How to Make Nikuman (Steamed Beef Buns) - A Step-by-Step Guide

Nikuman, also known as steamed beef buns, is a popular Japanese street food and a comforting dish enjoyed in many Japanese households. These delicious buns are filled with a flavorful mix of ground beef, onions, and seasonings, and steamed until soft and fluffy. They make for a satisfying snack or a hearty meal, perfect for any time of the day.

One of the things that make nikuman special is the soft and pillowy texture of the bun. The outer layer is made with a simple dough that is st...

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup milk
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • 1 (16-ounce bag) steamed bun flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • ½ cup diced shiitake mushroom caps
  • 1 stalk green onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
  • 1 pinch ground black pepper

Information

  • Prep Time: 1 hr
  • Cook Time: 50 mins
  • Additional Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
  • Servings: 6
  • Yield: 6 servings

  • Mix milk and sugar for dough together in a bowl. Pour bun flour into another bowl and add gradually the milk mixture, stirring with a spatula.
  • Form the dough into a ball and knead with your hands for about 20 minutes. Add olive oil and knead for 10 minutes more.
  • Transfer dough to a dry bowl, cover with a towel, and let rest for 30 minutes.
  • Combine beef, mushrooms, green onions, cornstarch, sugar, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, salt, five-spice powder, and pepper in a bowl with your hands until thoroughly mixed. Form the filling into 12 equally sized meatballs.
  • Roll dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece out with a rolling pin to a circle, no more than 5 inches in diameter.
  • Cover each meatball with a dough circle, pinching the edges to close.
  • Place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Add beef buns, working in batches as needed, cover, and steam until meat is no longer pink, about 45 minutes.
  • Nutrition

    263 cal.

    • Total Fat: 13g
    • Saturated Fat: 5g
    • Cholesterol: 51mg
    • Sodium: 507mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 22g
    • Dietary Fiber: 0g
    • Total Sugars: 20g
    • Protein: 15g
    • Vitamin C: 1mg
    • Calcium: 57mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 226mg