Pan Fried Vegetable Steamed Buns (Sheng Jian Bao)
Pan Fried Vegetable Steamed Buns, or Sheng Jian Bao, feature a soft, slightly sweet dough filled with a sautéed vegetable mixture seasoned with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil. The buns are cooked by pan-frying with oil until the bottom crisps and turns golden, then steamed with added water for a delicate, tender finish. This results in buns with a crispy base and a moist, flavorful vegetable filling that balances texture and taste.
Ingredients
Dough recipe:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- ⅔ cup plant-based milk
- salt a pinch
- 1 teaspoon neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
Filling:
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tsp ginger
- vegetable mix
- 1/2 tsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- salt
- Spices
Instructions
- Mix sugar and yeast in warm water/unsweetened plant-based milk until well-combined.
- Place flour and salt on a cleaned surface like a mound. Make a hole in the middle. Slowly pour in the yeast mixture while bringing the flour from the side to the middle.
- Knead into a soft and smooth dough then place it in a bowl. Cover and let it proof until double its size.
- Make the mixture by sautéing the ginger, garlic and spring onions in a little oil.
- Add the vegetables, stir until cooked, then add soy and sesame oil and then add salt and spice (if you wish) to taste.
- Divide proofed dough into 14 portion, roll each one into a small circle.
- Place a spoonful of the vegetable filling (making sure it is a dry mix, not wet) in the centre of each circle, bring the sides up and pleat to seal.
- Heat a 10 inch non-stick pan and add about ½ tablespoon oil. Place the buns pleated side down in one layer and cook until the bottom turns slightly golden over low med heat.
- Add about 1 cup of water, place a lid over and cook until all water has evaporated. Turn off the heat.
- Once the buns are done cooking, place a plate in the pan, remove with a spatula. Serve warm with your favorite sauces.