20 Kenji Lopez Alt Chinese Steam Bun Recipe Prepare To Be Amazed!
Published on: Mar 24, 2024
If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, chances are you've come across steamed buns, also known as baozi or bao. These fluffy and delicious buns are a staple in Chinese street food and can be filled with a variety of ingredients, from savory meats to sweet custards. Making these buns at home may seem like a daunting task, but with the right recipe and techniques, you can recreate the same authentic flavors and textures in your own kitchen. In this article, we will be diving into Kenji Lopez Alt's Chinese steam bun recipe, a professional and well-organized introduction to this popular dish.
Main Ingredients: Russet Potatoes, Unsalted Butter, Heavy Cream, Chicken
Looking for a new and unique way to enjoy your favorite side dish? Look no further than J. Kenji López-Alt’s hassleback potato casserole. This recipe takes the classic potato casserole to a whole new level with its crispy and flavorful hassleback potatoes. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that will impress your family and friends.
Craving some Chinese takeout but trying to stick to a budget? This Chinese chicken and broccoli recipe is the perfect solution. Made with tender chicken breast and fresh broccoli, this dish is not only budget-friendly but also much healthier than the traditional takeout version. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
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Kenji Lopez-Alt’s The Best Slow-Cooked Bolognese Sauce
Main Ingredients: Chicken Stock, Powdered Gelatin, Tomatoes, Chicken
Bolognese sauce is a staple in Italian cuisine, but it can take hours to make on the stovetop. Fortunately, with Kenji Lopez-Alt’s recipe, you can enjoy the rich and flavorful sauce without spending hours in the kitchen. This slow-cooked version allows the flavors to develop and meld together, creating a truly delicious sauce that is perfect for any pasta dish.
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Pan Fried Chinese Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef 85 Lean, Scallions, Fresh Ginger, Sesame
Dumplings are a beloved Chinese dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course. This recipe for pan-fried Chinese dumplings is a must-try for any dumpling lover. The combination of crispy pan-fried exterior and juicy, flavorful filling is simply irresistible. And with just a few simple ingredients, you can make restaurant-quality dumplings in the comfort of your own home.
Soft, fluffy, and filled with delicious savory fillings, steamed buns are a popular Chinese street food. But you don’t have to travel to China to enjoy this tasty treat. This recipe for Chinese steamed buns allows you to make them at home, so you can satisfy your cravings anytime. Whether you fill them with pork, chicken, or vegetables, these buns are sure to be a hit with everyone.
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Sweet Potato Mantou (Steam Buns)
Main Ingredients: Yeast, Warm Water, Sugar, Sweet Potato, Bao Flour, Oil
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional steamed buns, try this recipe for sweet potato mantou. Made with mashed sweet potatoes and whole wheat flour, these buns are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. They are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or as a side dish for your favorite Chinese dishes. Plus, they are naturally sweet, so you won’t even need to add any sugar.
Orange chicken is a popular dish in American Chinese cuisine, but the homemade version is often loaded with unhealthy ingredients. This recipe for Chinese orange chicken uses fresh ingredients and a homemade sweet and tangy sauce to create a healthier and tastier version of this beloved dish. And with just a few simple steps, you can have this delicious meal on the table in no time.
Beef and broccoli is another classic Chinese dish that is often ordered at takeout restaurants. But why spend money on takeout when you can make a healthier and more delicious version at home? Marinated beef, fresh broccoli, and a flavorful sauce come together in this recipe to create a dish that is sure to become a family favorite. And since it only takes about 20 minutes to make, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
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Chinese Dumplings From Chinese Soul Food
Main Ingredients: Dumpling Wrappers, Dipping Sauce, Ground Pork, Chinese
This recipe for Chinese dumplings comes from the cookbook "Chinese Soul Food" by Hsiao-Ching Chou. These dumplings are made with a simple homemade dough and filled with a savory mixture of pork, shrimp, and vegetables. The result is a delicious and authentic Chinese dumpling that will impress your taste buds. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try making the dipping sauce from the book as well for a complete and authentic experience.
Fried rice is a classic Chinese dish that is quick, easy, and versatile. This recipe for Chinese fried rice is made with simple ingredients and can be customized to your liking. Add your choice of protein and vegetables to make it a complete meal. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice and can be made in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
This dish may not be as well-known as other Chinese dishes, but it’s definitely worth a try. Chinese steamed egg, also known as 蒸水蛋 (zhēng shuǐ dàn), is a popular comfort food in China. It’s simple to make with just a few ingredients, but the result is a delicate and silky smooth egg custard that is full of flavor. It can be served as a side dish or as a light meal on its own.
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Chinese Chicken Thighs
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Olive Oil, Minced Ginger, Minced
Chicken thighs are a budget-friendly and flavorful cut of meat that is perfect for making Chinese-inspired dishes. This recipe for Chinese chicken thighs is made with a homemade marinade that infuses the chicken with a sweet and tangy flavor. The chicken is then baked to perfection, making it tender and juicy. It’s a quick and easy dish that is sure to please everyone at the dinner table.
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Chinese Steamed Buns (Mantou)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Dry Active Yeast, Warm Water
These Chinese steamed buns, also known as mantou, are a staple in Chinese cuisine. They are often served as a side dish or a snack, but they can also be used to make sandwiches or as a bun for your favorite burger. With just a few simple ingredients and some steaming time, you can have these soft and fluffy buns ready to be enjoyed in no time.
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Chinese Steamed Buns with BBQ Pork Filling
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Loin Roast, Barbecue Sauce, Shallots
If you’re a fan of the classic Chinese cha siu bao (BBQ pork bun), then you’ll love this recipe for Chinese steamed buns with BBQ pork filling. The homemade dough is filled with a savory and sweet mixture of BBQ pork, creating a delicious and authentic tasting bun. These buns are perfect for a snack, a light meal, or as an appetizer. And they can be made ahead of time and frozen for a quick and easy meal option.
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Stir Fried Chinese Pork Tenderloin
Main Ingredients: Large Carrots, Broccoli Florets, Pork Tenderloin, Salt
Stir-frying is a staple cooking technique in Chinese cuisine. This recipe for stir-fried Chinese pork tenderloin is a healthier and more flavorful alternative to the classic takeout dish, pork lo mein. The tender and juicy pork is paired with fresh vegetables and a flavorful sauce, creating a delicious and well-balanced meal. It’s a great way to get your protein and veggies in one dish.
If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love this recipe for Chinese steamed custard buns. These buns are filled with a creamy and rich custard that is made with just a few simple ingredients. The steamed buns are soft and fluffy, making them the perfect vessel for the decadent custard filling. They are great for dessert, breakfast, or as a snack.
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Chinese Takeout Chicken and Broccoli
Main Ingredients: Broccoli, Green Pepper, Sugar Snap Peas, Boneless
Chicken and broccoli is a classic Chinese takeout dish that is loved by many. But instead of ordering in, why not try making it at home with this easy and delicious recipe? The homemade version is healthier and more flavorful than the takeout version, and it can be made in just 20 minutes. It’s a great option for a quick and tasty dinner.
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Chinese Chicken Steam Buns
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Olive Oil, Buns
These Chinese chicken steam buns are another delicious variation of the classic steamed bun. The buns are filled with a flavorful chicken and vegetable mixture that is cooked in a savory sauce. The result is a tender and juicy filling wrapped in a soft and fluffy bun. They are perfect for a light meal or as a snack.
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Chinese Steam Pork Meatball
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice, Minced Pork, Green Onions, Minced
Meatballs are not just for Italian dishes, they can also be found in many Chinese recipes. This recipe for Chinese steam pork meatballs is a quick and easy way to enjoy this classic dish. The pork meatballs are seasoned with traditional Chinese flavors and steamed to perfection. They are great served over rice or as a side dish.
Egg drop soup is a popular Chinese soup that is often served as a starter or a light meal. This recipe for Chinese egg drop soup is simple and delicious, making it a great option for a quick and easy meal. With just a few ingredients, you can have a warm and comforting bowl of soup ready in no time. It’s a tasty and budget-friendly option for those busy weeknights.
The History of Chinese Steam Buns
The Origin of Baozi
Baozi, or steamed buns, have been a part of Chinese cuisine for centuries. It is believed that they originated in the northern regions of China, where wheat is more commonly used than rice. Baozi were initially made by stuffing dough with a variety of fillings, such as pork, beef, and vegetables, and then steaming them in bamboo baskets. This method of cooking not only preserved the nutritional value of the ingredients but also made the buns easy to transport, making them a popular choice for travelers and traders.
The Evolution of Baozi
Over time, baozi have evolved into a versatile dish, with different regions in China having their own unique variations. In the southern regions, where rice is the staple grain, baozi are made with a softer, moister dough and are often filled with sweeter fillings like red bean paste or custard. In the northern regions, where wheat is more prevalent, the buns are made with a firmer and drier dough and are typically filled with savory ingredients like pork, beef, and vegetables.
The Art of Making Chinese Steam Buns
The Ingredients
To make the perfect Chinese steam buns, you will need a few key ingredients. The main component is the dough, which is made with flour, water, and yeast. The type of flour used can impact the texture of the buns, with some recipes calling for all-purpose flour and others using bread flour. The filling can vary according to personal preference, but some popular options include pork, chicken, shrimp, or vegetables.
The Technique
Making Chinese steam buns requires a bit of skill and patience, but the end result is well worth the effort. The key to fluffy and airy buns is in the steaming process. Kenji Lopez Alt's recipe calls for placing the buns on a parchment paper-lined tray and then steaming them in a covered pot for about 20 minutes. This technique allows the buns to rise and expand without getting soggy from the steam.
Final Thoughts
Kenji Lopez Alt's Chinese steam bun recipe is a fantastic introduction to making this traditional Chinese dish at home. With its clear instructions and tips, even beginners can successfully recreate the authentic flavors and textures of baozi. So why not give it a try and impress your family and friends with your homemade Chinese steam buns?
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