If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dinner, bao buns are a perfect option. These fluffy, soft, and tender steamed buns are a staple in many Asian cuisines, with their origins in China. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this bao recipe is simple to follow and will have you enjoying these mouthwatering buns in no time. In this article, we will walk you through the process of making bao buns from scratch, as well as suggest some flavorful vegetable fillings, delicious duck sauce, and some scrumptious dinner sides to make the meal even more special.
What Are Bao Buns?
Bao buns, also known as “baozi” in Mandarin, are soft, fluffy buns that are typically steamed to perfection. These buns are usually filled with a variety of ingredients, including meats, vegetables, or sweet fillings, and they are a popular choice for both appetizers and main dishes in Asian cuisine. Bao buns can be served on their own or with sauces, making them an incredibly versatile dish.
While traditional bao buns are filled with meats like pork or chicken, we’ll be focusing on a more modern take, incorporating flavorful vegetables into our recipe. This not only makes them a great choice for vegetarians but also ensures a light yet satisfying meal.
Easy Bao Recipe: The Basics
Making bao buns at home might sound daunting, but it’s easier than you think. You don’t need any special equipment, and the ingredients are relatively simple. Here’s an easy bao recipe to help you achieve the perfect fluffy and tender buns every time.
Ingredients for the Bao Buns Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1/2 cuillère à café de poudre à pâte
- 1/2 cup warm water (not too hot)
- 2 cuillères à soupe d'huile végétale
- 1/4 cuillère à café de sel
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional, for extra softness)
Instructions for Making Bao Buns:
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures the yeast is active and ready to make the dough rise.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until the dry ingredients are well-mixed.
- Form the Dough: Slowly pour the activated yeast mixture into the dry ingredients, along with the vegetable oil (and milk if using). Stir to combine and form a dough. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour; if it’s too dry, add a bit more warm water, one tablespoon at a time.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also knead in a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment if you prefer.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Bao Buns: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten it into an oval or round shape, about 3-4 inches in diameter.
- Fold the Bao Buns: Take each flattened dough piece and fold it in half, using a piece of parchment paper in between to prevent them from sticking together. You can also shape the bao buns into a slightly more traditional form by folding each one around a piece of filling (we’ll get to that in a moment).
- Steam the Buns: Prepare a bamboo or metal steamer, lining the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the folded buns into the steamer, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for expansion. Steam the buns for 12-15 minutes, or until they are puffed up and soft.
Flavorful Vegetables for Bao Buns
While traditional bao buns are often filled with savory meats, using vegetables as a filling is not only a great vegetarian option but also provides a burst of flavor and texture. Here are some flavorful vegetable ideas that pair perfectly with bao buns:
- Champignons: Mushrooms, especially shiitake or button mushrooms, offer an earthy flavor and meaty texture. You can sauté them with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for an umami-packed filling.
- Cabbage and Carrots: A simple combination of shredded cabbage and carrots sautéed with garlic and soy sauce makes for a crunchy and tasty filling.
- Tofu: Tofu is a versatile protein that can easily absorb flavors from sauces and spices. For a crispy texture, press and fry the tofu before adding it to your bao bun. You can also marinate it in a bit of soy sauce and sesame oil to give it a savory punch.
- Spinach and Garlic: Spinach and garlic are a classic duo in many Asian dishes. Lightly sautéing spinach with garlic and a splash of soy sauce will create a flavorful and nutritious filling.
Duck Sauce: A Perfect Pairing
Bao buns are often enjoyed with a variety of sauces to enhance their flavor. One of the most popular sauces to pair with bao buns is duck sauce, a tangy and slightly sweet sauce that complements the soft, fluffy texture of the buns.
Ingredients for Duck Sauce:
- 1/4 cup apricot jam or preserves
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 cuillère à café de poudre d'ail
- 1 tablespoon water (optional for desired consistency)
Instructions for Duck Sauce:
- Combiner Les Ingrédients: In a small saucepan, combine apricot jam, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic powder. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Heat the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water to reach your desired consistency.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool before drizzling over your bao buns.
Serving Suggestions: Yummy Sides for Bao Buns
Bao buns can be enjoyed on their own, but they’re even better when served with some delicious dinner sides. Here are some ideas for yummy sides that pair wonderfully with bao buns:
- Edamame Beans: A bowl of steamed edamame beans, tossed with a sprinkle of sea salt, is a perfect side dish to accompany your bao buns. The light, fresh flavor of edamame contrasts nicely with the savory fillings of the buns.
- Asian Cucumber Salad: This refreshing salad made with cucumber, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar is an excellent complement to the softness of bao buns.
- Sweet Potato Fries: For a slightly sweet and crispy side, serve your bao buns with homemade sweet potato fries. The natural sweetness of the fries balances the savory flavors of the buns perfectly.
- Pickled Vegetables: A small dish of pickled vegetables, such as radishes, carrots, and daikon, provides a nice contrast in both flavor and texture to the soft bao buns.
- Kimchi: Cette fermented Korean dish made with spicy pickled cabbage adds a tangy, bold flavor to your meal and pairs perfectly with the mild and fluffy bao buns.
Easy Weeknight Dinners: Bao Buns for the Busy Cook
One of the best things about bao buns is how versatile they are, making them a great option for easy weeknight dinners. You can prepare the dough ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and then steam the buns fresh whenever you’re ready to eat. Plus, you can get creative with your fillings, switching between vegetables, proteins, or even using leftovers from a previous meal.
This bao recipe is perfect for when you’re short on time but want something comforting and satisfying. Whether you choose to fill your buns with flavorful vegetables or a combination of both veggies and protein, you can be sure that the result will be a delicious meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Conclusion
Fluffy and tender bao buns are a perfect dish for both beginners and seasoned cooks. With a simple dough recipe, flavorful vegetable fillings, and a delicious duck sauce, this meal offers both versatility and ease. Bao buns are also a great way to get creative with your ingredients and experiment with different flavors. They’re perfect for easy weeknight dinners, and their light, airy texture will leave you craving more. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or main course, bao buns are a delightful treat that will surely impress your family and friends.
Now that you know how to make bao buns from scratch, it’s time to roll up your sleeves, get into the kitchen, and start cooking. Enjoy your bao buns with a side of yummy vegetables, a drizzle of homemade duck sauce, and a smile on your face as you savor the deliciousness of this easy bao recipe.
French 
English 
Spanish 
Portuguese