Cantonese Buns and Rice Cakes, Ready from the Freezer
These are the steamed buns and pan-fried cakes of a Cantonese dim sum cart, packed for your freezer. The sweet side runs to custard, coconut custard, red bean, sesame peanut, and milk buns, while the savory side covers cha siu BBQ pork buns and pork-and-vegetable buns. Several buns also come in low-sugar versions.
To serve the buns, steam them from frozen for about 10 to 12 minutes until soft and springy, or microwave a single bun in under a minute with a damp paper towel over it. The radish, turnip, and taro cakes are meant to be sliced and pan-fried until the edges crisp, a classic dim sum plate on their own or with chili and oyster sauce.
The range is built for easy dim sum at home, weekday breakfasts, or a fast snack. Keep everything frozen until you cook it, and steam or fry straight from frozen so the texture stays right.
Find these at Asian grocery stores across the United States. See our Where to Buy page for a store near you, or contact us about wholesale and case orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you cook frozen steamed buns?
Steam them straight from frozen for 10 to 12 minutes until soft and puffed, or microwave one bun for about 40 to 60 seconds with a damp paper towel over it. There is no need to thaw them.
How do you prepare the radish, turnip, and taro cakes?
Slice the cake about half an inch thick and pan-fry each side until golden and crisp. Serve with oyster sauce or chili sauce, the way they come on a dim sum cart.
What is the difference between the savory and sweet buns?
Savory buns like cha siu BBQ pork and pork-and-vegetable are a light meal or snack. Sweet buns like custard, red bean, coconut custard, and sesame peanut work for breakfast or dessert, and several come in low-sugar versions.
Where can I buy these buns and cakes?
They are stocked at Asian grocery stores nationwide. Check our Where to Buy page for a store near you, or ask about wholesale for case orders.
Cooking tips: How to Steam Frozen Buns (Bao).
Recipes to try: Turnip Cake, Radish Cake, Pan Fried Taro Cake