Pizzaman (ピザマン)

Imagine it’s a cold day, you’re walking around outside, and you’re hungry.

Introducing: Japanese convenience stores.

You step into a convenience store (or “konbini” as they’re known in Japanese) where you can find everything you need, from freshly prepared meals to daily necessities, all within a compact and impeccably organized space.

One of my favorite foods to buy in convenience stores are “nikuman,” or steamed pork buns. There are many variations of them, including “Pizzaman (ピザマン).”

Pizzaman is a delightful fusion food that combines the flavors of pizza with the traditional Japanese steamed bun. This innovative snack reflects Japan’s knack for creatively blending culinary influences from around the world.

Bamboo Steamer

No, a bamboo steamer is not strictly necessary for steaming buns. But of course, I’m going to convince you that you NEED one! Here’s a link to mine!

While a bamboo steamer is traditional and offers certain advantages, such as absorbing excess moisture and imparting a subtle bamboo aroma, you can successfully steam buns using several alternative methods:

Metal Steamer: A metal steamer basket placed in a pot works well. Make sure to line the basket with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking.
Collapsible Steamer Basket: These are often made of metal and can fit into a variety of pots. Again, line the basket to prevent the buns from sticking.
Plate and Rack: Place a heat-safe plate on a rack inside a pot with some water at the bottom. Cover with a lid and steam as usual.
Instant Pot or Electric Steamer: Many electric steamers or multi-cookers have steaming functions that work well for buns.
DIY Steamer: Create a makeshift steamer using a deep pot, a heatproof plate or dish, and some balls of aluminum foil or an upside-down bowl to elevate the plate above the water.

That said, I’ve tried multiple methods and a bamboo steamer is most reliable, and they’re relatively inexpensive. I use it for cooking dumplings, other types of buns, vegetables, etc. Plus, steaming is a lot healthier than frying foods!

Key Ingredients

Dough: The dough for pizzaman is soft and slightly chewy, similar to that used for traditional steamed buns. It’s made from a simple mixture of flour, yeast, sugar, and water.
Filling: The filling commonly includes ingredients such as tomato sauce, cheese, and various toppings like pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, or vegetables. The mixture is seasoned with Italian herbs like oregano and basil to enhance the pizza flavor.

Pizzaman (ピザマン)

Author: kyriethefoodie
Total Time: 1 hour 28 minutes

Print Recipe

Description

Japanese pizzaman, found in convenience stores, are steamed buns filled with a savory pizza-flavored filling, combining the soft, fluffy texture of traditional bao with the cheesy, tomato-rich taste of pizza.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For buns:

1 cup milk
1 tsp instant dry yeast
1 tsp paprika
2 cup all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)

For filling:

4 oz pepperoni, sliced into halves
12 oz tomato paste
1/3 cup water
Salt & pepper to taste
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the bamboo steamer by lining it with parchment paper. 
In a large bowl, combine milk, instant dry yeast, paprika, and sugar. Stir for a minute until the paprika is no longer clumpy, then add the flour.
Begin mixing with your hands for 3 minutes then transfer to a clean, flat surface lightly dusted with additional flour. Knead the dough for 15 minutes until smooth and elastic. 
Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and shape each into a rounded ball. 
Place each dough ball on the prepared parchment papers inside the bamboo steamer. Allow them to proof for 1 hour.
While the dough is proofing, prepare the filling. In a large pan over medium heat, cook the pepperoni, tomato paste, water, and season with salt and pepper. Stir until the tomato paste and water have combined.
Once the dough is done proofing, flatten each dough ball to about 1 centimeter thickness (avoid thinning out the dough ball too much or else they will deflate during the steaming process) and place 1 1/2 tablespoons of the pepperoni filling in the center. Top with about a tablespoon of mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of parmesan (optional).
Gather the edges of the dough and seal, twisting to ensure the filling stays enclosed. Place on the bamboo steamer wrapped side down and repeat with the remaining dough balls. 
Steam the filled buns in the bamboo basket for 10 minutes, making sure to not open the lid until they are done.

Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 8