Description
Soft and fluffy steamed bao buns filled with tender, flavorful beef. This easy homemade recipe is perfect for appetizers, snacks, or a main course. Learn how to make the best bao dough and savory beef filling with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bao Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 pound beef (short ribs, chuck, or brisket), thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped scallions
- Sliced cucumbers
- Pickled vegetables
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bao Dough
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and yeast.
- Gradually add warm water and vegetable oil while stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling
- In a bowl, combine beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, five-spice powder, and cornstarch.
- Let the beef marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add beef and cook until browned.
- Pour in beef broth and simmer until sauce thickens and beef is tender.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Shape and Steam the Bao Buns
- Punch down risen dough and divide into 10-12 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten into a disc.
- Place a spoonful of beef filling in the center and fold dough around it, pinching to seal.
- Place each bun on a parchment square and let rest for 15 minutes.
- Steam buns in a bamboo steamer over boiling water for 10-12 minutes until fully cooked.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove buns from the steamer and let cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with scallions, cucumbers, or pickled vegetables as desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- To make spicy beef bao buns, add chili paste or sriracha to the marinade.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute beef with mushrooms, tofu, or jackfruit.
- Store leftover bao buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat by steaming for 5 minutes or microwaving with a damp paper towel for 30 seconds.
- Freeze cooked buns and steam for 8-10 minutes when ready to eat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- resting time: 1-2 hours
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main Course
- Method: steaming
- Cuisine: chinese
Keywords: bao buns, beef bao, steamed buns, Chinese street food, dim sum