What You Need to Know
Saturated steam at near‑boiling temperature causes wheat starch granules to absorb water and swell, forming a gelatinized matrix that gives the wrapper its translucency and chew. Simultaneously, heat unfolds protein structures in the meat or vegetable filling, leading to denaturation and coagulation that ensures microbial safety. Yeast‑generated CO₂ in the dough expands during steaming, creating a light, airy texture while the ambient steam pressure (~1 atm) maintains shape integrity.
The Science
Primary Reaction
starch gelatinization and protein denaturation