Description
Soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet, Bao Bao (Baozi) Steamed Buns are a classic Asian delicacy, perfect for stuffing with meats, vegetables, or sweet fillings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour (or bao flour for extra softness)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ cup warm water (110°F / 45°C)
- ¼ cup whole milk (or water for dairy-free)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Filling (Optional – Choose One):
- Pork filling: Ground pork, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil
- Vegetable filling: Mushrooms, cabbage, carrots, soy sauce, sesame oil
- Sweet filling: Red bean paste or custard
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and baking powder.
- Add warm water, milk, and oil gradually while mixing.
- Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
2. Prepare the Filling (If Using)
- While the dough is rising, prepare your desired filling by cooking and seasoning it. Let it cool before using.
3. Shape the Buns
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a flat circle (about 4 inches in diameter).
- Place 1-2 tbsp filling in the center and pleat the edges to seal.
- Place each bun on a small square of parchment paper.
4. Second Proofing
- Cover and let the shaped buns rest for 30 minutes before steaming.
5. Steam the Buns
- Heat water in a steamer and bring to a gentle boil.
- Place buns in the steamer basket, leaving space between them.
- Steam over medium heat for 12-15 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let them sit for 5 minutes before opening the lid.
6. Serve & Enjoy
- Enjoy hot with soy sauce, chili oil, or hoisin sauce!
Notes
Variations & Tips
🥢 For Char Siu Bao: Use BBQ pork filling.
🌿 For Vegan Bao: Replace milk with water and use a vegetable filling.
🍞 For Extra Fluffiness: Use bao flour (low-gluten) instead of all-purpose flour.
🔥 For Pan-Fried Bao: Steam first, then pan-fry with a little oil for crispy bottoms.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Resting Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Bread / Dim Sum
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Chinese, Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: ~120 kcal
- Sugar: ~2g
- Sodium: ~50mg
- Fat: ~2g
- Saturated Fat: ~0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~1.5g
- Carbohydrates: ~22g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Protein: ~3g
- Cholesterol: ~0mg
Keywords: Bao buns, steamed buns, baozi, fluffy buns, Chinese bao, dim sum