One of the most popular and beloved Chinese pastries is the bolo bao, also known as pineapple buns. These sweet and fluffy buns are a staple in many Chinese bakeries and can now easily be made at home with this authentic Chinese bolo bao recipe. With simple ingredients and clear instructions, you can recreate the rich and buttery taste of this iconic pastry in your own kitchen. Let's dive into the step-by-step process of making these mouth-watering buns!
Main Ingredients: Liquid, Bread Flour, Granulated Sugar, Salt, Instant
Pineapple bun, also known as Bolo Bao, is a popular Chinese pastry with a sweet, buttery topping that resembles a pineapple. Despite its name, this bun does not actually contain any pineapple. It is typically served as a breakfast item or as a snack, and can be found in many Chinese bakeries around the world. However, making your own pineapple buns at home is not as difficult as you might think, and it's a great way to impress your friends and family. Here are 20 delicious pineapple bun recipes to try out.
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Pineapple Bolo Bao
Main Ingredients: Nonfat Milk Powder, Flour, Baking Soda, Butter, Egg
This variation of the classic pineapple bun recipe uses desiccated coconut to give the topping a unique texture and flavor. The bun itself is soft and fluffy, perfect for absorbing the sweet, coconutty topping. These buns are best served warm and fresh out of the oven.
Orange chicken is a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine, but it's also easy to make at home. This recipe features crispy, tender chicken pieces coated in a tangy, sweet orange sauce. It's perfect served over rice or with some steamed vegetables on the side.
This classic Chinese dish is a favorite among many. Tender slices of beef are stir-fried with broccoli and a savory sauce, resulting in a delicious and satisfying meal. Serve it over some steamed rice for a complete and tasty dinner.
Fried rice is a staple in Chinese cuisine, and it's a great way to use up leftover rice and vegetables. This recipe features fluffy grains of rice stir-fried with eggs, vegetables, and your choice of protein. It's a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or as a side dish.
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Chinese Chicken Thighs
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Olive Oil, Minced Ginger, Minced
If you're looking for a flavorful and easy chicken dish, these Chinese-style chicken thighs are a must-try. The chicken is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce before being baked to perfection. Serve it with some steamed rice and your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
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Pineapple Buns (Bolo Bao)
Main Ingredients: Bread Flour, Water, Cake Flour, Custard Powder, Baking
This classic pineapple bun recipe features a soft, fluffy bun with a crispy, buttery topping. The topping is shaped to resemble a pineapple, giving the bun its name. This recipe also includes a step-by-step guide for making the perfect pineapple bun shape.
This stir-fry dish is a popular Chinese takeout item, but it's also easy to make at home. Tender chicken and fresh broccoli are cooked in a flavorful sauce, resulting in a delicious and healthy meal. Serve it over rice for a satisfying dinner.
This simple yet tasty soup is a staple in Chinese cuisine. It's made with a flavorful broth and delicate egg ribbons, making it a light and comforting dish. This recipe also includes tips for making the perfect egg ribbons.
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Classic Pork Fried Rice - A Chinese Takeout favorite
Main Ingredients: Hot Water, Honey, Sesame Oil, Shaoxing Wine, Soy Sauce
If you love pork fried rice from your local Chinese restaurant, you'll love this homemade version even more. It's made with juicy pork, fluffy rice, and a mix of vegetables, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying dish. Plus, it's easy to make in just one pan.
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Chinese “pineapple” (Bolo) Custard Buns 菠蘿包
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Active Dry Yeast, Medium Egg
If you're a fan of pineapple buns and custard buns, this recipe is a must-try. It combines the two into one delicious pastry, with a crispy topping and a creamy custard filling. These buns are perfect for a special breakfast or as a sweet treat any time of day.
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Egg Fried Rice - An Easy Chinese
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Large Eggs, Paprika, Turmeric, Oil, Medium
This classic Chinese dish is a great way to use up leftover rice and vegetables. It's made with fluffy grains of rice, scrambled eggs, and your choice of protein and vegetables. It's a quick and tasty meal that's sure to become a family favorite.
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Bolo Bao (Hong Kong Pineapple Buns)
Main Ingredients: Bread Flour, Milk, Egg Yolk, Unsalted Butter
This recipe for Bolo Bao, or Hong Kong-style pineapple buns, is a delicious and authentic version of the popular Chinese pastry. The buns are soft and fluffy, with a crispy, buttery topping that's shaped to resemble a pineapple. They're perfect for a special breakfast or as a sweet treat any time of day.
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Fried Chicken Wings, Chinese Takeout Style
Main Ingredients: Chicken Wings, Black Pepper, White Pepper, Garlic
If you love the crispy, flavorful chicken wings from your local Chinese takeout, you'll love this homemade version even more. The wings are coated in a tasty marinade and then deep-fried to perfection. Serve them as an appetizer or as part of a Chinese-inspired meal.
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Chinese Broccoli Beef
Main Ingredients: Sirloin Steak, Soy Sauce, Cornstarch, Freshly Ground
This stir-fry dish is a classic in Chinese cuisine, and it's easy to see why. Tender slices of beef are cooked with fresh broccoli and a savory sauce, resulting in a delicious and healthy meal. Serve it over rice for a complete and satisfying dinner.
Egg rolls are a staple appetizer in Chinese cuisine, and they're surprisingly easy to make at home. These crispy, savory rolls are filled with a tasty mix of vegetables and pork, and they're perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce.
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Hong Kong style pineapple bun (bolo bao)
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Milk, Vegetable Oil, All Purpose Flour
This recipe for Hong Kong-style pineapple buns is a favorite among many. The buns are soft and fluffy, with a crispy, buttery topping that's shaped to resemble a pineapple. They're perfect for a special breakfast or as a sweet treat any time of day.
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Classic Beef Fried Rice - A Chinese Takeout
Main Ingredients: Flank Steak, Salt, Water, Baking Soda, Dark Soy Sauce
If you love beef fried rice from your local Chinese restaurant, you'll love this homemade version even more. It's made with tender beef, fluffy rice, and a mix of vegetables, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying dish. Plus, it's easy to make in just one pan.
Chinese BBQ pork, also known as char siu, is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. It's made by marinating pork in a flavorful sauce and then roasting it until it's tender and caramelized. Serve it over rice or noodles for a delicious and hearty meal.
This chicken stir-fry is a quick and easy dish that's packed with flavor. Tender chicken is cooked with a mix of vegetables and a savory sauce, resulting in a tasty and healthy meal. Serve it over rice for a complete dinner that can be on the table in no time.
The Secret to Perfect Bolo Bao
Making the Dough
The key to achieving the perfect texture for bolo bao lies in the dough. The dough should be soft, elastic, and slightly sticky. This can be achieved by using bread flour, which has a higher protein content, giving the dough a chewier texture. The addition of cornstarch in the dough also helps to make it softer and fluffier. Kneading the dough is crucial as it develops the gluten and elasticity, resulting in a light and airy bun.
The Secret Filling
The filling for bolo bao is what makes it stand out from other pastries. Traditionally, a thick layer of butter and custard is spread on top of the bun before baking, giving it its signature pineapple-like appearance. However, you can get creative and experiment with different fillings such as red bean paste, chocolate, or even savory options like BBQ pork.
The Perfect Bake
To achieve a golden-brown and crispy top for your bolo bao, brush the buns with a mixture of egg yolk and milk before baking. This also adds a rich and glossy finish to the buns. Bolo bao is best baked in a steam oven to ensure the buns rise evenly and have a soft and fluffy texture. If you do not have a steam oven, you can create a makeshift one by placing a tray of hot water at the bottom of your regular oven.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional tips to ensure your bolo bao turns out perfect every time:
Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting the recipe.
Let the dough rise in a warm place, such as near a window or in the oven with the light on, to speed up the process.
After shaping the buns, let them rest for at least 10 minutes before baking to allow the dough to relax and rise.
For a sweeter and more fragrant bolo bao, add a little bit of vanilla extract or honey to the dough.
Conclusion
Now that you know the secret to making the perfect bolo bao, it's time to put your new skills to the test. With its soft and fluffy texture and delicious filling, this Chinese pastry is sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your loved ones with your homemade bolo bao!
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