Fluffy Bao Buns are soft, pillowy and perfect for stuffing with savory fillings. This Fluffy Bao Buns recipe is easy to follow. You can make them at home with simple ingredients. The buns are light, airy and delicious.
Learning how to make Fluffy Bao Buns is fun and satisfying. They are perfect for lunch, dinner or snacks. You can fill them with meats, vegetables or sweet fillings.
This recipe provides step-by-step instructions for soft and fluffy buns every time. Try this Fluffy Bao Buns recipe today and enjoy homemade Asian-style steamed buns.
My Experience With This Recipe
I tried this recipe last weekend and it was amazing. The buns were soft and airy. They rose beautifully while steaming. My family loved the light, fluffy texture. I filled them with barbecue pork and they tasted delicious.
Making bao buns at home was easier than I expected. I enjoyed kneading the dough and shaping the buns. They steamed perfectly and stayed soft for hours. Now, Fluffy Bao Buns are my favorite homemade treat for family meals.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Fluffy Bao Buns
- Servings: 8 buns
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Course: Snack / Main
- Cuisine: Asian
- Calories: 120 kcal per bun
Equipment List
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rolling pin
- Steamer or steaming basket
- Parchment paper
Ingredients You Need for Fluffy Bao Buns
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Extra flour for rolling
- Optional: sesame seeds for topping
Instructions
- Activate yeast
In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. - Make the dough
In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and oil. Knead until smooth and elastic. - First rise
Cover dough with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size. - Divide dough
Punch down the dough gently. Divide into 8 equal pieces and roll into smooth balls. - Shape the buns
Roll each ball into an oval. Fold in half gently and place on parchment squares for steaming. - Second rise
Cover buns and let them rise for 20 minutes. They should puff slightly before steaming. - Prepare steamer
Bring water to a boil in a steamer or pot. Make sure water does not touch buns. - Steam the buns
Place buns in steamer with parchment paper. Steam for 12–15 minutes until fluffy and cooked through. - Serve warm
Remove buns carefully. Serve immediately with fillings or dipping sauces as desired.
Recipe Tips
- Use warm water to activate yeast effectively.
- Do not overfill buns; leave space for expansion.
- Steam buns with the lid covered to keep moisture in.
- Do not open the steamer during cooking; buns may collapse.
- Experiment with fillings like pork, chicken, vegetables, or sweet pastes.
Nutrition Information
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Carbs | 22g |
| Fat | 2g |
| Protein | 3g |
Serving Suggestions
Fluffy Bao Buns are perfect for filling with savory meats, vegetables or tofu. You can also make sweet versions with red bean paste or chocolate.
Serve with soy sauce, hoisin sauce or chili sauce for extra flavor. They are great for lunch, dinner or party appetizers.
Best Sides To Serve With
Serve bao buns with pickled vegetables, steamed greens or a light salad. Dipping sauces like soy sauce, sriracha mayo or hoisin sauce complement the buns well.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover buns in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat by steaming for 5 minutes or microwaving with a damp cloth to keep them soft. Do not freeze for long periods or texture may change.
Fluffy Bao Buns Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Extra flour for rolling
- Optional: sesame seeds for topping
Instructions
Activate yeast
- In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Make the dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and oil. Knead until smooth and elastic.
First rise
- Cover dough with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
Divide dough
- Punch down the dough gently. Divide into 8 equal pieces and roll into smooth balls.
Shape the buns
- Roll each ball into an oval. Fold in half gently and place on parchment squares for steaming.
Second rise
- Cover buns and let them rise for 20 minutes. They should puff slightly before steaming.
Prepare steamer
- Bring water to a boil in a steamer or pot. Make sure water does not touch buns.
Steam the buns
- Place buns in steamer with parchment paper. Steam for 12–15 minutes until fluffy and cooked through.
Serve warm
- Remove buns carefully. Serve immediately with fillings or dipping sauces as desired.
Notes
- Use warm water to activate yeast effectively.
- Do not overfill buns; leave space for expansion.
- Steam buns with the lid covered to keep moisture in.
- Do not open the steamer during cooking; buns may collapse.
- Experiment with fillings like pork, chicken, vegetables, or sweet pastes.
FAQs about Fluffy Bao Buns
1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, all-purpose flour works. Bread flour gives slightly chewier texture, but buns are still fluffy with all-purpose flour.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, make the dough and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature before shaping and steaming.
3. Why did my buns collapse?
Buns collapse if water touches dough during steaming or if the steamer is opened too early.
4. Can I add fillings before steaming?
It is better to steam plain buns first. Add fillings after cooking to prevent leakage.
5. Can I freeze steamed buns?
Yes, wrap buns tightly and freeze. Reheat by steaming or microwaving with a damp cloth.
Conclusion
Fluffy Bao Buns recipe is easy, fun and delicious. Soft, airy buns are perfect for many fillings. Follow the step-by-step instructions for perfect homemade buns every time.
Serve with savory or sweet fillings for lunch, dinner or snacks. This Fluffy Bao Buns recipe will impress family and friends. Try it today and enjoy fresh, homemade Asian-style steamed buns at home.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
