Step 1

In a large Pyrex or ceramic bowl, mix the yeast with the warm water and set it aside.

Step 2

Sift the flour, sugar and baking powder into a large electric mixer bowl.

Step 3

Place the mixer bowl with the dry ingredients in the electric mixer with the dough hook attached. Set the mixer on the lowest speed. Slowly pour in the yeast mixture. Next, pour in the vegetable oil and then the milk. Let the mixer mix until a smooth dough ball forms. (You can do all this by hand, as well, though it will take longer.)

Step 4

Transfer the dough to a large Pyrex or ceramic bowl that is double the size of the dough. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and place the bowl inside an oven set to u0022proofu0022 setting. Alternatively, place the covered bowl inside a steamer and let it sit. Let the dough proof until it doubles in size (approximately 2 hours).

Step 5

Once dough has risen, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a cylinder about 18 to 24 inches long. Slice the cylinder roll every 1/2 inch and separate the pieces.

Step 6

Once dough has risen, shape dough into long cylinder about 18 inches long. Slice dough into 12 separate sections and form dough balls. Use small rolling pin to roll out dough into round flat pancakes about 5 inches in diameter. For savory buns, roll the edges thinner than the center. This will make it easier to pinch the skin closed. For sweet buns, roll the pancake evenly.

Step 7

Add filling to the center of the pancake, and pinch the dough closed. For savory buns, place on plate with opening on top. For sweet buns, pinch close and flip the bun over so the top of the bun is round.

Step 8

Bring water to a boil in a steamer. Place buns either directly on parchment paper in steamer or on a plate lined with parchment paper in the steamer.

Step 9

For plain buns (aka mantou): Steam the buns for 20 minutes or until the bun is firm to the touch with a little bit of give. Serve immediately. For buns with filling: Steam the buns for 30 minutes to ensure the filling and dough near the filling is completely cooked. After steaming, let stand for 5 minutes, then serve.