What to serve with bao buns?

Bao buns pair well with sides like stir-fried vegetables, crispy green beans, or kimchi, which add contrasting textures and flavours. For a heartier option, try serving them with fried rice, ramen, or shrimp dumplings.

How to reheat bao buns in air fryer?

To reheat bao buns in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the buns in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded, and heat them for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through for your desired crispness. For those following a bao bun recipe UK style, you can brush the buns with a little oil or water before reheating to add extra moisture.

Bao buns can be a healthy option, depending on how they are prepared and what they are filled with. The buns are low in fat and calories, with about 150-200 calories per serving, providing a good source of carbohydrates and fibre. However, the nutritional value largely depends on the fillings—lean proteins and vegetables make them healthier, while fatty meats and sugary fillings should be eaten in moderation.

How to cook bao buns without microwave?

You can cook bao buns without a microwave using methods like steaming, pan-frying, or baking. For steaming, place the buns on a heatproof plate inside a pot with boiling water (just above the waterline), cover, and steam for 10-12 minutes. Alternatively, pan-frying can give the buns a crispy exterior—just heat some oil in a skillet, fry the buns for 2-3 minutes on each side, and then add a splash of water, cover, and steam for another 2-3 minutes. Lastly, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 5-6 minutes.

Bao Bun Recipe: Master Soft, Fluffy Buns at Home

Making bao buns at home can be tricky. Achieving the soft, fluffy texture depends on getting the dough just right, but it can easily end up too dense or sticky. Steaming, if not done properly, can also lead to soggy or uneven buns. If you’ve tried before, you may have dealt with over-proofing, which causes collapsed or chewy buns, or under-proofing, which leads to a tough texture. Filling adds another layer of difficulty, as too much moisture can cause the buns to lose structure during steaming. Even seasoned cooks find it hard to prevent sticking or achieve that iconic airy texture. To simplify the process, this guide breaks down each step of the bao bun recipe, helping you master the dough, avoid common pitfalls, and perfect both steaming and filling. Soon, you’ll be making bao buns that rival the best.

25 September 2024 • 6 min read

Fluffy bao buns from a simple Bao Bun recipe.

Ingredients List for Bao Buns Recipe for One

90g pork sausage meat

2 bao bun

2 American cheese slice

2 egg

2 hash brown

1 tsp Sriracha sauce

3 tbsp oil

Equipment List

Oven

1 Baking tray

1 Frying pan

Measuring spoons (teaspoon & tablespoon)

1 Bamboo steamer

1 Turner

1 Mixing bowl

1 fork

1 Knife

Bento Box

Allergens

Gluten

Eggs.

Milk

Soy (Possible presence in the bao buns and sausage meat (depending on the brand)

Sulphites (Possible presence in the sausage meat)

How to Cook Bao Buns: Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a bao buns recipe that will guide you step-by-step to create perfectly fluffy buns, ready to be filled with your favourite ingredients :

Plated bao bun from a delicious Bao Buns recipe.

1. Prepare the Bao Buns:

For this quick bao bun recipe, start by steaming the bao buns. If you’re using store-bought frozen buns and wondering how long to steam frozen bao buns, steam them for 8-10 minutes. To retain moisture and softness, cover the buns with a clean kitchen towel while steaming.

2. Cook the Hash Browns:

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan and fry the hash browns until golden and crispy. Set aside once cooked.

3. Cook the Sausage Meat:

Shape the sausage meat into two patties and cook them in a tablespoon of oil over medium heat for 4-5 minutes on each side. This bao bun filling recipe is packed with flavour and cooks quickly.

4. Fry the Eggs:

In the same pan, fry the eggs to your preferred style, adding seasoning for taste.

5. Assemble the Bao Buns:

Slice the steamed bao buns in half.

Place the cooked sausage patty on the bottom half of each bun.

Add a slice of American cheese, letting it melt over the hot sausage.

Place a crispy hash brown and a fried egg on top.

Drizzle Sriracha sauce for a spicy touch, completing this easy bao bun recipe UK style.

How to Make Bao Buns Without a Steamer

No steamer? No problem! If you want to make bao buns but don’t have a traditional steamer, here’s a simple bao bun recipe without steamer that will give you fluffy, delicious buns with the tools you have at home.

1. Use a Pot with a Lid and a Metal Rack:

Fill a large pot with about 2-3 inches of water and bring it to a simmer.

Place a metal rack or trivet at the bottom of the pot. Ensure the water level is below the rack.

Put a heatproof plate on the rack, which will hold your bao buns.

2. Prepare a Makeshift Steamer Setup:

Arrange the bao buns on the heatproof plate, making sure they have enough space to expand while cooking.

If you’re wondering how to steam bao buns without a steamer, place the plate inside a pot with simmering water, cover with a lid, and wrap the lid with a clean kitchen towel to prevent condensation from dripping onto the buns. This will help retain their fluffiness.

3. Steam the Bao Buns:

Let the buns steam for about 8-10 minutes on medium heat, checking that the water remains at a gentle simmer. Keep an eye on the water level, adding more if necessary.

4. Alternative Methods:

Colander or Strainer: If you don’t have a metal rack, you can use a metal colander or strainer placed over a pot with simmering water. Make sure the colander doesn’t touch the water. Place the bao buns inside the colander and cover it with a lid or foil.

Microwave Steaming: Wet a paper towel and wrap it around the bao buns. Microwave them for 30-40 seconds in a microwave-safe dish. This method works well for reheating or quick steaming, though the texture may not be as perfect as traditional steaming.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Bao Buns Recipe

Here are some strategies to master soft, fluffy buns with your bao buns recipe UK style, whether you’re going for a classic or a quick version:

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If you want a gluten free bao bun recipe, replace regular flour with a gluten-free blend containing xanthan or guar gum. This helps replicate the elasticity of gluten, ensuring the buns stay soft and airy.

For this gluten free bao buns recipe, adding a small amount of baking powder can help the dough rise and give the buns a fluffier texture, similar to the traditional version.

If you want an easy bao bun recipe, letting the dough rest overnight in the fridge enhances its flavour and softness, giving the buns a deeper taste and fluffier texture.

After shaping your buns, allow them to rise again for about 15-20 minutes before steaming. This will ensure they puff up nicely and have a light, fluffy texture.

Cover the top of your steamer with a damp cloth under the lid to avoid condensation from dripping onto the buns. This helps maintain the perfect fluffy texture.

A well-balanced bao bun sauce recipe elevates your buns. Mix soy sauce, hoisin, sesame oil, and garlic for a classic taste, or use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option. Add Sriracha or chilli oil for extra spice.

The Key to Taking Your Dishes to the Next Level

Even with a solid recipe for bao buns, certain aspects—like perfecting dough consistency or striking the right balance in fillings—can still be challenging. These small technical details can make all the difference between average bao buns and truly exceptional ones.

If you’re looking for that extra bit of guidance to refine your skills and avoid these common pitfalls, expert-led cooking classes can make all the difference.

At yhangry, our private cooking classes provide a tailored experience, allowing you to master these techniques with ease. Whether you want to explore gluten-free options or try Japanese or Korean-inspired variations, you’re in control. Simply request a custom quote, and within minutes, local chefs will send proposals suited to your needs.

You can even book sessions with renowned chefs in the UK like Chef Verity or Chef Gary, who will manage everything—from sourcing fresh ingredients and providing professional equipment to cleaning up afterwards.

What to serve with bao buns?: Bao buns pair well with sides like stir-fried vegetables, crispy green beans, or kimchi, which add contrasting textures and flavours. For a heartier option, try serving them with fried rice, ramen, or shrimp dumplings.
How to reheat bao buns in air fryer?: To reheat bao buns in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the buns in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded, and heat them for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through for your desired crispness. For those following a bao bun recipe UK style, you can brush the buns with a little oil or water before reheating to add extra moisture.
Is bao buns healthy?: Bao buns can be a healthy option, depending on how they are prepared and what they are filled with. The buns are low in fat and calories, with about 150-200 calories per serving, providing a good source of carbohydrates and fibre. However, the nutritional value largely depends on the fillings—lean proteins and vegetables make them healthier, while fatty meats and sugary fillings should be eaten in moderation.
How to cook bao buns without microwave?: You can cook bao buns without a microwave using methods like steaming, pan-frying, or baking. For steaming, place the buns on a heatproof plate inside a pot with boiling water (just above the waterline), cover, and steam for 10-12 minutes. Alternatively, pan-frying can give the buns a crispy exterior—just heat some oil in a skillet, fry the buns for 2-3 minutes on each side, and then add a splash of water, cover, and steam for another 2-3 minutes. Lastly, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 5-6 minutes.

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