Bao Down to These Steamed Bun Recipes - Grilled Cheese Social (2024)

Bao, aka steamed buns, are the perfect food. Doughy, light, and airy, and stuffed with a variety of fillings, these Chinese dumpling steamed bread sandwich hybrids are super fun to make and eat. If you're looking for bao bun fillings, then your search is over! Here are 10 essential steamed bun bao recipes.

Bao Steamed Bun Fillings

I've got 10 new awesome bao (aka steamed buns) recipes up on my Sandwich Expert Page on The Spruce Eats!

From beef bulgogi with pickled vegetables to a delicious vegetarian variety with hoisin braised mushrooms, this recipe collection has it all!

Where to buy Steamed Buns

All you have to do is find the pre-made buns in the freezer section at your local Asian market and steam them before filling them!

Or you can always buy them from amazon if you don't have a local Asian market!

To get the recipe for each one, simply click the link below each picture! Enjoy!

Steamed Bun Recipes

Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts + Crispy Pork Belly Steamed Buns

CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE>>

Sweet, Spicy and full of flavor, this sriracha glazed brussels sprouts and crispy pork belly recipe will become your new favorite!

I love how the steamed bun melts in your mouth while the crunchiness of the peanuts and earthiness of the brussels sprouts all balance out. This flavor combo of these steamed bun fillings will have your mouth watering!!

Bulgogi Beef Bao

CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE>>

Next, comes my Korean Bulgogi Beef recipe. Made with a spicy blend of gochujang, ginger, garlic, spices, and soy sauce. It's marinated, grilled, and stuffed into a light, fluffy bun.

Then, freshly shredded carrot, sprigs of cilantro, slices of pickled burdock (or radish), and pickled cucumbers rounds are added to the steamed bread sandwich to lighten and freshen it up.

And as for the kewpie mayo, well that creamy Japanese goodness is smeared on the inside of the buns to help it all stay together.

And trust me, if you're mouth isn't watering, go ahead and re-read the first few sentences. See what I mean? Ok, it's time for you to try this.

Dorito Kimchi Carbonara Bao

CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE>>

Musubi Steamed Buns with Teriyaki Fried Spam, Pineapple + Nori

CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE>>

Next comes this wild child! Yeah, that's right - there's Spam on this steamed bun! But wait, don't get freaked out! This version is an adaptation of Musubi, a traditional Hawaiian sushi snack.

It's typically made by grilling spam and then brushing it with teriyaki sauce. The glazed spam is then placed on top of pressed sushi rice and wrapped in nori to make it handheld.

And when you turn it into a steamed bun, well it's insanely delicious! The sweet and sticky crispiness of the Spam will make you question why you don't eat it more!

Vegetarian Bao with Hoisin Glazed Mushrooms

CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE>>

In this recipe, sweet and savory hoisin glazed mushrooms, creamy kewpie mayo, nutty toasted sesame seeds, and bright cilantro come together between two pillowy steamed buns.

Traditionally made with pork belly, this version of bao is not only vegetarian-friendly but even meat lovers will dig its umami richness.

Spicy Chicken Katsu Toasted Sesame Bao Steamed Buns

CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE>>

These spicy chicken katsu bao are one of my favorite ways to enjoy this Taiwanese delicacy!

With a kick from Sambal, a spicy Asian vinegar-y hot sauce paste, a hint of tartness from quick pickled cucumbers, and a pop of herbal freshness from cilantro, this chicken katsu steamed bun recipe results in one heck of a deliciously spicy chicken sandwich.

Spring Roll Inspired Bao

CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE>>

Imagine combining a fresh spring roll with the richness of a Chinese steamed bun. Well that's what's going on in these spring roll inspired steamed buns. I

First, add sweet a dollop of some spicy Sambal chili sauce, a few creamy slices of avocado, crisp strands of carrots and cucumbers rounds.

Last, add zippy pickled red onions, spicy jalapenos and umami-rich hoison sauce. But, if you like it hot, add some Sriracha or sambal and get ready to indulge in an almost perfect steamed bun treat.

t's no wonder why I'm obsessed the bao bun fillings in this recipe!

Curry Fried Chicken Steamed Buns

CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE>>

If you like curry and fried chicken, you will LOVE this steamed bun recipe! This colorful sandwich features crispy curry katsu fried chicken paired rich kewpie mayo and tart pickled red onions.

To make it, simply begin by frying your chicken curry katsu. Then, toss together a refreshing cabbage slaw with lime and mint. Then, add a little mayo to hold the whole thing together. Lastly, close the sandwich and enjoy!

This steamed bun filling flavor combo that will have you begging for more!

Vegetarian Steamed Buns with Sesame-Orange Fried Tofu

CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE>>

These vegetarian bao are out of control flavorful!

To begin, you'll dry out your tofu then douse it in batter. Next, the crispy fried tofu nuggets are tossed in a sweet yet slightly spicy sesame orange sauce.

Then, they're topped with Thai basil for freshness. Lastly, you'll add a few pinches of toasted sesame seeds which add another note of texture and awesomeness!

All in all, this is vegetarian friendly and utterly delicious. Feel free to make it more spicy by adding extra sriracha!

Five Spice Fried Tofu Bao with Avocado and Kimchi Mayo

CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE>>

If you like crispy tofu, and spicy kimchi mayo you'll love this 5 spice fried tofu steamed bun recipe!

It's quite simple to make! First you'll need to make crispy five spice fried tofu nuggets and the easy spicy kimchi mayo. Next, you'll add avocado and pickled red onions. Then once the buns are steamed, you'll add all the fillings together then voila! They're ready to be enjoyed!

And if you don't have 5 spice on hand, you can either order it from amazon or make it yourself! Just combine ground cinnamon with cloves, toasted fennel seeds, star anise, and toasted Szechuan peppercorns.

These bao bun fillings are perfection!

And if you like this recipe, you might also like my latest book!

Bao Down to These Steamed Bun Recipes - Grilled Cheese Social (12)

Get your copy of Grilled Cheese Social - Super Fun Recipes for Super Fun Times here!

Or if you'd like more information about MacKenzie Smith, you can read about here her!

xoxo,

Kenz aka GCS

Bao Down to These Steamed Bun Recipes - Grilled Cheese Social (2024)

FAQs

What the heck is bao? ›

Baozi (Chinese:), or simply bao, is a type of yeast-leavened filled bun in various Chinese cuisines. There are many variations in fillings (meat or vegetarian) and preparations, though the buns are most often steamed. They are a variation of mantou from Northern China.

What is the difference between steamed bun and Bao bun? ›

Bao Buns (pronounced “bow”), but also known as a 'steamed buns' or 'baozi' 包子, are a delicious, warm, fluffy treat of stuffing wrapped inside a sweet, white dough. Made with a mix of flour, yeast, sugar, baking powder, milk and oil, the bao is a tad sweeter than its closely related cousin, the dumpling.

What is the Chinese character for steamed buns? ›

In Shanxi, where Jin Chinese is spoken, unfilled buns are often called momo (饃饃), which is simply the character for "steamed bun". The name momo spread to Tibet and Nepal and usually now refers to filled buns or dumplings.

How do you make a Bao bun steamer? ›

You can replicate a steamer with very little effort by placing your buns in a common kitchen sieve or colander, then suspending it over boiling water. Creating a tower from plates and tea towels will stop the steam from escaping, causing your buns to steam cook!

Is bao a girl or boy? ›

Bao is a gender-neutral name of Chinese origin synonymous with the finer things in life. Meaning “bundle or package,” “precious treasure,” and “guarantee,” this stand-out moniker brilliantly expresses the affection you feel for your little one.

Is bao Korean or Japanese? ›

Bao or Baozi are said to have been invented in China during the 3rd century by a military strategist called Zhuge Liang [181-234].

Is bao bread healthy? ›

Additionally, bao serves as a source of protein and dietary fiber, particularly when made with whole grain flours or filled with vegetables or lean meats. The incorporation of bao in diets is observed to bring several health benefits. The fiber content in bao aids digestion and contributes to maintaining a healthy gut.

Why are Bao buns so white? ›

Most Chinese restaurants will use bleached cake flour for char siu baos, which will make them white and fluffy. While bleaching flour can make the product lighter and hold in more air bubbles, it does affect the nutrient levels and structure of the flour.

Are bao and dumplings the same? ›

To Summarize. In summary, bao buns are made from fermented yeast dough, while dumplings are only made from wheat flour without the yeast. Since bao dough contains yeast, it needs more time to rise and results in thinner skin than dumplings. In terms of cooking, baos are usually steamed, baked, and sometimes pan-fried.

What is the difference between mantou and bao? ›

The Bao ('bun') developed in Chinese culture as a filled form of 'Mantou,' a plain steamed dumpling which is often compared to bread. The story behind this steamed delight explains not just its unique shape, buy why its development into Baos (or Baozi) was such a natural one.

What is mantou in English? ›

Mantou (馒头), Chinese steamed buns.

Is bao a Siopao? ›

Siopao is the Filipino version of the Chinese steamed buns bao.

Can I microwave Bao buns instead of steaming? ›

Microwaving from Frozen

Use water to wet all surfaces of the frozen bao bun (this will ensure that the dough doesn't crack when heated). Place bun on a plate in the microwave. Heat on high for approximately one minute. Cooking times may vary depending on your microwave.

Why are my steamed buns not fluffy? ›

Any rush of cool air could potentially make the buns collapse. If you're making fluffy yeasted buns, let the buns sit covered in the steamer for an extra 5 minutes after the heat has been turned off. This resting time is crucial. If you open the lid too quickly, the cool air from outside might deflate the buns.

What does a bao mean? ›

A bao is a soft steamed bun with a savory filling. If you order dim sum at a Chinese restaurant, you'll probably get to taste several kinds of bao. Bao, or "bun," comes from Cantonese, and it's a specialty of Cantonese cuisine.

What is in a Chinese bao? ›

These soft delicious Chinese treats have been in existence for hundreds of years! They can be eaten with, chopsticks, or by hand as it. Traditional ingredients that are found in Bao Buns include but are not limited to pork, veggies, potatoes, and much much more!

Is bao the same as bun? ›

Bao is also known as baozi, bao bun, or steamed buns. It is a main dish originating in the Northern Chinese city of Xi'an. Today, bao buns are available in Chinese restaurants in China, Taiwan, Asia, and many countries worldwide.

What does bao mean in Chinese food? ›

Bao means bun. Undoubtedly, the color red is significant in traditional Chinese culture.

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