Name: Deliciously Fluffy Bao Buns Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (250g); 1 tsp active dry yeast (3g); 1 tbsp granulated sugar (12g); 1/2 tsp salt (3g); 3/4 cup warm water (180ml); 1 tbsp vegetable oil (15ml); 1 cup cooked pork belly or chicken thighs, shredded (150g); 1 cup cabbage, finely chopped (70g); 2 tbsp soy sauce (30ml); 1 tbsp Sriracha or hoisin sauce (15ml)

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Introduction

Discover the joy of making fluffy bao buns at home with this simple recipe. These soft, steamed buns filled with savory pork or chicken and cabbage make for a delicious snack or meal. Perfect for sharing with family and friends!

A black tray holds eight white bao buns arranged in two rows, each bun split open and filled with a mixture of small pieces of dark brown cooked meat topped with green chopped herbs, orange thin carrot strips, and white sesame seeds. The buns are soft and fluffy with a smooth texture. To the side, there is a wooden tray with more carrot strips and a small white bowl of brown sauce. The food is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour (250g)
1 tsp active dry yeast (3g)
1 tbsp granulated sugar (12g)
1/2 tsp salt (3g)
3/4 cup warm water (180ml)
1 tbsp vegetable oil (15ml)
1 cup cooked pork belly or chicken thighs, shredded (150g)
1 cup cabbage, finely chopped (70g)
2 tbsp soy sauce (30ml)
1 tbsp Sriracha or hoisin sauce (15ml)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Gradually add warm water while stirring until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.
Step 3: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Punch down the dough and divide it into small portions; roll each portion into circles.
Step 5: Prepare the filling by cooking your protein with soy sauce and Sriracha until caramelized; then mix in the chopped cabbage.
Step 6: Place a spoonful of filling on each dough circle, fold it closed, and steam in a bamboo steamer lined with parchment paper for approximately 15 minutes.

Tips & Variations

For extra fluffiness, try adding a teaspoon of baking powder to the dough along with the yeast.
Substitute the protein with mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian version.
If you don’t have a bamboo steamer, you can use a metal steamer basket or a heatproof plate set over a pot of boiling water.

Storage

Store leftover bao buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, steam them again for 5-7 minutes or microwave covered with a damp paper towel to maintain softness.

How to Serve

The image shows eight steamed bao buns neatly arranged in a black rectangular tray. Each bun is white and fluffy, split open and filled with a layer of tender brown meat pieces, topped with bright green chopped scallions and orange thin carrot strips. Small white sesame seeds are sprinkled on the meat, adding texture. In the background, sauces in small white bowls and some sliced white cones of vegetables sit on a white marbled surface. A woman’s hand is reaching toward the tray. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze bao buns?

Yes, bao buns freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. When ready to eat, steam them from frozen for about 10-12 minutes.

What can I use if I don’t have active dry yeast?

You can substitute active dry yeast with instant yeast using the same amount. Just mix instant yeast directly into the flour without proofing.