18 Chinese Soft Bun Recipe Savor The Mouthwatering Goodness!
Published on: Mar 24, 2024
The Chinese soft bun, also known as "baozi" or "mantou" in Chinese, is a staple food in Chinese cuisine. These soft, fluffy buns are a popular street food and are typically filled with savory or sweet fillings. Making these buns at home may seem daunting, but with the right recipe and technique, you can easily recreate the delicious buns in your own kitchen.
Chinese sweet bun dough is the perfect base for delicious and fluffy steamed buns. Made with flour, sugar, milk, and yeast, this dough is easy to make and can be used in a variety of Chinese dishes. Whether you're making savory pork buns or sweet custard buns, this dough will be sure to impress your taste buds.
This classic Chinese dish features tender pieces of chicken coated in a tangy orange sauce. The chicken is first marinated in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, then deep fried to crispy perfection. The orange sauce, made with fresh orange juice, adds a unique and delicious twist to this traditional Chinese recipe.
If you're a fan of beef and broccoli, then you'll love this Chinese version of the dish. Thinly sliced beef is stir-fried with broccoli, carrots, and a savory sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and garlic. This dish is simple to make and is packed with flavor, making it a favorite in many Chinese households.
No Chinese meal is complete without a side of fried rice. This staple dish is made with cooked rice, scrambled eggs, and a mix of vegetables such as peas, carrots, and green onions. It can also be customized with your choice of protein, such as chicken, shrimp, or beef. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side to your favorite Chinese dishes.
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Chinese Chicken Thighs
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Olive Oil, Minced Ginger, Minced
If you're tired of the same old chicken recipes, try this Chinese-inspired dish that will take your taste buds on a trip to Asia. The chicken thighs are marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice, then baked in the oven until tender and flavorful. Serve with rice and steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
These soft and fluffy steamed buns are filled with a creamy and luscious custard filling. The buns are made with a simple dough and are filled with a mixture of eggs, milk, and sugar. They can be served for breakfast or as a sweet snack any time of the day.
Another classic Chinese dish, this chicken and broccoli stir-fry is a crowd-pleaser. Tender pieces of chicken are cooked with broccoli, carrots, and a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and ginger. This dish is quick and easy to make, making it a great weeknight meal option.
This comforting soup is a staple in many Chinese households. Made with a chicken broth base and eggs, this soup is simple yet satisfying. You can add your own twist by adding vegetables, tofu, or noodles to make it a heartier meal.
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Classic Pork Fried Rice - A Chinese Takeout favorite
Main Ingredients: Hot Water, Honey, Sesame Oil, Shaoxing Wine, Soy Sauce
There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of ordering Chinese takeout and indulging in a plate of classic pork fried rice. This dish is loaded with tender pieces of pork, scrambled eggs, and an array of vegetables, all tossed together with rice and a savory sauce. It's a go-to favorite for many and can easily be made at home.
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Egg Fried Rice - An Easy Chinese
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Large Eggs, Paprika, Turmeric, Oil, Medium
If you're looking for a simple and delicious side dish, look no further than egg fried rice. Made with cooked rice, scrambled eggs, and a few simple seasonings such as soy sauce and sesame oil, this dish is a great way to use up leftover rice and add some protein to your meal.
Pork buns are a staple in Chinese cuisine and for good reason. These soft and fluffy steamed buns are filled with a savory and flavorful pork filling. They can be enjoyed as a snack or as part of a larger meal, and are sure to satisfy your cravings for Chinese food.
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Chinese Pumpkin Bun
Main Ingredients: Pumpkin, Glutinous Rice Flour, Peanuts, Brown Sugar
For a unique twist on traditional Chinese buns, try making these pumpkin buns filled with a creamy and sweet pumpkin filling. These buns are perfect for fall and are sure to impress your friends and family with their vibrant color and delicious taste.
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Fried Chicken Wings, Chinese Takeout Style
Main Ingredients: Chicken Wings, Black Pepper, White Pepper, Garlic
These crispy and flavorful fried chicken wings are a popular dish in many Chinese restaurants. Marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, these wings are fried to perfection and served with a tangy and spicy sauce. They make for a great appetizer or even a main dish served with rice and veggies.
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Chinese Broccoli Beef
Main Ingredients: Sirloin Steak, Soy Sauce, Cornstarch, Freshly Ground
This classic Chinese dish features tender slices of beef stir-fried with broccoli and a savory sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and garlic. The key to this dish is using high-quality beef and cooking it quickly over high heat to achieve that perfect sear.
Egg rolls are a popular Chinese appetizer made with a crispy and flaky wrapper filled with a mixture of meat and vegetables. These handheld snacks are perfect for parties or as a quick and easy snack. Serve with a side of sweet and sour sauce for dipping.
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Classic Beef Fried Rice - A Chinese Takeout
Main Ingredients: Flank Steak, Salt, Water, Baking Soda, Dark Soy Sauce
Similar to pork fried rice, beef fried rice is another popular dish in Chinese takeout restaurants. This dish is made with tender pieces of beef, scrambled eggs, and an array of vegetables, all tossed together with rice and a savory sauce. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that can be easily made at home.
Also known as char siu, Chinese BBQ pork is a staple in Chinese cuisine. The pork is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and honey, then roasted until tender and caramelized. It can be served on its own or used in various dishes such as fried rice or noodle dishes.
This versatile dish can be made with a variety of vegetables and your choice of protein, making it a great way to use up any leftovers in your fridge. The vegetables are stir-fried until crisp and tender, and then tossed with a savory sauce and cooked chicken. Serve with rice for a complete meal.
Sweet and sour chicken is a popular Chinese dish that features tender pieces of chicken coated in a tangy and sweet sauce. The chicken is first battered and fried, then tossed in a mixture of pineapple, bell peppers, and a sauce made with vinegar, sugar, and ketchup. It's a flavorful and colorful dish that is sure to please.
This dish features succulent prawns coated in a sweet and sticky honey sauce. The prawns are first marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and ginger, then quickly stir-fried to seal in all the flavors. This dish is perfect for seafood lovers and can be served with rice or noodles.
The History of Chinese Soft Buns
The Origins of Baozi
The history of Chinese soft buns can be traced back to the Han dynasty, which dates back to 206 BC. Baozi was initially created as a way to preserve food during the winter months. The buns were filled with meat and vegetables, and then steamed to prevent spoilage. They were also a convenient and portable food option for travelers and workers.
The Evolution of Baozi
As time went on, the buns evolved into various shapes and sizes, with different fillings and cooking methods. In the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD), baozi became a popular food for the rich and upper class. It was often served as a delicacy in royal courts and fancy restaurants. In the Song dynasty (960-1279 AD), baozi became more accessible to the general public and was sold by street vendors.
The Modern-Day Chinese Soft Bun
Today, baozi is a beloved and widespread food in China and many other Asian countries. It has also gained popularity in Western countries, with many Chinese restaurants offering their own versions of the soft bun. The fillings have become more diverse, ranging from traditional pork or beef to more creative options like red bean paste or chocolate.
The Secret to Making Perfect Chinese Soft Buns
The Dough
The key to making soft and fluffy buns lies in the dough. The dough should be soft, smooth, and elastic, which can be achieved by using the right combination of flour, yeast, water, and oil. Some recipes also call for the addition of milk or eggs for a richer flavor and texture.
The Filling
The filling is another crucial element in making delicious Chinese soft buns. Traditionally, the filling consists of ground pork, vegetables, and seasonings. However, you can get creative and experiment with different fillings such as chicken, shrimp, or even vegetarian options. Just make sure the filling is well-seasoned and not too wet, as it can make the dough soggy.
The Folding Technique
The folding technique is what gives baozi its iconic shape. To achieve the perfect bun, the dough must be rolled out into a circle and then folded in half, with the filling in the middle. The edges are then pleated and twisted to seal the bun. This technique not only creates a beautiful shape but also ensures the filling stays inside the bun while steaming.
In Conclusion
Making Chinese soft buns at home may seem intimidating, but with the right recipe and tips, you can easily recreate this beloved street food. The history of baozi is a testament to its enduring popularity, and it continues to evolve and adapt to different tastes and preferences. So why not try making your own baozi at home and experience the deliciousness for yourself?
