Description
Soft, fluffy steamed bao buns that are light as clouds and perfect for filling with crispy chicken, tofu, or fresh vegetables. These classic Chinese steamed buns are tender, slightly sweet, and ideal for homemade bao sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Extra oil for brushing
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
- Add the warm milk, warm water, and vegetable oil. Mix until a dough begins to form.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and knead briefly. Sprinkle the baking powder over the dough and knead again until fully incorporated.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and roll each into a ball.
- Roll each ball into an oval about 1/4 inch thick. Lightly brush the surface with oil, then fold the oval in half to create the classic bao shape.
- Place each bun on a small piece of parchment paper and let rest for 30 minutes until slightly puffed.
- Arrange the buns in a steamer basket leaving space between each bun. Steam over simmering water for 10 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let the buns sit in the steamer for 2 minutes before removing to prevent collapsing.
Notes
- Use parchment squares under each bun to prevent sticking during steaming.
- The buns can be filled with crispy chicken, tofu, pork belly, or fresh vegetables after steaming.
- If you do not have a bamboo steamer, a metal steamer basket works well.
- Leftover buns can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated by steaming for a few minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Steam
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
