Steamed Bao Recipe
Fluffy steamed buns filled with your choice of pork, chicken, or veggie.
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Dough
Filling
Method
Dough Preparation
- 1
Activate Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- 2
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Mix well.
- 3
Combine Ingredients
Once the yeast is activated, pour it into the dry ingredients along with vegetable oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- 4
Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 5
Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Filling Preparation
- 6
Combine Filling Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, chopped green onions, black pepper, and any optional vegetables. Mix until well combined.
Assembling and Steaming
- 7
Divide and Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten it into a circle.
- 8
Fill the Buns
Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle. Gather the edges of the dough and pinch them together to seal the filling inside.
- 9
Prepare for Steaming
Line a steamer basket with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking. Arrange the filled buns in the steamer, leaving space between them.
- 10
Steam the Buns
Bring water to a boil in a pot. Place the steamer basket over the pot, cover, and steam the buns for about 15-20 minutes until fluffy and cooked through.