Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsRusty Pelican - MiamiUbe Bao Bun Recipe

Ube Bao Bun Recipe

Time2h
Serves4

Shrimp Tempura, Truffle Eel Sauce, Red Pepper Aioli, Pickled Cucumbers

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Ingredients

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Bao Bun Dough

Truffle Eel Sauce

Pickled Cucumbers

Method

Bao Bun Dough

  1. 1

    Prepare the Dough

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ube powder, sugar, instant yeast, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.

  2. 2

    Incorporate Wet Ingredients

    Add warm water, milk, and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.

  3. 3

    Knead the Dough

    Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  4. 4

    Let the Dough Rise

    Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until doubled in size.

  5. 5

    Shape the Bao Buns

    Once risen, punch down the dough, then divide it into equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball, then flatten it slightly.

  6. 6

    Steam the Buns

    Place the shaped buns on parchment paper and steam in a bamboo or electric steamer for about 10-12 minutes until fluffy.

Shrimp Tempura

  1. 7

    Prepare the Tempura Batter

    In a mixing bowl, combine tempura batter mix with ice water and whisk until smooth. The batter should be somewhat thin.

  2. 8

    Heat the Oil

    In a deep frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

  3. 9

    Fry the Shrimp

    Dip each shrimp into the tempura batter, allowing excess to drip off, then carefully place in the hot oil. Fry in batches for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Truffle Eel Sauce

  1. 10

    Combine Ingredients

    In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, truffle oil, and brown sugar.

  2. 11

    Simmer the Sauce

    Heat over low-medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Set aside.

Red Pepper Aioli

  1. 12

    Mix the Aioli

    In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, roasted red peppers, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Mix until smooth.

Pickled Cucumbers

  1. 13

    Prepare the Pickling Solution

    In a bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved.

  2. 14

    Pickle the Cucumbers

    Add the sliced cucumbers to the pickling solution and let them sit for at least 30 minutes before serving.

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