Bao Bun Recipe and Filling Ideas

Whether you’re curious about cultures and cuisine or just fancy something a bit different for dinner, you can easily enjoy whipping up this simple, seven ingredient recipe. Not to worry if you’re in need of an exotic ingredient, everything is readily available at your fingertips from your Japanese supermarket, OrientalMart. Taking forty minutes to prep, with only 24 minutes cooking time, you’ll have an Asian infused feast to bring your friends and family together.

Ingredients

- 500g of all-purpose flour, put some extra to the side for dusting- 1½ tbsp of sugar, plus a pinch- ½ tsp of salt- 1 tsp fast-acting yeast- 50ml of milk- 1 tbsp of avocado oil, put some to the side for oiling the bowl- 1 tbsp of rice vinegar- 1 tsp of baking powder

Method

Step 1: Combine the flour, sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt in a large bowl. Dissolve yeast in warm water and add to the flour with the milk, oil, rice vinegar and 200ml of water. Mix the dough, if needed you can add a little extra water, one teaspoon at a time. Step 2: Dust the work surface with flour and knead the dough once. The dough should be kneaded for about 10-15 minutes or until smooth. Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough inside, use a damp cloth to cover. Leave for two hours to allow to rise and double in size. Step 3: Once the dough is risen place the dough on a clean surface and punch down. Flatten the dough with hands and sprinkle the baking powder over, knead for a further 5 minutes. Step 4: Roll the kneaded dough out into a long line, this should be roughly 3cm thick. Cut the pieces 3cm wide, you should be left with about 18 individual pieces. Roll the dough into a ball in the palm of your hands and leave to rest for 2-3 minutes. Step 5: Use a rolling pin to roll and flatten each ball into an oval shape. These should be 3-4mm thick, once this is done they should be brushed with oil. Using an oiled chopstick, if available, place along the centre of the ovals and fold over. The chopstick can then be slowly pulled out. Step 6: Cut 18 squares of baking paper. Each bao bun should be placed on a square sheet of baking paper and onto a baking tray. Cover with a clean tea towel and leave to prove in a warm place for about an hour and a half, or until they have doubled in size. Step 7: Heat a large steamer over medium to high heat, steam each bun for 8 minutes, or until puffed up. Once cooked you can open up the homemade bao buns and fill with your favourite filling.

Filling Ideas

Not sure what filling to use for your fresh Bao Buns? Try sweet and savoury hoisin tempeh for those looking for a plant-based alternative. Or if you’re after a more traditional choice, you can opt for a seasoned pork belly. But whatever you choose, be sure to eat them while they’re still warm! Be sure to share your thoughts and ideas on this bao bun recipe! How did yours turn out? Know of any other great filling ideas? Check out our Facebook and Instagram for more!