How To Steam Buns Without a Steamer

Whether you’re making hamburgers or hot dogs, it’s essential to have warm and moist buns at hand to enjoy these delicious staple foods. Most homes don’t usually have dedicated steamers as these equipment are not used often.

With this in mind, there are other easy makeshift steamers you can use that are already available at your home so you can save shelf space as well as budget. Read on and use these other alternatives to steam your delicious buns in the absence of a steamer.

How to steam buns without a steamer

A quick and easy steamer alternative is using the kitchen appliances that are already available at your home. It could be a stovetop, a microwave, or even an oven to give you a warm and moist bun for your hot dogs or hamburgers. Steaming your buns without a regular bun steamer can be complicated as the buns can turn soggy if you do it improperly or too long. If you’re looking for a crunchier bun, then an air fryer should work quite well.

What are the different methods of steaming buns without a steamer?

Steaming hot dog or hamburger buns is essential if you want a memorable cookout. Regular buns are fine but steamed buns create a splash of flavors that burst in your mouth to leave your guests wanting for more.

The easiest method to steam buns without a regular steamer is by using a microwave. Start by spraying a cloth or paper with a fine mist of water to wrap in your buns. Place the covered buns in the microwave and cook on high for at least one minute and not more in order to steam the buns with perfect consistency.

If you don’t have a microwave, another appliance you can use as an alternative is the oven. Preheat the oven at 350-degrees before placing the buns inside. Like the microwave method, have a spray bottle of water ready but this time spray it directly onto the buns. Wrap them with aluminum foil and set them inside the oven for approximately 10 minutes. If both a microwave and oven are not available, then you can do the stovetop trick.

To steam your buns using a stove, simply fill a pot with a quarter-inch of water and place a basket or strainer inside the pot. Take particular notice of the water level as it should be below the bottom of your basket or strainer. This prevents the bun from dipping on the water accidentally and spoiling your meal.

Heat the water until it boils then place your buns inside before covering the pot for about 30 seconds.

How do I make crunchy buns?

For food lovers that are going for a crunchier version, using an air fryer can take your normal burgers into decadent ones. Air frying buns can produce a crispy texture which is perfect if the bread is soft but you wish to have a crunchier bun. Simply brush the bread with butter and leave the buns in the fryer for a minute to elevate your burger buns to the next level.

The methods listed above are a sure-fire way to make gatherings memorable as a juicy and moist hotdog sandwich or hamburger will always make for enjoyable moments. If all else fails, then the tried and tested method of grilling or toasting should do the trick.

How do you make buns taste better?

Getting fresh buns is always the best way to ensure your buns will always taste delicious. Unlike meat where they’re better frozen, fresh buns are more ideal than frozen buns. A cold or stale bun will be drier as they naturally reduce the moisture content of the bun. If your buns are a few days old, simply reheating them is the quickest and easiest way to reactivate the gluten from the bread.

A heated bun is a guaranteed way of creating texture and smell. Once that’s done, you can try basting them for added moisture and flavor. You should be careful not to over-baste your buns as this may make them soggy. Adding sesame seeds on the top of your buns can also add a lot of flavor to your sandwich or hamburger.

They aren’t just for decoration and make a huge difference for a subtle crunch to your meal.

Lastly, dressing the top with grated cheese and herbs can make your already delicious burgers into extra special ones. Herbs like parsley, basil, thyme, cumin, are perfect for an arousing aroma when combined with melted cheese. Amplifying the taste with roasted garlic with olive oil adds another layer of rich taste to infuse your buns with flavor.

How do you keep the buns warm?

For the adventurous types or for those who like travelling and carrying hot dog sandwiches or hamburgers as their choice of snack, a warm bun is a welcome experience when you want to indulge in them.

Once you have steamed your buns using the different methods mentioned earlier, you can place the hot dogs or the patties inside the buns but it’s best to not add the condiments yet. 

Wrap the buns individually with foil and place them in an insulated bag or a cooler for the buns to stay warm for longer. As an alternative, using a travel hot pack also keeps the buns warm until it’s time to eat them.

Conclusion

All the techniques listed above are tried and tested methods of steaming buns when you don’t have a dedicated steamer available.

However, choosing the right brand of the bun is an even more important factor as it dictates how well your hot dog sandwich or hamburger will be. It’s recommended to look for a brand that’s denser and heavier so that it can withstand the steam without getting all mushy.

Looking at product reviews and comments online is a helpful way to determine the right bun for you. If it fits your budget, investing in a dedicated steamer is also a great way to make sure your hamburgers are always delicious.