Steaming Hot Dog Buns at Home

[tdmort]

I am having friends over for dinner today for Chicago Style Dogs. We are excited to attempt this at home as wel went on a road trip to Chicago recently and fell in love with the dogs. I have all of the fixins...down to the poppy seed buns! However, I just realized I'm not sure how to steam the buns. I don't have a double broiler. Help save Chicago Dog Friday please! :)

[inaplasticcup]

For me, the easiest way to steam hotdog buns and not risk getting them soggy is to wrap two at a time in a damp paper towel (soak thoroughly and squeeze all but a little of the water out) and zap for 15 to 20 seconds.

[tdmort]

This is what I ended up doing and it worked perfectly, except next time I'll steam them "to order". They did get a little dried out if they sat too long. Which I'm sure would happen no matter how I steamed them. Thank you!

[marthasway]

I like steamed buns, too. Depending on how many you're doing, I would recommend using a cooling rack over simmering water. Heating the buns doesn't take long, and be sure to handle them with tongs or gloves. Enjoy!

[acgold7]

No steamer rack or insert of any kind that would fit inside a large pot or covered skillet? What about a cake rack? If you have two large skillets you could put some water in one, the rack over it, then the buns and invert the other skillet over. I do that sometimes. Or maybe a rack in a large roaster with a little water inside, then the buns and seal with foil and into the oven.