Name: Fluffy Bao Buns Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus 2 tbsp for dusting; 1 and 1/2 tsp instant yeast; 2 tbsp sugar (optional); 150 ml water (use chilled water if room temperature is above 18°C; add up to 20ml more if needed); 1 tbsp vegetable cooking oil

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Introduction

Fluffy bao buns are soft, pillowy steamed breads perfect for filling with your favorite savory or sweet ingredients. This recipe guides you through making light and tender buns from scratch with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour + 2 tbsp. more for dusting
1 and 1/2 tsp. instant yeast

2 tbsp. sugar (optional)
150 ml water (add 20 ml more if needed)

1 tbsp. vegetable cooking oil

Instructions

Step 1: Add sugar and yeast to the water and stir well. Set aside for 5 minutes. If you prefer no sugar, skip this step. Use chilled water if room temperature is above 18°C to avoid premature yeast activation.

Step 2: Pour the liquid mixture into the flour in a stand mixer bowl. If kneading by hand, pour the liquid slowly while stirring with a chopstick.
Step 3: Knead the dough at slow speed for 1 minute, then add the vegetable oil. Continue kneading for at least 10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and lighter in color.
Step 4: If using a stand mixer, this helps control the dough temperature. If kneading by hand, cover the dough with plastic wrap to maintain temperature and prevent premature fermentation.

Step 5: Lightly dust your work surface with flour. Shape the dough into an even long log, then divide it into 6 equal portions.
Step 6: Knead each portion for a couple of minutes until smooth, then roll each piece into an oval shape.
Step 7: Place a small piece of parchment paper in the center of each oval and fold it in half to form a half-oval shape.

Step 8: Place the buns into a lined steamer. If the room is warm, cover with the lid and start proofing.
Step 9: In colder conditions, leave the steamer lid off and place it inside a warm oven with a cup of boiling water to create a humid environment. Cover the oven lid and allow the buns to rise until about 1.5 times their size, which takes 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Step 10: Steam the buns over high heat until vapor starts escaping, then reduce to low heat. Steam for 13 minutes.

Step 11: Let the buns rest in the steamer for 5 minutes before removing the lid to prevent collapse.

Tips & Variations

Using chilled water helps control yeast activity and prevents over-proofing in warmer kitchens.
Try filling the buns with your favorite meats or vegetables after steaming for a delicious meal.

If you don’t have a bamboo steamer, a metal steamer basket works well inside a large pot.
Adding a little milk instead of water can make the buns even softer and richer.

Storage

Store leftover buns in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped tightly for up to 1 month. Reheat by steaming for a few minutes until soft and warm, or microwave with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

How to Serve

The image shows a bamboo steamer basket holding three smooth, white, folded buns with a soft texture, each shaped like a half-moon sitting on a sheet of parchment with holes. Next to the buns is a small clear bowl filled with sliced red and green chili peppers, and some fresh green coriander sprigs scattered around. In the background, there is another bamboo steamer with two folded buns filled with dark brown pieces of meat, green leafy herbs, and red chili slices. The setting is on a white marbled surface with other small bowls containing different ingredients blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and shape the buns, then refrigerate them covered overnight. Allow them to come to room temperature and complete proofing before steaming.

What can I use to fill the bao buns?

The buns pair well with various fillings like BBQ pork, shredded chicken, tofu, pickled vegetables, or sweet options like red bean paste for a dessert version.