These soft and fluffy steamed lotus leaf bao buns are a delightful treat that anyone can enjoy! How to make bao buns (vegan) is simpler than you might think. Perfect as a side dish or snack, these buns are versatile and freezer-friendly, making them ideal for any occasion. With their unique texture and delicious flavor, they’re sure to impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Even beginners can master this recipe with minimal effort.
- Freezer-Friendly: These bao buns store well in the freezer for a quick meal later.
- Versatile Filling Options: Fill them with your favorite veggies or proteins for a customized experience.
- Healthy Ingredients: Made with wholesome ingredients, these buns fit into a vegan diet effortlessly.
- Delightful Texture: The steam-cooking method ensures they are fluffy and light.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes the process of making bao buns smooth and enjoyable. Below are some essential items you’ll need to create your delicious vegan bao.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
- Dough hook (if using a stand mixer)
- Rolling pin
- Steamer basket
- Baking paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Makes mixing and kneading the dough easier, saving time and effort.
- Dough hook: Ensures even kneading, resulting in perfectly textured dough.
- Steamer basket: Essential for cooking the bao buns evenly without drying them out.
Ingredients
These steamed lotus leaf bao buns are super soft and fluffy, easier to make than you might think and they freeze really well!
- 300 g (2 ½ cups) plain (all-purpose) flour
- 5 g (1 ½ teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 90 ml (6 Tablespoons) unsweetened non-dairy milk (I use soy)
- 90 ml (6 Tablespoons) warm water
- 1 Tablespoon neutral oil (I use olive) (plus extra for brushing)
How to Make How To Make Bao Buns (Vegan)
Creating these delicious bao buns involves several simple steps that will lead you to a mouthwatering result.
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix together:
1. Plain flour
2. Instant yeast
3. Baking powder
4. Sugar
5. Salt
Stir in:
– Unsweetened non-dairy milk
– Warm water
– Neutral oil
This will form a rough dough.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and stretchy. It should be slightly sticky but not overly so. If necessary, knead in a spoonful of extra flour but avoid adding too much as it may dry out the buns.
Step 3: Let It Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and set aside to rise until doubled in size, which takes about 1 hour.
Step 4: Shape the Buns
After punching down the risen dough, knead briefly again:
1. Use a scale to divide it into 10 even pieces.
2. Roll each piece into a ball by gathering edges up and pinching them together.
3. Flip each ball over, cup it with your hand over the top, and roll until smooth.
Cover the dough balls with plastic wrap to prevent drying.
Step 5: Roll Out the Buns
On a lightly floured surface:
1. Roll one ball of dough into an approximate oval shape of 9 x 12 cm.
2. Lightly brush with oil.
3. Fold in half to form a semicircle.
Repeat this process with all balls of dough.
Step 6: Prepare for Steaming
Place each bao on squares of baking paper or line your steamer with baking paper that has holes punched in it. Arrange them spaced apart in the steamer. Cover and let rise for about 30-40 minutes until puffy.
Step 7: Steam the Buns
Position your steamer over a wok or frying pan:
1. Add cold water to ensure it doesn’t touch the buns.
2. Cover with the lid.
Bring water to boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat and steam for about 10 minutes.
Step 8: Rest Before Serving
Remove from heat without lifting the lid, allowing them to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious vegan bao buns!
How to Serve How To Make Bao Buns (Vegan)
Serving bao buns is an opportunity to get creative! These fluffy, vegan buns can be enjoyed in many ways, making them a versatile addition to your meal. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your bao bun experience.
As a Main Dish
- Pair with stir-fried vegetables for a wholesome meal. The soft texture of the buns complements the crunch of veggies.
- Fill with marinated tofu or seitan to create a hearty, plant-based main dish. Use your favorite sauces for added flavor.
With Dipping Sauces
- Serve with hoisin sauce for a sweet and savory taste that enhances the flavors of the bun.
- A spicy chili sauce can add a kick, perfect for those who enjoy extra heat.
In a Sliders Style
- Create mini sliders by filling each bun with small portions of your favorite fillings. This makes for fun finger food at gatherings.
- Use different fillings in each bun for variety—perfect for sharing!
Accompanied by Pickled Vegetables
- Serve alongside pickled cucumbers or radishes to add tanginess. The contrast between the sweet buns and sour pickles is delightful.
- You can make quick pickles at home by soaking vegetables in vinegar and sugar.
As Part of a Platter
- Incorporate bao buns into a larger platter with other snacks like spring rolls and dumplings. This creates an exciting spread for any occasion.
How to Perfect How To Make Bao Buns (Vegan)
To achieve the best results when making bao buns, keep these tips in mind. Perfecting your technique will ensure that your buns are always soft and fluffy.
- Use fresh yeast: Ensure your yeast is within its expiration date for optimal rising.
- Knead well: Proper kneading develops gluten, which gives the buns their airy texture. Aim for about 10 minutes of kneading.
- Control steam: When steaming, maintain a consistent temperature to prevent sogginess. Avoid lifting the lid too often.
- Rest dough properly: Allowing the dough to rise adequately is key. It should double in size before you shape it.
- Don’t overcrowd: Space out the buns in the steamer to ensure they cook evenly without sticking together.
- Experiment with fillings: Try various vegan fillings like mushrooms, jackfruit, or even sweet options like red bean paste for unique flavors.
Best Side Dishes for How To Make Bao Buns (Vegan)
Pairing side dishes with your bao buns can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent side options that complement these fluffy treats perfectly.
- Stir-Fried Greens: Sautéed bok choy or kale tossed in garlic adds nutrient-rich greens to your meal.
- Edamame Hummus: A creamy dip made from edamame offers protein and pairs well with fresh vegetables or rice crackers.
- Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crisp and filled with colorful veggies, spring rolls provide a crunchy contrast to soft bao buns.
- Sweet Potato Fries: These sweet and salty fries are a great companion that adds texture and sweetness to your plate.
- Miso Soup: A light miso broth provides warmth and depth, making it an excellent starter before diving into bao buns.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in sesame oil adds brightness and balances the richness of the bao filling.
- Spicy Noodle Salad: Cold noodles tossed in sesame dressing bring a delightful kick that pairs beautifully with steamed buns.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making bao buns can be a delight, but a few common mistakes can hinder your success. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.
- Using the wrong flour: All-purpose flour works best for bao buns. Avoid using whole wheat or gluten-free flour, as they change the texture.
- Not kneading enough: Insufficient kneading leads to dense buns. Ensure you knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Overproofing the dough: Leaving the dough to rise too long can cause it to become overly airy and deflate during cooking. Aim for about one hour of rising time.
- Skipping the oil brush: Not brushing oil on the dough before folding can lead to sticky buns that don’t separate easily. Always use a bit of oil for a better finish.
- Not spacing buns properly in the steamer: If buns are too close together, they may stick during steaming. Give them enough space to expand.
- Removing the lid too early: Lifting the lid while steaming releases steam and affects cooking. Resist the urge until they’re fully cooked.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store bao buns in an airtight container.
- They last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing How To Make Bao Buns (Vegan)
- Freeze uncooked bao buns by placing them on a baking sheet first.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating How To Make Bao Buns (Vegan)
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap buns in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place buns on a plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave for 30 seconds at a time until warm.
- Stovetop: Steam buns over boiling water for about 5 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about how to make bao buns (vegan).
Can I use different fillings for my bao buns?
Yes! You can customize your bao buns with various fillings such as vegetables, tofu, or even lentils. Get creative!
How To Make Bao Buns (Vegan) without yeast?
You can substitute yeast with baking powder. However, this will change the texture slightly and may result in denser buns.
What type of non-dairy milk is best?
Unsweetened soy milk is recommended because it has similar properties to dairy milk, but almond or oat milk also works well.
Can I make bao buns ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them a day in advance and refrigerate or freeze them before steaming later.
Final Thoughts
These soft and fluffy vegan bao buns are not only delicious but also versatile. Feel free to customize your fillings or serve them as sides with your favorite dishes. Enjoy making this comforting recipe!
How To Make Bao Buns (Vegan)
These soft and fluffy vegan bao buns are a delightful treat that elevate any meal. With their unique texture and customizable fillings, they can be enjoyed as a snack, side dish, or main course. Surprisingly easy to make, these plant-based buns offer a light and airy experience that will impress family and friends alike. Perfect for meal prep, they freeze well, making them a convenient option for busy days. Whether filled with savory vegetables or proteins, these bao buns are sure to become a staple in your home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 10 servings
- Category: Snack/Main
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 300 g (2 ½ cups) plain (all-purpose) flour
- 5 g (1 ½ teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 90 ml (6 Tablespoons) unsweetened non-dairy milk (e.g., soy)
- 90 ml (6 Tablespoons) warm water
- 1 Tablespoon neutral oil (e.g., olive) plus extra for brushing
Instructions
- Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl or stand mixer.
- Stir in the non-dairy milk, warm water, and oil to form a rough dough.
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and slightly sticky.
- Let it rise in an oiled bowl for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Divide the dough into 10 pieces, shape them into balls, and cover them with plastic wrap.
- Roll each ball into an oval shape, brush with oil, then fold in half.
- Place on baking paper squares in a steamer; let rise for another 30–40 minutes.
- Steam over boiling water for about 10 minutes; let rest before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 105
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
