17 Chinese Steamed Bao Buns Recipe Unlock Flavor Sensations!
Published on: Mar 24, 2024
Steamed bao buns, also known as "baozi" or "bao", are a staple in Chinese cuisine and have gained popularity all over the world. These fluffy and delicate buns are filled with various ingredients such as pork, vegetables, or even sweet custard. They are a popular street food in China and can also be found in many Chinese restaurants. In this article, we will share with you a simple and authentic Chinese steamed bao buns recipe that you can recreate at home.
Soft Fluffy Char Siu Bao (Chinese Steamed Pork Buns)
Main Ingredients: Steamed Buns, Pork Shoulder, Small Onion, Rice Powder
Char Siu Bao, also known as Chinese Steamed Pork Buns, are a staple in Chinese cuisine. These soft, fluffy buns are filled with tender and flavorful char siu, or Chinese BBQ pork. The combination of the pillowy bun and savory pork filling makes for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Making your own Char Siu Bao at home may seem intimidating, but with the right recipe, it’s actually quite simple. Plus, the end result is well worth the effort. The key to achieving that soft and fluffy texture is to use a combination of yeast and baking powder in the dough. This allows the buns to rise and become light and airy.
To make the filling, marinated pork is roasted until it’s tender and caramelized. The pork is then chopped into small pieces and mixed with a flavorful sauce made with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and other seasonings. The result is a sweet and savory filling that pairs perfectly with the soft bun.
Whether you’re looking for a tasty snack or a full meal, these Soft Fluffy Char Siu Bao are sure to satisfy your cravings. Serve them with a side of steamed vegetables or enjoy them on their own for a delicious and comforting treat.
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Gua Bao (Taiwanese Pork Belly Buns, 割包)
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Peanut Oil, Garlic, Green Onions, Ginger
Gua Bao, also known as Taiwanese Pork Belly Buns or 割包 in Chinese, is a popular street food in Taiwan. These buns are made with fluffy steamed dough and filled with tender and flavorful pork belly, along with various toppings and sauces.
In Taiwan, these buns are usually served as a snack or appetizer, but they can also be enjoyed as a full meal. The key to achieving the perfect Gua Bao is to make sure the dough is soft and fluffy, and the pork belly is tender and flavorful.
To make the pork belly filling, the meat is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and other seasonings, then slow-cooked until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender. The buns are then assembled with the pork belly, along with toppings such as pickled vegetables, cilantro, and peanuts, and drizzled with a delicious sauce made with hoisin sauce and other seasonings.
If you’re a fan of Taiwanese cuisine or looking to try something new, Gua Bao is a must-try. These buns are bursting with flavor and will surely leave you wanting more.
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The BEST Gua Bao Pork Belly Steamed Bun & Video
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Large Onion, Garlic Cloves, Chicken Stock
If you’re a visual learner, then this recipe for The BEST Gua Bao Pork Belly Steamed Bun is perfect for you. The video included in this recipe will guide you through the entire process, from making the dough to assembling the buns.
The recipe itself is also top-notch, resulting in soft and fluffy buns filled with melt-in-your-mouth pork belly. The detailed instructions and tips in the video will ensure that you achieve the perfect Gua Bao every time you make it.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is easy to follow and will result in a delicious and authentic Gua Bao that will impress your friends and family.
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Sesame Chicken Gua Bao
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Cornstarch, Salt
If you’re a fan of chicken, then this recipe for Sesame Chicken Gua Bao is a must-try. This twist on the traditional Gua Bao features tender and flavorful chicken coated in a delicious sesame sauce, along with pickled vegetables, cilantro, and crushed peanuts.
The chicken is first marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and other seasonings, then fried until it’s crispy and golden brown. The combination of the crispy chicken and the soft bun creates a perfect texture contrast that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy meal or as a party appetizer. Plus, the flavors in this dish are sure to impress anyone who tries it.
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Jackfruit Bao Buns
Main Ingredients: Bao Buns, Jackfruit, Vegetable Oil, Onion, Garlic
If you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan option, these Jackfruit Bao Buns are the perfect choice. Jackfruit is a popular meat substitute in Asian cuisine, and in this recipe, it’s used to create a delicious and flavorful filling for the buns.
The jackfruit is cooked with a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and other seasonings, then stuffed into soft and fluffy buns. The result is a tasty and satisfying meal that even meat-lovers will enjoy.
These Jackfruit Bao Buns are perfect for those who are looking to add more plant-based options to their diet or for anyone who wants to try something new and delicious.
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Tempeh Katsu Bao Buns
Main Ingredients: Tempeh, All Purpose Flour, Water, Sugar, Ground Black
Another great vegetarian option is these Tempeh Katsu Bao Buns. Tempeh is a fermented soybean product that is high in protein and often used as a meat substitute. In this recipe, it’s used to create a crispy and flavorful filling for the buns.
The tempeh is coated in a panko breadcrumb mixture and fried until it’s golden brown and crispy. It’s then stuffed into soft and fluffy buns and topped with a delicious sauce made with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and other seasonings.
These Tempeh Katsu Bao Buns are perfect for a meatless Monday meal or as a tasty and healthy snack. They’re also a great way to introduce tempeh into your diet if you’ve never tried it before.
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Pulled Pork Bao Buns
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Soy Sauce, Olive Oil, Chinese 5 Spice
If you’re a fan of pulled pork, then this recipe for Pulled Pork Bao Buns is a must-try. These buns are filled with tender and flavorful pulled pork that has been slow-cooked in a delicious BBQ sauce. The combination of the smoky and sweet flavors of the pork with the soft and fluffy buns is simply irresistible.
This recipe also includes instructions on how to make your own BBQ sauce from scratch, but you can also use your favorite store-bought sauce if you’re short on time. Either way, these Pulled Pork Bao Buns are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or for a comforting meal at home.
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Pork Belly Bao Buns
Main Ingredients: Bao Buns, Yeast, Sugar, Warm Water, All Purpose Flour
If you can’t get enough of pork belly, then this recipe for Pork Belly Bao Buns is for you. These buns are filled with tender and juicy pork belly that has been roasted until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender. The pork belly is then coated in a delicious sauce made with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and other seasonings.
These buns are perfect for a special occasion or when you’re craving something indulgent and satisfying. The combination of the soft and fluffy buns with the flavorful pork belly is simply irresistible.
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Karaage Chicken Bao
Main Ingredients: Chicken Tenders, Soy, Sake, Ginger, Sesame Oil, Potato
Karaage Chicken is a popular Japanese fried chicken dish, and in this recipe, it’s used as the filling for these delicious Bao Buns. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and other seasonings, then coated in a crispy and flavorful batter.
The chicken is then fried until it’s golden brown and crispy, then stuffed into soft and fluffy buns and drizzled with a delicious sauce made with mayonnaise, soy sauce, and other seasonings. The result is a tasty and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.
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Vegan Steamed Bun (Gwa Bao)
Main Ingredients: Shallots, Garlic, Soy Sauce, Rice Wine, Water, Chinese
If you’re looking for a vegan option, this recipe for Vegan Steamed Buns (Gwa Bao) is a great choice. These buns are filled with a flavorful mixture of mushrooms, tofu, and other vegetables, along with a delicious sauce made with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and other seasonings.
The combination of the soft and fluffy bun with the savory and flavorful filling is sure to satisfy your cravings. Plus, these Vegan Steamed Buns are a great way to add more plant-based options to your diet without sacrificing flavor.
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Spicy Fried Chicken Bao Buns
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken Thighs, Sriracha, Chilli Powder
If you like a little heat in your food, then these Spicy Fried Chicken Bao Buns are the perfect choice for you. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of spices and hot sauce, then coated in a crispy and flavorful batter.
Once the chicken is fried until it’s golden brown and crispy, it’s stuffed into soft and fluffy buns and topped with a spicy sauce made with sriracha and other seasonings. The result is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any spice-lover.
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Red Curry Milk Pork Bao
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Butt, Milk, Red Curry Paste, Water, Thai
This recipe for Red Curry Milk Pork Bao is a unique and flavorful twist on the traditional Gua Bao. The pork is first marinated in a mixture of red curry paste and coconut milk, then slow-cooked until it’s tender and flavorful.
The pork is then stuffed into soft and fluffy buns and topped with pickled vegetables, cilantro, and crushed peanuts. The combination of the spicy and creamy pork with the soft and fluffy bun creates a burst of flavors in every bite.
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Chili Crab
Main Ingredients: Dungeness Crab, Oil, Garlic, Ginger, Cornstarch, Water
Chili Crab is a popular seafood dish that originated in Singapore. In this recipe, instead of using the traditional crab meat, the flavorful chili crab sauce is used as the filling for these delicious Bao Buns.
The sauce is made with a mixture of chili sauce, tomato sauce, and other seasonings, then thickened with cornstarch. The result is a rich and flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with the soft and fluffy buns.
These Chili Crab Bao Buns are a great way to enjoy the flavors of this popular dish in a different and unique way.
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Chili Crab (Crab in Sour and Spicy Sauce)
Main Ingredients: Dungeness Crab, Oil, Garlic, Ginger, Cornstarch, Water
If you prefer to use actual crab meat in your Bao Buns, this recipe for Chili Crab (Crab in Sour and Spicy Sauce) is the perfect choice. The crab is cooked in a delicious and tangy sauce made with black vinegar, chili sauce, and other seasonings.
The combination of the tender and flavorful crab meat with the tangy and spicy sauce is sure to tantalize your taste buds. These buns are perfect for a special occasion or when you’re craving something indulgent and unique.
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Soft and Fluffy Banh Bao (Vietnamese Steamed Pork Bun)
Main Ingredients: Hard Boiled Eggs, Chinese Sausage, Steamed Buns, Pork
Banh Bao, also known as Vietnamese Steamed Pork Buns, are a popular snack or breakfast item in Vietnam. These soft and fluffy buns are filled with a mixture of ground pork, shiitake mushrooms, and other vegetables, along with a delicious sauce made with oyster sauce and other seasonings.
The buns are then steamed until they’re light and airy, resulting in a perfect texture that pairs perfectly with the savory filling. These Soft and Fluffy Banh Bao are a great way to start your day or as a satisfying snack any time of the day.
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Curry Fried Chicken Steamed Buns
Main Ingredients: Steamed Buns, Mint Leaves, Kewpie Mayo, Red Onion
If you’re looking for a fusion of flavors, then this recipe for Curry Fried Chicken Steamed Buns is the perfect choice. The chicken is first marinated in a flavorful curry sauce, then coated in a crispy and spicy batter.
The chicken is then fried until it’s golden brown and crispy, then stuffed into soft and fluffy buns and drizzled with a delicious sauce made with mayonnaise, curry powder, and other seasonings. The result is a burst of flavors in every bite that will leave you wanting more.
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Pork Belly Buns with Pickled Carrots & Cucumbers
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Cooking Oil, Salt, Pepper, Chili Pepper
This recipe for Pork Belly Buns with Pickled Carrots & Cucumbers is a refreshing and flavorful twist on the traditional Gua Bao. The pork belly is cooked in a flavorful marinade, then coated in a crispy and savory batter.
The buns are then assembled with the pork belly, along with pickled carrots and cucumbers, and drizzled with a delicious sauce made with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and other seasonings. The result is a tasty and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.
Main Ingredients: Steamed Buns, Butter, Toasted Sesame Seeds, Sambal
If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine, then these Spicy Fried Chicken Katsu Toasted Sesame Steamed Buns are a must-try. The chicken is first marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and other seasonings, then coated in a crispy and flavorful batter.
The chicken is then fried until it’s golden brown and crispy, then stuffed into soft and fluffy buns and topped with a spicy sauce made with sriracha and other seasonings. The buns are then sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds for an extra crunch and flavor.
These buns are perfect for a quick and easy meal or as a party appetizer that will surely impress your guests.
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Korean Barbecue Steamed Buns With Bulgogi Beef
Main Ingredients: Steamed Buns, Beef, Marinade, Shredded Carrots
Bulgogi is a popular Korean BBQ dish, and in this recipe, it’s used as the filling for these delicious steamed buns. The beef is marinated in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, and other seasonings, then grilled until it’s tender and juicy.
The beef is then stuffed into soft and fluffy buns and topped with a tangy and sweet Korean BBQ sauce. These buns are perfect for a summer BBQ or when you’re craving the flavors of Korean cuisine.
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Steamed Buns with Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts +...
Main Ingredients: Steamed Buns, Pork Belly, Oil, Brussels Sprouts, Soy
For a vegetarian option that is bursting with flavor, these Steamed Buns with Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts are the perfect choice. The Brussels sprouts are roasted with a delicious honey and sriracha glaze, then stuffed into soft and fluffy buns.
The buns are then topped with a tangy and creamy sauce made with mayonnaise, honey, and other seasonings. These buns are perfect for those who love a little bit of sweet and spicy in their meals.
The Origins of Steamed Bao Buns
A Traditional Chinese Dish
Steamed bao buns have been a part of Chinese cuisine for centuries. They originated in the Jiangnan region of China, where they were originally known as "mantou" and used as a staple food. Over time, they evolved into the bao buns we know and love today. These buns were traditionally filled with meat and vegetables and served as a portable and convenient meal for travelers. Today, steamed bao buns have become a popular dish in many countries, including the United States, where they are often served as a dim sum item.
The Art of Making Steamed Bao Buns
A Delicate Balance of Ingredients
Making steamed bao buns is a careful and delicate process. The dough is made from a combination of flour, water, yeast, and sugar, which is then left to rise and ferment. The filling, on the other hand, can be made with various ingredients, such as ground pork, chicken, or vegetables. The key to a perfect steamed bao bun is finding the right balance between the soft and fluffy dough and the flavorful filling.
The Steaming Process
Once the dough has risen, it is rolled out and filled with the desired ingredients. The buns are then placed in a steamer and cooked for around 15 minutes. This steaming process is what gives the buns their signature soft and fluffy texture. It is important to note that the buns should not be overcrowded in the steamer, as they will expand during the cooking process.
Making Steamed Bao Buns at Home
Simple and Authentic Recipe
Making steamed bao buns at home may seem like a daunting task, but with our simple and authentic recipe, you can recreate this delicious dish in your own kitchen. The key is to use quality ingredients and to follow the steps carefully. With a little practice, you will be able to make perfect steamed bao buns that are just as good as the ones you find in Chinese restaurants.
In Conclusion
Steamed bao buns are not only a delicious and versatile dish, but they also have a rich history and cultural significance in Chinese cuisine. Learning how to make them at home will not only allow you to enjoy this tasty treat anytime you want, but it is also a great way to connect with the culture and traditions of China. So, why not give our Chinese steamed bao buns recipe a try and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills?
Soft Fluffy Char Siu Bao (Chinese Steamed Pork Buns)
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