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Quick, Fluffy Bao Buns – in Under an Hour


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  • Author: ladidsaadia
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

Soft, white steamed buns filled with sweet spicy chicken and fresh veggies, perfect for a quick meal or snack.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 350g (2 1/3 cups) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
  • 180g (approximately 3/4 cup) lukewarm water
  • 3 tablespoons sesame oil, for brushing
  • 1lb (500g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (ideally free-range)
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang paste
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sweet chilli jam (plus more to serve)
  • ¼ head red or white cabbage, thinly sliced
  • ½ cucumber, finely diced
  • 3 scallions (spring onions), finely sliced
  • A handful of cilantro (coriander) leaves
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • ½ tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce
  • ¼ cup garlic aioli (or gochujang aioli)
  • ¼ cup sweet chilli jam
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • A handful of cilantro (coriander) leaves, chopped
  • Parchment paper for lining
  • Steamer – either bamboo or any standard steaming basket

Instructions

  1. In a big bowl, mix flour, yeast, baking powder, and salt. Add oil and warm water, stir to form a rough dough.
  2. Knead on a clean surface for 5 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
  3. While the dough rests, cut chicken into bite-size pieces. Mix gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sweet chilli jam, and sesame oil, then toss with chicken. Cook chicken in a hot pan until done and caramelized, then let cool.
  4. Shape the rested dough into equal pieces, roll each piece flat, and fold over a strip of parchment.
  5. Place each bun on parchment in the steamer and steam in two batches for about 8 to 10 minutes each, keeping the lid closed.
  6. After steaming, brush buns with sesame oil.
  7. Assemble each bun with chicken, veg, aioli, and herbs.

Notes

These buns are versatile; feel free to swap the filling for pork, tofu, or vegetables. Serve warm with dipping sauces.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Steaming
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bun
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg