Vegetarian Bao Recipe
Steamed buns filled with a mix of vegetables.
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 yeast. Let sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- 2
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- 3
Combine Ingredients
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the activated yeast mixture and vegetable oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- 4
Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 5
Let Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Filling Preparation
- 6
Prepare Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- 7
Cook Vegetables
Add cabbage, carrot, bell pepper, and green onions to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- 8
Season Filling
Stir in soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool.
Assemble and Steam
- 9
Shape the Bao
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into equal portions (about 10). Roll each portion into a ball and flatten it into a disc.
- 10
Fill Bao
Place a spoonful of the vegetable filling in the center of each disc. Gather the edges and pinch to seal the bao.
- 11
Steam the Bao
Place the filled baos in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper. Steam over boiling water for about 15-20 minutes until the dough is fluffy and cooked through.