15 Traditional Chinese Bun Recipe Prepare To Be Amazed!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
Chinese buns, also known as baozi, have been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries. These steamed buns are not only delicious, but they also hold a significant cultural and historical significance. Traditionally, they were served as a symbol of prosperity and good luck during special occasions and festivals. Today, they can be found in various forms, with different fillings and flavors. In this article, we will delve into the traditional Chinese bun recipe, unlocking the secrets to creating the perfect bun that will leave your taste buds satisfied and your guests impressed.
Main Ingredients: Duck, Pepper, Kosher Salt, Ginger, Garlic Bulb, Green
Roasted duck and Chinese steamed buns are a match made in heaven. The crispy skin of the duck pairs perfectly with the soft and fluffy buns, creating a delicious contrast of textures. To make this dish even more flavorful, try marinating the duck with Chinese five-spice powder and soy sauce before roasting it in the oven.
One of the most classic ways to enjoy Chinese steamed buns is by filling them with pork, chicken, or beef. The meat filling is usually seasoned with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, giving it a savory and aromatic flavor. These buns are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal on the go.
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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 char siu or Chinese BBQ pork, you'll love these steamed buns. The tender and flavorful BBQ pork is traditionally marinated in a mix of hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, and five-spice powder, giving it a sweet and savory taste. When stuffed inside steamed buns, it creates the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
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Chinese Steamed Buns (Mantou)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Dry Active Yeast, Warm Water
Mantou is the most basic type of Chinese steamed bun, made with just flour, yeast, and sugar. These plain buns are perfect for soaking up the sauces and juices from other dishes, making them a staple in many Chinese meals. They can also be enjoyed as a snack with a sprinkle of sugar or sweetened condensed milk on top.
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Chinese Steamed Buns Mantou 饅頭
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Warm Water, Active Dry Yeast
Named after the Chinese word for "barbarian's head", these steamed buns are a popular breakfast food in China. They are typically served with a bowl of congee or soy milk, and can also be enjoyed with savory fillings like pickled vegetables or preserved meats.
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Grilled Chilli Chicken Buns
Main Ingredients: Gochujang, Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil, Chilli Oil, Garlic
If you're looking for a spicy twist on traditional Chinese steamed buns, try making these grilled chili chicken buns. The buns are filled with a mix of chicken, chili peppers, and scallions, and then grilled for a crispy exterior. The combination of spicy and savory flavors will leave your taste buds dancing.
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Instant Pot Braised Pork Belly
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Dark Soy Sauce, Ginger, Garlic, Spring
Braised pork belly is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, often served with rice or noodles. But have you ever thought about pairing it with Chinese steamed buns? The tender and flavorful pork belly is perfect for stuffing inside the buns, creating a hearty and mouthwatering combination.
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Momofuku Style Pork Buns
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Sea Salt, Brown Sugar, Mantou, Cucumber
Momofuku, a popular restaurant chain in New York City, is known for their delicious and innovative take on Chinese steamed buns. Their pork buns are filled with slow-roasted pork belly, hoisin sauce, and scallions, creating a mouthwatering explosion of flavors in every bite.
Of course, we can't forget about the classic Chinese steamed buns that started it all. These plain buns can be filled with a variety of meats, vegetables, and sauces, making them a versatile and delicious option for any meal. They can also be enjoyed on their own with a cup of green tea or jasmine tea.
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Roasted Mantou Slices
Main Ingredients: Mantou, Mixed Spices, Oil, Sesame Paste, Tofu, Chili
This dish puts a tasty spin on traditional Chinese steamed buns by slicing them and roasting them in the oven. The crispy and golden exterior pairs perfectly with the soft and fluffy interior, making it a great side dish for any Chinese meal. You can also dip the slices in condensed milk for a sweet and indulgent snack.
For a convenient and delicious meal, try making Chinese BBQ pork steamed buns in your slow cooker. The pork is slow-cooked in a flavorful sauce until tender and then stuffed inside the steamed buns. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty but don't have a lot of time to cook.
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Vegan Baozi(Chinese Steamed Buns)
Main Ingredients: Cooking Oil, All Purpose Flour, Instant Yeast, Water
If you're looking for a vegan option for Chinese steamed buns, try making baozi. These buns are filled with a mix of tofu, mushrooms, and vegetables, and can be seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic. They are just as delicious as their meat-filled counterparts and are a great way to introduce more plant-based meals into your diet.
Also known as shengjian bao, these steamed buns are a popular street food in Shanghai. They are filled with a mix of pork, ginger, and spring onions, and then pan-fried to create a crispy and golden bottom. The buns are then steamed, giving them a soft and fluffy top, making for a delicious and satisfying snack.
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Chinese Steamed Red Bean Buns
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Soy Milk, All Purpose Flour, Instant Yeast
For those with a sweet tooth, Chinese steamed red bean buns are a must-try. The buns are filled with a sweet and creamy red bean paste, made from red beans, sugar, and butter. They are a popular dessert in China and are often served with a cup of hot pu-erh tea.
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Green Tea Steamed Buns
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Sugar, Active Dry Yeast, Cake Flour, Salt
Green tea steamed buns are a unique and delicious twist on traditional Chinese steamed buns. The buns are infused with green tea powder, giving them a subtle and refreshing flavor. They can be filled with a variety of meats and vegetables or enjoyed on their own as a snack.
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Gluten Free Steamed Chinese Meat Buns
Main Ingredients: Gluten Free Bread Flour, Instant Yeast, Granulated
If you're following a gluten-free diet, you can still enjoy the deliciousness of Chinese steamed buns. These gluten-free meat buns are made with a mix of rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour, and are filled with a savory meat filling. They are perfect for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
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Steamed Pork Buns
Main Ingredients: Instant Dry Yeast, Lukewarm Water, Canola Oil, Sugar
These steamed pork buns are a popular dim sum dish, often served alongside other small plates. The buns are filled with a mix of pork, shiitake mushrooms, and scallions, and are steamed until the filling is juicy and flavorful. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family.
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Char Siew Bao (Steamed Barbecued Pork Buns)
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Garlic, Onion, Carrot, Char Siew, Hoisin
Char siu or Chinese BBQ pork is a popular ingredient in Chinese cuisine, and it makes for a delicious filling in steamed buns. The pork is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce and then steamed inside the buns, creating a perfect balance of flavors. These buns are a must-try for any BBQ lover.
Chinese steamed egg is a simple and comforting dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The eggs are mixed with chicken broth and soy sauce, and then steamed until they are soft and silky. They can be served with steamed buns or rice for a complete meal.
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Hua Juan (Chinese Flower Rolls/Steamed Scallion Buns)
Main Ingredients: Lukewarm Water, Active Dry Yeast, Sugar, All Purpose
Hua Juan, also known as Chinese flower rolls, are a type of steamed bun that is shaped like a flower. The buns are filled with a mix of scallions, sesame oil, and sesame seeds, and then steamed until they are fluffy and flavorful. They are perfect for impressing your friends and family at your next dinner party.
The Basic Ingredients
When it comes to making traditional Chinese buns, the ingredients are simple and readily available. The main components of the dough are flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and water. These ingredients come together to create a soft, smooth and elastic dough that is perfect for steaming. Pork, chicken, beef, or vegetables are commonly used as fillings, depending on personal preference and dietary restrictions. Other ingredients such as soy sauce, sesame oil, and scallions are used to add flavor and enhance the overall taste of the buns.
The Art of Making the Dough
The secret to a perfect Chinese bun lies in the dough. To make the dough, start by mixing the dry ingredients - flour, yeast, sugar, and salt - in a large bowl. Slowly add water to create a soft and smooth dough. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and bounces back when pressed. Allow the dough to rest and rise for at least an hour. This step is crucial as it allows the dough to become airy and light, resulting in soft and fluffy buns.
The Filling
While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. The most popular filling is minced pork mixed with seasonings such as soy sauce and sesame oil. For a healthier option, you can use chicken or vegetable filling. To add more flavor to the filling, you can also add diced scallions, garlic, and ginger.
Assembling and Steaming
Once the dough has risen, it's time to assemble the buns. Roll out the dough into small circles and place a spoonful of filling in the center. Gather the edges of the dough and twist to seal the bun. Place the buns on a parchment paper and let them rest for another 15 minutes before steaming. Steam the buns for about 15 minutes, and voila - your traditional Chinese buns are ready to be served.
In conclusion, making traditional Chinese buns may seem daunting, but with the right ingredients and techniques, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. Whether you're making them for a special occasion or just for a delicious snack, these buns are sure to impress. So next time you're craving Chinese food, why not try making your own buns with this authentic and easy-to-follow recipe? Your taste buds will thank you.
