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Steamed Bao Buns

Irresistibly Fluffy Steamed Bao Buns Everyone Will Love

Delicious and fluffy steamed bao buns, perfect for any filling, from savory to sweet, making them a versatile dish everyone will love.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 12 buns
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 4 cups All-purpose Flour Gluten-free blends can be used.
  • 2 teaspoons Instant Yeast Active dry yeast can be substituted.
  • 1 tablespoon Baking Powder (Double-acting) No substitutions recommended.
  • 2 tablespoons Sugar Honey or agave syrup can be used as alternatives.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt No substitutions necessary.
  • 1 cup Full-fat Milk Can substitute with non-dairy milk.
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil Any neutral oil will suffice.
Filling Variations
  • 1 cup Braised Pork Belly Classic Gua Bao filling.
  • 1 cup Fried Tofu Great for a vegetarian option.
  • 1 cup Grilled Vegetables Adds freshness and crunch.
  • 1 cup Pickled Vegetables Includes shallots or quick pickles.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Steamer basket
  • Rolling Pin
  • Kitchen Towel

Method
 

Dough Preparation
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, instant yeast, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
  2. Gradually pour in full-fat milk while mixing until a dough begins to form.
  3. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Let it rest covered for 10 minutes, then knead again for another minute.
  5. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth, letting it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
Shaping Buns
  1. Punch the dough down to release air and divide into 12 equal pieces.
  2. Shape each piece into a ball and roll into an oval about ¼ inch thick.
  3. Brush a small amount of vegetable oil on each oval and fold it over to create the bao shape.
  4. Place the shaped buns on squares of parchment paper.
Second Rise
  1. Arrange the bao buns in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
  2. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for 15 to 30 minutes.
Steaming Buns
  1. Bring water to a gentle boil over medium heat and place the steamer basket over the pot.
  2. Steam the buns for about 10 minutes, then let them rest covered for an additional 5 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bunCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 5gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gCalcium: 2mgIron: 5mg

Notes

These steamed bao buns are versatile and can be filled with various ingredients to suit your taste. Keep an eye on proofing to avoid over-proofing. Store and reheat as needed.

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