prepare materials

The first step in making fancy steamed buns is to prepare the required materials. Generally speaking, the main materials required for making fancy steamed buns are flour, yeast, sugar and water. The choice of flour can be determined according to personal taste and preference. It is generally recommended to choose high-gluten flour, which can make softer steamed buns. Yeast is the key to fermentation. You can choose dry yeast or yeast powder. The function of sugar is to increase the sweetness and texture of the steamed buns. You can add an appropriate amount according to personal preference. The amount of water used should be determined according to the water absorption of the flour. Generally speaking, the ratio of flour to water is 1:0.6.

2. Dough fermentation

Mix flour, yeast, sugar and water together and knead it into dough with your hands. While kneading, add water gradually until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. The kneaded dough is placed in a warm place for fermentation, which usually takes 1-2 hours. The fermentation time will vary depending on the temperature and the size of the dough. You can gently press the dough with your fingers. If it returns to its original shape, it means the fermentation is complete.

3. Dividing and shaping

Take out the fermented dough, place it on the chopping board, and use a knife to divide the dough into small pieces of appropriate size. It can then be styled according to personal creativity and preference. Fancy steamed buns can have many shapes, such as flowers, animals, letters, etc. Cutters or molds can be used to help shape. During the shaping process, be careful to round the dough to avoid uneven shapes.

4. Steaming

Put the shaped steamed buns into the steamer and steam over high heat for 10-15 minutes. The steaming time should be determined according to the size and shape of the steamed buns. Generally speaking, the steamed buns can be taken out when they become soft and fluffy and have a shiny surface. During the steaming process, pay attention to the control of the heat to avoid steaming or undercooking.

5. Taste and enjoy

After the fancy steamed buns are made, you can enjoy them. The texture and taste of fancy steamed buns are different from traditional steamed buns. They are softer, better tasting, and more interesting in shape. You can make fancy steamed buns as a breakfast or afternoon tea snack, and eat them with tea or soy milk. They are both delicious and nutritious.