How To Make Bao Buns (Vegan)

If you’re looking for a delightful and fluffy treat that’s sure to impress, let me share my favorite recipe for How To Make Bao Buns (Vegan)! These little steamed wonders are not only a delicious side dish but also perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. They’re soft, pillowy, and versatile enough to pair with various fillings, making them an absolute hit at any table.

What I love most about bao buns is how easy they are to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of these delightful buns that your family will adore. Plus, they freeze beautifully, so you can prepare them in advance and enjoy them whenever the craving strikes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and forgiving.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these fluffy buns—perfect for picky eaters!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare a batch and freeze them for quick meals on busy days.
• Versatile Flavor: Customize the fillings to suit your taste—there are endless possibilities!
• Deliciously Soft: Each bite melts in your mouth, creating a comforting food experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that the ingredients for this recipe are simple and wholesome. They come together easily to create the softest bao buns you’ve ever tasted!

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 (I use soy)
– 90 ml (6 Tablespoons) warm water
– 1 Tablespoon neutral oil (I use olive) (plus extra for brushing)

Variations

This bao bun recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily adapt it to fit your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the filling: Try using marinated tofu or steamed vegetables instead of your usual filling.
• Add spices: Mix in a teaspoon of five-spice powder into the dough for an aromatic twist.
• Sweeten it up: Fill with sweet red bean paste or fruit preserves for a delightful dessert option.
• Change the shape: Instead of traditional buns, roll out smaller pieces for mini bao bites!

How to Make How To Make Bao Buns (Vegan)

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by mixing the flour, yeast, baking powder, sugar, and salt together in a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. This step is essential as it ensures that all dry components are evenly distributed before adding liquids.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, stir in the non-dairy milk, warm water, and oil to form a rough dough. The warmth from the water helps activate the yeast, which is crucial for those lovely fluffy buns we’re aiming for!

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Knead the dough for about ten minutes until it becomes smooth and stretchy. It should feel slightly sticky but not overly so. If it’s too sticky, knead in just a spoonful of extra flour. This step develops gluten which gives our bao its delightful texture.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it up snugly, and let it rise until doubled in size—about one hour. This rising time allows air bubbles to form in the dough, resulting in those soft and airy buns.

Step 5: Shape Into Balls

Once risen, punch down the dough gently and knead briefly before dividing it into ten even pieces using a scale if you have one. Roll each piece into a ball by gathering up the edges and pinching them together tightly. This technique keeps your buns nice and round!

Step 6: Roll Out Each Ball

Take one dough ball and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into an oval about 9 x 12 cm. Brush lightly with oil before folding it in half to form a semicircle. Repeat this process with all dough balls; this creates layers that add fluffiness when steamed.

Step 7: 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 as they will puff up during steaming! Cover them again to rise until puffy—around 30-40 minutes.

Step 8: Set Up Your Steamer

Set your steamer over a wok or frying pan with cold water added below—not touching your buns! Place the lid on top because keeping steam inside is key to cooking them perfectly.

Step 9: Steam Away!

Turn up the heat until boiling then reduce it to medium heat and steam those beauties for about ten minutes. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be simply irresistible!

Step 10: Rest Before Enjoying

After steaming, remove from heat without lifting the lid. Let them rest for five minutes—this helps keep them fluffy as they cool slightly before serving.

Now you’re ready to serve these delightful bao buns at your next meal! Enjoy experimenting with different fillings and savoring every fluffy bite!

Pro Tips for Making How To Make Bao Buns (Vegan)

Making bao buns can be a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you’ll ensure they’re fluffy and delicious every time!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh yeast and flour will make a noticeable difference in the texture of your buns. Stale ingredients can lead to a less fluffy end result.
• Don’t Rush the Rise: Allowing the dough to rise until it’s doubled in size is crucial for achieving that soft, airy texture. Patience pays off here!
• Keep the Steam Flowing: Ensure your water is boiling before placing the buns in the steamer. This helps them cook evenly and remain fluffy.
• Experiment with Fillings: While these buns are delightful on their own, don’t hesitate to explore different plant-based fillings like marinated tofu, sautéed vegetables, or even a sweet red bean paste!
• Freezing for Later: If you have leftovers or want to meal-prep, bao buns freeze beautifully. Just make sure they are fully cooled before storing them in an airtight container.

How to Serve How To Make Bao Buns (Vegan)

Serving your homemade bao buns is part of the joy! They can be enjoyed in many ways, making them perfect for gatherings or casual meals at home.

Garnishes

• Chopped Scallions: Sprinkle some fresh chopped scallions on top for a burst of flavor and color.
• Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a nice crunch and nutty taste that complements the softness of the buns.

Side Dishes

• Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas stir-fried with garlic creates a crunchy contrast to the soft bao buns.
• Sweet and Sour Tofu: Crispy tofu tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce pairs wonderfully, providing both protein and flavor.
• Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil cleanses the palate beautifully between bites of rich fillings.
• Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup can balance out the meal perfectly with its umami flavor—perfect as an appetizer alongside your bao.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your journey into making delicious vegan bao buns will surely impress friends and family alike! Enjoy creating these fluffy delights!

Make Ahead and Storage

These steamed bao buns are perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time, store them properly, and enjoy warm, fluffy buns throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Once the bao buns have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container.
• Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For optimal freshness, consume within this time frame.

Freezing

• Allow the bao buns to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing their deliciousness!

Reheating

• To reheat, steam the frozen buns for about 10-12 minutes until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them on a plate covered with a damp paper towel for about 1-2 minutes.
• Enjoy your freshly warmed bao buns just like they were made that day!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delightful vegan bao buns.

How To Make Bao Buns (Vegan) from scratch?

Making bao buns from scratch involves mixing flour, yeast, baking powder, sugar, salt, non-dairy milk, warm water, and oil to form dough. After kneading and letting it rise, shape the dough into balls and steam until fluffy!

Can I freeze bao buns after making them?

Yes! Bao buns freeze beautifully. Just wrap each one tightly after cooling and store in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer.

What is the best way to reheat bao buns?

The best way to reheat bao buns is by steaming them for about 10-12 minutes or microwaving them for 1-2 minutes covered with a damp paper towel.

How To Make Bao Buns (Vegan) lighter and fluffier?

To achieve lighter and fluffier bao buns, ensure that you knead the dough adequately and allow it enough time to rise. Avoid adding too much flour during kneading.

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide on how to make bao buns (vegan) inspires you to try your hand at creating these delightful treats! They’re not only soft and fluffy but also incredibly versatile—perfect for any meal. Enjoy making them as much as I do, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences or ask questions. Happy cooking!