Fluffy Bao Buns Recipe
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.
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.