Fluffy Bao Buns Recipe
These fluffy bao buns are soft, pillowy steamed buns perfect as a base for savory or sweet fillings. Made with simple ingredients and a single-proofing dough method, they deliver a light, elastic texture with a smooth surface. Steamed to perfection, these versatile buns are ideal for recreating traditional Asian bao or as a unique addition to any meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 bao buns 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for dusting)
- 1 and 1/2 tsp instant yeast
- 2 tbsp sugar (optional)
- 150 ml water (more 20 ml if needed)
- 1 tbsp vegetable cooking oil
Instructions
- Prepare yeast mixture: Add sugar and yeast to the water and stir well, then set aside for 5 minutes. If you opt out of sugar, skip this step. For room temperatures above 18°C, use chilled water to avoid premature yeast activation.
- Make the dough: Pour the liquid yeast mixture into the flour in a stand mixer bowl. Knead on slow speed for 1 minute, then add oil. Continue kneading for at least 10 minutes at slow speed until the dough becomes super smooth, elastic, and lighter in color.
- Alternative kneading: If hand-kneading, slowly pour the yeast mixture into the flour and stir with a chopstick before kneading by hand to smooth consistency.
- Maintain dough temperature: Use a stand mixer to prevent heat from hands raising dough temperature and causing premature fermentation; alternatively, cover hands with plastic wrap during hand-kneading to insulate the dough.
- Shape the dough: Lightly dust your work surface with flour to prevent sticking. Shape the dough into a long even log and divide it into 6 equal portions.
- Form individual buns: Knead each portion until smooth, then roll each piece into an oval shape. Place a parchment paper square in the middle and fold one half over to create a half-oval shaped bun.
- Proof the buns: Place buns on a lined steamer tray. If ambient temperature is warm, cover with the steamer lid; if cold, place the steamer in an oven along with a cup of boiling water to create a warm environment. Proof until buns are 1.5 times their original size, about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Steam the buns: Turn the heat to high until vapor begins to escape from the steamer lid, then reduce to low and steam for 13 minutes total. After steaming, let buns rest in the steamer for an additional 5 minutes before removing the lid to keep their fluffiness intact.
Notes
- Using chilled water in warm rooms helps prevent premature yeast activation.
- Single proofing method implies yeast activates mainly after shaping, ensuring smooth surface buns.
- Maintain dough temperature carefully to avoid over fermentation.
- Steaming buns are best served immediately for fluffiest texture but can be reheated by steaming briefly.
- Adding sugar is optional but helps yeast activate and adds slight sweetness.
Keywords: bao buns, fluffy bao, steamed buns, Asian bread, soft buns, yeast dough, bao recipe, homemade bao, steamed bread
Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/fluffy-bao-buns-recipe/
