10 Expert-Approved Bao Buns Recipes That Actually Work


Cooking has a way of bringing back memories, doesn’t it? These bao buns recipes take me right back to my grandmother’s kitchen, and I’m so excited to share them with you today. Soft, fluffy, and filled with mouthwatering ingredients, bao buns are a treat you won’t want to miss. Let’s dig in!

Classic Pork Bao Buns

Juicy and savory, these pork buns are a must-try for all bao lovers.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ cup warm water
  • 1 cup cooked pork belly, shredded
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Soy sauce, for drizzling

Process:

  1. Mix flour, yeast, sugar, and baking powder in a bowl. Add warm water and knead until smooth.
  2. Let dough rise for 30 minutes. Roll into small circles, fill with pork, and steam for 15 minutes.

Make it Unique: Add pickled vegetables for a tangy crunch!

Vegetarian Bao Buns

These veggie-filled buns are light and delightful, perfect for meatless meals.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ cup warm water
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, and mushrooms), sautéed
  • Sesame seeds, for topping

Process:

  1. Combine flour and baking powder. Gradually add warm water and knead.
  2. Roll dough, fill with sautéed veggies, and steam for 12-15 minutes.

Make it Unique: Add a touch of miso paste to the veggies for a deeper flavor!

Spicy Chicken Bao Buns

Get ready to feel the heat with these fiery chicken buns!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon yeast
  • ½ pound shredded cooked chicken
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • Green onions, for garnish

Process:

  1. In a bowl, mix flour and yeast, then add warm water to form dough. Let rise for 30 minutes.
  2. Combine chicken, sriracha, and soy sauce. Fill buns and steam for 15 minutes.

Make it Unique: Top with avocado slices for a creamy twist!

Sweet Red Bean Bao Buns

These sweet buns are a delightful dessert option!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon yeast
  • ¾ cup sweet red bean paste
  • ½ cup warm water
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Process:

  1. Mix flour and yeast, then knead in warm water. Let dough rise.
  2. Roll out, fill with bean paste, and steam for 10-12 minutes.

Make it Unique: Drizzle with chocolate sauce for an indulgent touch!

Teriyaki Beef Bao Buns

The sweet and savory flavors in these buns will have you reaching for more!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ pound sliced beef
  • 1/3 cup teriyaki sauce
  • Green onions and sesame seeds, for topping

Process:

  1. Prepare dough by mixing flour and baking powder with water and kneading. Let rise.
  2. Sauté beef with teriyaki sauce. Fill buns and steam for 15 minutes.

Make it Unique: Swap beef for shrimp for a tasty seafood version!

Kimchi Pork Bao Buns

This recipe brings Korean flavors to your bao experience!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon yeast
  • 1 cup cooked pork, chopped
  • ½ cup kimchi, chopped
  • Cilantro, for garnish

Process:

  1. Mix flour and yeast, then add warm water to form the dough. Allow to rise.
  2. Combine pork and kimchi. Fill buns and steam for 15 minutes.

Make it Unique: Add a fried egg on top for an extra layer of flavor!

Classic Char Siu Bao

Sweet and savory, this classic is always a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • ½ cup warm water
  • 1 cup char siu pork, diced
  • Chinese five spice powder, for seasoning

Process:

  1. Combine flour and yeast; slowly add in warm water and knead. Let it rise.
  2. Fill dough with diced char siu, then steam for 15 minutes.

Make it Unique: Serve with hoisin sauce for extra depth!

Thai Coconut Curry Bao Buns

Experience a taste of Thailand in every bite!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon yeast
  • 1 cup coconut curry chicken
  • Fresh basil, for garnish

Process:

  1. Mix flour and yeast then add warm water to form dough. Allow rising.
  2. Fill each bun with coconut curry and steam for 12 minutes.

Make it Unique: Add peanuts for a crunchy texture!

Dessert Chocolate Bao Buns

For dessert lovers, these chocolate buns are pure bliss!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon yeast
  • ½ cup chocolate chips
  • ½ cup warm water
  • Cocoa powder, for dusting

Process:

  1. Combine flour and yeast, adding warm water to form dough. Let it rise.
  2. Fill bao with chocolate chips and steam for 8-10 minutes.

Make it Unique: Add a dash of chili powder to the chocolate for a kick!

Sesame Soy Vegetables Bao Buns

A light and refreshing veggie option loaded with flavor!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup mixed sautéed vegetables
  • 2 tablespoons sesame soy sauce

Process:

  1. Mix flour and baking powder; add warm water to knead. Let rise.
  2. Fill buns with veggies, drizzle sauce, and steam for 10-12 minutes.

Make it Unique: Add a sprinkle of crushed nuts for added crunch!

As you can see, bao buns are not only delicious but also wonderfully adaptable! These recipes cater to every palate, and trying just one might have you hooked. Get ready to impress family and friends with your newfound bao-making skills. They’ll be coming back for seconds, I guarantee it. Happy cooking!

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