Fluffy Bao Buns
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
1 hr 30 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 50 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
297 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Appetizer
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Cuisine
Chinese
Fluffy Bao Buns
Description
The dough for Fluffy Bao Buns is prepared by activating yeast in water (optionally with sugar), then combining with flour and kneading until smooth and elastic. Vegetable oil is added partway through kneading. The dough is handled with care to avoid premature fermentation, aiming for a single proofing process. After the dough rises sufficiently, it is shaped into buns and steamed until soft and fluffy.
The steaming method yields buns that have a tender crumb with a soft exterior, ideal for stuffing or serving alongside savory dishes. Maintaining the right dough temperature and timing helps achieve the characteristic lightness and smooth surface. This recipe recommends using a stand mixer for consistent kneading but note that hand mixing is possible.
Fluffy Bao Buns can be steamed fresh or prepared in advance. To freeze, steam first, cool completely, then store airtight in the freezer to preserve texture. Take care when removing the steaming cover to avoid water droplets falling on the buns, which can affect surface texture.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour + 2 tbsp. more for dusting
- 1 instant yeast 1/2 tsp
- 2 tbsp. sugar ,optional
- 150 ml water or 20ml more if needed
- 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
Instructions
Basic dough for Bao Buns
- Add sugar and yeast to the water. Stir well and set aside for 5 minutes. If you do not want sugar, just skip it. Since we are using the single proofing method in this recipe, the key is not to activate the yeast before we finish the shaping process. So if your room temperature is higher than 18 degrees C. Use chilled water.
- Add the liquid to the flour in a stand mixer bowl. And we start to make the dough. (If you plan to hand-knead, pour the water with yeast slowly into the bowl with flour and stir with a chopstick).
- Knead for 1 minute at slow speed and then add oil. Then continue kneading for at least 10 minutes at slow speed until the dough is super smooth, elastic, and whiter in color.
- I recommend using a stand mixer for single-proofing dough, as the warmth from hands can raise the temperature of the dough, leading to premature fermentation and further case the failure of the smooth surface.
- If you don't have a stand mixer, wearing a plastic wrapper can stop the temperature from passing through the dough.
Divide the shape
- Slightly dust the operating board to avoid being sticky.
- Further, shape it into a long log. Try to make it as even as possible. Divide the log into 6 portions.
- Knead each small piece for a couple of minutes until very smooth, and then roll out the wrapper into an oval shape.
- Place a parchment paper in the middle and fold the other half up to form a half oval shape.
Proofing
- Please the buns into a lined steamer. If it is warm, cover the lid and start the proofing process.
- If it is very cold, remove the lid, place it in an oven, and place it in a large cup of hot boiling water. Cover the lid of the oven and let it rise inside.
- It may take around 30 minutes to 1 hour for the proofing method. Check frequently until the buns are 1.5 times in size.
Steam the buns
- Use high fire first and then lower the fire after you see the vapor coming out from the lid. Steam for 13 minutes.
- Remember to let it stand for another 5 minutes before opening the lid. Here we are, super easy, simple, and fluffy steamed buns.
Notes
- Avoid dropping water on buns when uncovering after steaming to preserve their texture.
- To freeze, steam the buns first, cool thoroughly, then place in an airtight bag before freezing.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 297 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 297kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 63g | 21% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Sodium | 3mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 80mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Calcium | 11mg | 1% |
| Iron | 3.5mg | 19% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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