18 Chinese Style Airy Fluffy Bao Dough Recipe You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Mar 24, 2024
Chinese style airy fluffy bao dough is a staple in many Asian cuisines, especially in Chinese cooking. These soft, pillowy steamed buns are often filled with savory meats or sweet fillings, making them a popular comfort food for many. But what makes Chinese style bao dough stand out from other types of dough? In this article, we will dive into the secrets of making the perfect airy and fluffy bao dough that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. So, get your apron on and let's get started!
Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, Cake Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder
If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, then you've probably heard of pork bao. These soft, fluffy buns filled with savory pork are a staple in dim sum restaurants and street food stalls. But did you know that you can easily make them at home? With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can recreate the deliciousness of pork bao in your own kitchen.
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Soft Fluffy Char Siu Bao (Chinese Steamed Pork Buns)
Main Ingredients: Steamed Buns, Pork Shoulder, Small Onion, Rice Powder
Char siu bao is another popular type of Chinese steamed bun that is filled with savory barbecued pork. The key to achieving the soft and fluffy texture of these buns is to use a combination of all-purpose flour and a small amount of cornstarch. This creates a more tender dough that is perfect for holding the juicy and flavorful filling inside.
One of the most beloved dishes in Chinese-American cuisine is orange chicken. Crispy pieces of chicken coated in a tangy and sweet orange sauce make for a mouthwatering combination. While this dish may seem complicated to recreate at home, it's actually quite simple. With a few key ingredients like orange juice, soy sauce, and honey, you can make your own version of this popular Chinese dish.
If you're looking for a healthier Chinese dish, then beef and broccoli is a great option. Thinly sliced beef, tender broccoli, and a flavorful sauce make for a well-balanced and satisfying meal. To make this dish even more nutritious, you can use lean cuts of beef and add in some other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.
Fried rice is a staple in Chinese cuisine and a popular takeout dish. It's a great way to use up leftover rice and can be customized with your favorite proteins and vegetables. To achieve that signature Chinese flavor, be sure to use soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sesame oil. And for an extra kick of flavor, add in some diced garlic and ginger.
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Chinese Chicken Thighs
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Olive Oil, Minced Ginger, Minced
For a quick and easy weeknight meal, try making Chinese chicken thighs. These tender and juicy pieces of chicken are marinated in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, honey, and garlic. They are then baked in the oven until golden brown and served with rice and vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
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Char Siu Bao
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Water, Canola Oil
Char siu bao or Chinese barbecue pork buns are a popular variation of pork bao. The filling is made with succulent pieces of roasted pork that are coated in a sweet and savory sauce. The buns are then steamed until soft and fluffy, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Another delicious and nutritious Chinese dish is chicken and broccoli. This dish is similar to beef and broccoli but uses chicken instead. You can use chicken breast or thigh meat and stir-fry it with broccoli and other vegetables. The dish is then finished off with a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a pinch of sugar.
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Chinese Bao Buns
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Active Dry Yeast, All Purpose Flour, Baking
If you want to make bao buns from scratch, you'll need to start by making the dough. The dough is made with yeast, flour, and a bit of sugar and takes some time to rise. Once the dough is ready, you can fill it with your choice of protein and vegetables, steam it, and enjoy it with your favorite dipping sauce.
Egg drop soup is a classic Chinese dish that is made by slowly pouring beaten eggs into a simmering broth. The eggs create thin, delicate strands that add texture and protein to the soup. You can also add in other ingredients like mushrooms, tofu, or green onions to make the soup more filling and flavorful.
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Classic Pork Fried Rice - A Chinese Takeout favorite
Main Ingredients: Hot Water, Honey, Sesame Oil, Shaoxing Wine, Soy Sauce
Pork fried rice is a Chinese takeout favorite that is surprisingly easy to make at home. The key to achieving that perfect fried rice texture is to use day-old rice that is slightly dried out. This prevents the rice from becoming mushy when stir-fried and allows it to absorb the flavors of the other ingredients.
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Egg Fried Rice - An Easy Chinese
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Large Eggs, Paprika, Turmeric, Oil, Medium
Egg fried rice is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of proteins and vegetables. The key to making this dish is to scramble the eggs first before adding in the rice. This ensures that the eggs are fully cooked and evenly distributed throughout the rice.
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Chinese Pork Buns (Cha Siu Bao)
Main Ingredients: Cornstarch, Green Onion, Salad Oil, Soy Sauce, Oyster
Cha siu bao or Chinese pork buns are a staple in dim sum restaurants and can also be found in many Chinese bakeries. These buns are filled with a savory and slightly sweet barbecued pork filling and are a crowd-pleaser. You can make them at home by using store-bought dough or making your own from scratch.
Xiao long bao or Chinese soup dumplings are a type of steamed dumpling that contains a flavorful broth inside. The key to making these delicate and delicious dumplings is to use a thin and stretchy dough that can hold the broth without breaking. They are best enjoyed by carefully biting into the dumpling and sipping the broth before eating the rest.
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Chinese Sausage Buns (Lop Cheung Bao)
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Instant Yeast, Granulated Sugar, Canola
Lop cheung bao is a type of Chinese sausage bun that is popular in both Cantonese and Taiwanese cuisine. The buns are filled with slices of sweet and savory Chinese sausage and are steamed until soft and fluffy. They make for a great breakfast or snack and are a favorite among children and adults alike.
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Sang choy bao, Chinese lettuce wraps
Main Ingredients: Water Chestnuts, Scallions, Fresh Ginger, Garlic
Sang choy bao or Chinese lettuce wraps are a fun and tasty way to enjoy a meal. The dish is made by filling lettuce leaves with a flavorful mixture of ground meat, vegetables, and seasonings. You can use any type of protein you like, such as chicken, pork, or beef, and add in your favorite vegetables for a delicious and healthy meal.
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Fried Chicken Wings, Chinese Takeout Style
Main Ingredients: Chicken Wings, Black Pepper, White Pepper, Garlic
If you're a fan of Chinese takeout, then you've probably had fried chicken wings before. These crispy and flavorful wings are a popular appetizer and are often served with a sweet and sour sauce for dipping. You can easily make them at home by frying marinated chicken wings until golden brown and tossing them in a homemade sauce.
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Sang Choy Bao - Chinese Lettuce Cups
Main Ingredients: Water Chestnuts, Spring Onions, Fresh Ginger, Garlic
Sang choy bao or Chinese lettuce cups are a popular dish that originated in the Guangdong province of China. The dish is made by filling lettuce leaves with a flavorful mixture of minced meat, vegetables, and seasonings. It's a great option for those looking for a low-carb and gluten-free meal.
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Chinese Soup Dumplings (Sheng Jian Bao)
Main Ingredients: Chicken Stock, Shaoxing Rice Wine, Light Soy Sauce
Sheng jian bao are a type of pan-fried soup dumpling that is popular in Shanghai cuisine. The dumplings are filled with a mixture of pork and soup and are pan-fried until crispy on the bottom. They are best enjoyed by carefully biting into the dumpling and sipping the soup before eating the rest.
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Beef San Choy Bao (Chinese Lettuce Cups)
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Onion, Ginger, Garlic, Mushrooms, Large
The Importance of the Right Ingredients
Flour Selection
When it comes to making Chinese style bao dough, the type of flour you use makes all the difference. The ideal flour for bao dough is low-protein flour, which is typically used for making cakes and pastries. This type of flour produces a softer and more delicate texture, perfect for creating airy and fluffy buns. All-purpose flour can also be used, but it may result in a denser and chewier texture.
Yeast and Leavening Agents
Yeast is a crucial ingredient in bao dough, as it helps the dough rise and creates those airy pockets that make the buns light and fluffy. It is best to use active dry yeast or instant yeast for bao dough, as they are more reliable and produce consistent results. Proofing the yeast before adding it to the dough is also essential to ensure that it is active and can properly ferment the dough.
Leavening agents such as baking powder and baking soda can also be added to help the dough rise and give it a lighter texture. However, it is important to use them sparingly, as too much can result in a bitter taste and an uneven rise.
Liquid Ingredients
The liquid ingredients used in bao dough also play a significant role in creating an airy and fluffy texture. It is recommended to use a combination of milk and water when making the dough, as the fat in the milk helps to tenderize the dough, while the water creates steam during the steaming process, helping the buns to rise and stay light and airy.
The Technique of Kneading
Kneading the dough is an essential step in creating the perfect Chinese style bao dough. The stretch and fold method is commonly used, which involves stretching the dough and folding it over itself repeatedly. This technique helps to develop gluten, which gives the buns their structure and helps them rise. It also helps to evenly distribute the yeast and leavening agents throughout the dough.
Patience is Key
One of the secrets to achieving airy and fluffy bao dough is to be patient. After kneading the dough, it is important to let it rest and proof for at least an hour, or until it has doubled in size. This allows the dough to relax and the gluten to develop fully, resulting in a soft and airy texture. Rushing this step can lead to dense and tough buns.
In Conclusion
Making Chinese style airy fluffy bao dough may seem intimidating, but with the right ingredients and techniques, it is achievable. Remember to use low-protein flour, active yeast, and a combination of milk and water for the liquid ingredients. Knead the dough using the stretch and fold method and be patient during the resting and proofing process. With these tips, you can create the perfect bao dough that will have your friends and family coming back for more. Happy steaming!
Soft Fluffy Char Siu Bao (Chinese Steamed Pork Buns)
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