Bao buns, also known as steamed buns, are a popular Chinese bread-like item that is often used to make sandwiches or served as a side dish. They are soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet in flavor. Bao buns are made with a yeast dough that is steamed instead of baked, which gives them their unique texture.
To make bao buns, you will need all-purpose flour, yeast, sugar, salt, baking powder, milk, and oil. The dough is made by combining the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, and then adding in the wet ingredients gradually. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
After the dough has rested and risen, it is rolled out into a long cylinder shape and cut into equal pieces. Each piece is then flattened into a small circle shape and filled with a variety of fillings such as pork belly, chicken, vegetables or tofu, along with a savory sauce.
Once the filling has been added, the edges of the dough are gathered together and twisted to form a small knot. The buns are then placed onto individual pieces of parchment paper and left to rest for a few minutes before they are steamed for around 10-15 minutes, until they are soft and fluffy.
Bao buns are a versatile food item that can be enjoyed in many ways. They are often served with meat or vegetable fillings and can be eaten as a main dish or as a snack. Some popular fillings include braised pork belly, teriyaki chicken, or crispy tofu. Bao buns can be found at many Asian grocery stores, restaurants or can also be made at home with the right ingredients and equipment.
