The steamed buns are cooked before being opened and filling inserted while the dim sum have the filling placed inside a dough parcel before it is cooked.
Both are cooked in a bamboo steamer available from shops selling specialised kitchen cookware.
STEP 2: Mix yeast, 1tsp sugar, ¼ cup flour and ¼ cup warm water. Allow to stand for 30 minutes.
STEP 3: Mix ½ cup warm water, flour, salt, 2 tbsp sugar and vegetable oil to STEP 1 mixture. Roll over in a greased bowl and let it stand for about 3 hours until it rises to triple the size.
STEP 4: Remove dough from bowl and, on a floured surface, punch down and sprinkle baking powder evenly on surface and knead for 5 minutes.STEP 5: Divide dough into two parts and divide each into 8 to 10 parts (depending on how big you want your steamed buns or Dim sum) . Shape each piece into a ball and lay on a greased tray. Let them stand, covered with a tea towel, for 30 minutes until they have risen to double their size.STEP 6: On a floured surface roll each ball into a flat roundish disk.STEP 7: Using a cookie cutter or glass, cut your dough into a circle.STEP 8: For steamed buns simply fold your circle of dough in half. You will put the filling into these after the buns are cooked.STEP 9: Dim sum are small parcels containing filling which is inserted before the dough is cooked. To make these put a little filling in the centre of your dough disk. Using the tip of your finger wet half the circle with a small amount of water. This will make one side stick to the other in the next step.STEP 10: Fold you dough in half over the filling which will now be encased. Pinch the edges around your semi-circle closed.
STEP 11: If you have completed step 10 correctly your crescent will stand without flopping over.
STEP 12: Bring the pointed and together and press to secure.This is what your buns and dim sum will look like once they have been steamed.STEP 15: Place filling in your steamed bun and enjoy.