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Bao Buns

Bao Buns are soft, pillowy buns made from a slightly sweet dough. They originate from China and are served with different types of fillings. You can enjoy them as a snack, as a side, or with dim sum.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Proofing time
1 hr 30 mins
Total Time
2 hrs
Servings: 18 buns
Calories: 89 kcal
Course: Side Dish , Bread
Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

  • ½ cup water, warm
  • ½ cup milk, warm
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 packet active dry yeast, 2 ¼ teaspoons
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil, more for brushing
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the water, milk, sugar, and yeast. Cover and let it rest until it becomes foamy about 5 minutes.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. When the yeast mixture is frothy add in the flour mixture and mix on medium speed using a dough hook until the dough forms, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Increase the speed to medium-high and mix for another 4-5 minutes until the dough is smooth and not sticking to the sides of the bowl.
  5. Dump the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and form it into a smooth ball. Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough in it. Cover and let the dough rest for at least 1 hour. The dough should double in size.
  6. While the dough rises, cut parchment paper into 4-inch squares and set aside.
  7. Dump the risen dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to an even ¼-inch thickness.
  8. Using a 3-inch diameter cookie cutter or cup, cut the dough out into circles. Brush the top of each bun with additional vegetable oil and fold the buns in half, gently pressing them down to fold.
  9. Place each bun on a piece of parchment paper on the pan, cover, and let the buns rise for another 30-45 minutes.
  10. Prepare the steamer by adding 2 cups of water to a large pot, fit the pot with a steamer ring. When the buns are ready, bring the water to a boil.
  11. Fill the steamer basket with the buns, leaving at least 1 inch of space between the buns. Place the steamer basket on the steamer ring on top of the pot and steam the buns for 10-12 minutes.
  12. They will fluff up and be firm to the touch without sticking to your fingers. You will need to work in batches.
  13. Fill the finished buns with your choice of filling, and enjoy!

Notes

  • To use a regular steaming insert follow the same instructions, you will just need to work in more batches. 
  • Keep an eye on your water level, you may need to add more water to the pot between steaming.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1bun Calories 89kcal (4%) Carbohydrates 16g (5%) Protein 2g (4%) Fat 2g (3%) Saturated Fat 0.4g (2%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 0.4g Trans Fat 0.01g Cholesterol 1mg (0%) Sodium 68mg (3%) Potassium 52mg (1%) Fiber 0.5g (2%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 11IU (0%) Calcium 21mg (2%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 18buns

Amount Per Serving

Calories 89

% Daily Value*

Serving 1bun
Calories 89kcal 4%
Carbohydrates 16g 5%
Protein 2g 4%
Fat 2g 3%
Saturated Fat 0.4g 2%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 0.4g 2%
Trans Fat 0.01g 1%
Cholesterol 1mg 0%
Sodium 68mg 3%
Potassium 52mg 1%
Fiber 0.5g 2%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 11IU 0%
Calcium 21mg 2%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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