Steamy & Dreamy: Homemade Bao Buns

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever had those moments when you just crave something unbelievably fluffy? Honestly, this bao bun recipe is exactly what you need. It's like biting into a cloud, and the flavour? Spot on.

Brief Overview

Chinese bun food has a long history, and these steam buns are a delightful example. my take is easy to medium, taking about 2-2.

5 hours, including proofing. the recipe yields 12 perfect buns.

Main Benefits

One of the best things about these fluffy bao buns is that they're relatively low in fat, especially before you add the filling.

They are the perfect party food for guests. what makes this bao recipe special is the texture – simply unreal.

Ready to unlock the easy bao bun recipe ?

What You'll Need

Here's a quick peek at what you'll need. Don't worry, it's not as daunting as it looks!

• All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups
• Instant Dry Yeast: 2 ¼ teaspoons
• Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup
• Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon
• Warm Milk: 1 cup
• Vegetable Shortening: 2 tablespoons
• Vegetable Oil: 2 teaspoons
• Parchment Paper Squares
• Water for Steaming

Steaming into Success

These homemade bao buns are not baked, they are steamer bao buns , which is essential for that perfect texture.

You'll need either a bamboo steamer or a regular steamer basket. i personally love using my bamboo steamer. it just adds a touch of authenticity.

Bao Bun Fillings Galore

Let's talk bao bun fillings . You can go sweet or savory! I love pulled pork with a bit of hoisin sauce. But seriously, get creative with your favourite fillings.

Steamy & Dreamy: Homemade Bao Buns Recipe Card

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Preparation time:150 Mins

Cooking time:12 Mins

Servings:12 buns

Ingredients:

• All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups (375g)
• Instant Dry Yeast: 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g)
• Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup (50g)
• Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon (5g)
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon (1.5g)
• Warm Milk (105-115°F / 40-46°C): 1 cup (240ml)
• Vegetable Shortening: 2 tablespoons (30g), melted
• Vegetable Oil: 2 teaspoons, for greasing
• Parchment Paper Squares (approx. 3x3 inches / 7.5x7.5cm)
• Water for Steaming

Instructions:

• Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This indicates the yeast is active.
• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Add the yeast mixture and melted shortening to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
• Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when gently pressed.
• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
• Gently punch down the dough to release air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an oval, brush lightly with oil, and fold in half to create a half-moon shape. Place each bun on a square of parchment paper.
• Cover the shaped buns with a clean, damp towel and let rise for another 30-45 minutes. The buns should appear puffy.
• Fill a large pot or wok with a few inches of water and bring to a boil. Place the steamer basket (lined with parchment paper if necessary) over the boiling water.
• Steam the buns in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the steamer. Steam for 10-12 minutes, or until the buns are puffed up and cooked through. The buns should be soft and slightly springy when touched.
• Remove the buns from the steamer and serve immediately with your desired fillings and toppings.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:150

Fat:3g

Fiber:1g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Asian

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Bao Bun Recipe Toolkit

Right, let's talk about what you'll need to nail this bao bun recipe . don't stress; it's simpler than you think! this is one of the most easy bao bun recipe i have found.

Essential Dough Supplies

For the Homemade bao buns , you'll need:

• 3 cups (375g) of all-purpose flour. Just your standard plain flour will do.
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) of instant dry yeast. You know, the stuff that makes the magic happen!
• ¼ cup (50g) of granulated sugar. It adds a touch of sweetness, trust me.
• 1 teaspoon (5g) of baking powder. Helps with that fluffy bao buns texture.
• ¼ teaspoon (1.5g) of salt. Just a pinch to balance the flavours.
• 1 cup (240ml) of warm milk ( 105- 115° F / 40- 46° C ). This is important! Too hot, you'll kill the yeast.
• 2 tablespoons (30g) of melted vegetable shortening. Makes the dough extra soft and delicious!
• 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil for greasing. So the dough doesn't stick, you see.

Spicing Up Your Steam Buns

So what kind of seasoning for a Steamed bao buns recipe ? No need to go too wild here!

• Honestly? The sugar and salt are the main flavour enhancers in the dough itself.
• Garlic or herbs? You can totally add them for flavour. I usually don't add flavours, because the Bao bun fillings is where it is important.
• For a vegan version, you can always substitute the milk for plant based milk.

Gear Up for Steaming

Okay, so what do we need to actually make steamer bao buns ?

• A large mixing bowl. Gotta have somewhere to mix it all up!
• Measuring cups and spoons. Accuracy is your friend, especially for baking.
• A rolling pin. To get the dough nice and even.
• A steamer basket. Bamboo ones are cute, but any steamer will do.
• A large pot or wok. Something the steamer can sit on top of.
• A clean kitchen towel. To cover the dough while it rises.
• Parchment paper squares (around 3x3 inches / 7.5x7.5cm). This is a key hack for making steam buns !

Trust me, once you taste those steamed buns recipe , you'll be hooked!

Steamy & Dreamy: Homemade Bao Buns

Oh my gosh, you guys have to try this bao bun recipe ! honestly, making homemade bao buns might sound intimidating, but trust me, it’s totally doable.

And the reward? fluffy, pillowy clouds of deliciousness! forget those sad, dry ones you get sometimes. we're talking about proper fluffy bao buns here.

We're diving into the world of chinese bun food , particularly steam buns , which is way more rewarding than ordering takeout.

Prep Like a Pro for Perfect Steam Buns

First things first, mise en place , my friends. that means get everything measured and prepped. it saves so much time! think of it like prepping for a great british bake off challenge.

No soggy bottoms here. warm your 1 cup (240ml) of milk to 105- 115° f / 40- 46° c . it must be lukewarm.

Now, remember safety! keep that boiling water far from little hands.

Step-by-Step to Steamer Bao Buns Bliss

Ready to get hands-on with this steamed bao buns recipe ? Let's do it:

1. Activate the yeast. Mix your warm milk, ¼ cup (50g) sugar, and 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) yeast. Wait 5- 10 minutes for it to get foamy. This is important!

2. Combine dry ingredients. Whisk together 3 cups (375g) flour, 1 teaspoon (5g) baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon (1.5g) salt in a big bowl.

3. Make the dough. Add the yeast mix and 2 tablespoons (30g) melted shortening to the dry stuff. Mix until it's a shaggy mess.

4. Knead it good. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8- 10 minutes . It should be smooth and springy, like play-doh.

5. First rise. put the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1-1. 5 hours .

   It should double in size. this is where the magic happens for this bao recipe !

6. Shape 'em up. Divide the dough into 12. Roll each bit into an oval, brush with oil, and fold in half. Pop each one on a bit of parchment paper.

7. Second rise. Cover your Bao Buns and let them rise for another 30- 45 minutes . You want them all puffy.

8. Steam time. Boil some water, put in your steamer, and steam in batches for 10- 12 minutes . The Steamer bao buns should be puffed and cooked.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Bao Bun

Honestly, practice makes perfect. but here are some pointers. don't skip the second rise. also, never overcrowd the steamer. you have been warned.

Make-ahead tip: you can freeze the shaped buns before the second rise. just thaw them in the fridge overnight. they'll be ready to steam the next day.

The right bao bun fillings can take your bao bun to the next level. but getting the steamed buns recipe right, is the first step.

Enjoy your easy bao bun recipe !

Recipe Notes for Perfect Bao Buns

Right then, let's chat about some insider tips for nailing this bao bun recipe . honestly, making these steamed bao buns recipe can be a little tricky, but don't let that put you off.

With a bit of care, you'll be whipping up fluffy bao buns in no time. i remember the first time i tried making these.

Total disaster! the dough was like a rock. but hey, practice makes perfect, yeah? now, let's dive into the details!

Serving Suggestions

Want to make your chinese bun food extra special? think about plating. a few sprigs of coriander can really elevate things.

Serve your homemade bao buns on a rustic wooden board for that instagram-worthy vibe. or, if you want to go classic, some quick pickled cucumbers are absolute heaven.

For drinks, a refreshing glass of iced green tea goes down a treat. you know, something to cut through the richness of the filling.

Storage Tips

Okay, so you've got leftover steam buns . no worries. pop them in the fridge in an airtight container. they'll keep for about 2-3 days.

If you're thinking long-term, freezing is your friend. wrap each bun individually in cling film before freezing. when you're ready to eat, just steam buns again.

Reheating is easy, just pop them back in the steamer for a few minutes until they're warmed through. try not to microwave them, yeah? they can get a bit rubbery.

Variations on the theme

Feeling adventurous? why not try a few variations? for a vegan option, swap out the milk for almond milk and use vegetable shortening.

It works a treat! also, experiment with seasonal ingredients. in the autumn, pumpkin puree adds a lovely sweetness to the dough.

I love the idea of a garlic herb bao recipe , yum!.

Nutrition Basics

Right, so let's keep it real. these steamed buns recipe aren't exactly health food, are they? they're mainly carbs, but hey, everything in moderation, right? one bun has roughly 150 calories.

Remember, this is just an estimate. focus on the fillings, load them with healthy veggies, and you're golden.

So there you have it, a few little nuggets of wisdom to help you on your easy bao bun recipe journey.

Don't be afraid to experiment, have fun, and get stuck in. you might not get it perfect on your first try.

But you are getting one step closer to mastering the steamer bao buns technique and enjoy those fluffy bao buns !