Pick up the buns with the parchment paper still under it and place into the steamer.
Do not overcrowd the steamer. The buns expand while steaming. Allow room of at least 1 inch (2 cm) between each bun in the steamer.
Cover the steamer with the towel wrapped lid. Place the steamer on the stove over medium heat.
Turn on the heat only once you place the steamer on the stove. This will ensure that the temperature in steamer rises gradually.
Cook the buns covered over medium heat. As soon as you see the steam coming out of the pot, turn the stove down to medium low heat.
Set the timer now for 8 minutes: Start timing the cooking now and steam the buns for 8 minutes.
Turn off the stove: After 8 minutes, turn off the stove BUT LEAVE THE LID ON THE POT FOR A FURTHER 5 MINUTES.
Buns deflate when exposed to sudden temperature change: If you remove the lid immediately after cooking, you risk the buns deflating due to the sudden change in temperature.
After 5 minutes, the buns are ready to be removed from the steamer.
You can fill and eat them immediately or refrigerate or freeze for later.