Bao Recipe Vegan: Easy and Delicious Plant-Based Buns

Soft, fluffy, and irresistibly delicious, vegan bao buns are a fantastic way to enjoy a classic Asian treat without any animal products. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to try something new, this bao recipe offers a perfect balance of airy texture and savory filling.

These steamed buns are incredibly versatile and can be filled with a variety of plant-based ingredients, making them an ideal option for a healthy snack, appetizer, or even a main dish.

Making bao from scratch might seem intimidating, but with this detailed guide, you’ll find it straightforward and rewarding. Plus, the process of steaming your buns to that perfect pillowy softness is truly a culinary joy.

Get ready to impress your friends and family with these delightful vegan baos that pair perfectly with soy sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. Let’s dive into this comforting and fun vegan bao recipe that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan bao recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it uses simple pantry staples and natural ingredients, making it accessible for most home cooks.

The dough comes out soft and fluffy every time, thanks to the careful fermentation and steaming process.

Additionally, the filling is entirely plant-based but packed with umami flavors and satisfying textures. You can customize the filling with your favorite veggies or vegan proteins to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Finally, these bao buns are perfect for meal prep and can be frozen for later, making them a convenient choice for busy days.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1/2 cup warm water (around 110°F/43°C)
• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (plus extra for brushing)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 cup firm tofu, crumbled
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (check for vegan-friendly)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 cup finely shredded napa cabbage
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking filling)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Steamer basket or bamboo steamer
• Rolling pin
• Non-stick skillet or frying pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy and bubbly. This means the yeast is active and ready.
2. Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Slowly pour in the yeast mixture and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Mix with a spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, lightly dust with more flour but avoid adding too much.
4. First rise: Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, and cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Prepare the filling: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
6. Add mushrooms and tofu: Stir in the chopped shiitake mushrooms and crumbled tofu. Cook for 5-7 minutes until mushrooms release moisture and tofu begins to brown slightly.
7. Season filling: Add soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Remove from heat, then mix in the shredded napa cabbage and green onions. Allow the filling to cool.
8. Shape the buns: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten into an oval shape with your rolling pin.
9. Fold and fill: Lightly brush the center of each oval with vegetable oil. Fold the dough over itself to create a semi-circle, pinching the edges lightly to seal but leaving the bun slightly open to expand while steaming.
10. Add filling: Place a heaping tablespoon of filling inside each bun, gently pressing it down so the bun can close slightly but not tightly sealed.
11. Second rise: Place each filled bun on a small square of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Cover loosely and let rise for 30 minutes while you prepare your steamer.
12. Steam the buns: Bring water to a boil in your steamer pot. Arrange buns in the steamer basket, leaving space between each. Steam over medium-high heat for 12-15 minutes until buns puff up and are cooked through.
13. Serve: Carefully remove the buns and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.

Tips & Variations

For extra fluffiness, make sure your yeast is fresh and the water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.

You can substitute shiitake mushrooms with other mushrooms or even jackfruit for a different texture and flavor.

Try adding finely diced carrots or bamboo shoots to the filling for additional crunch and nutrition.

If you don’t have a bamboo steamer, a metal steaming basket or even a heat-proof colander over a pot works well.

For a gluten-free option, experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but note that the texture of the bao might differ.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegan bao buns are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve them alongside a fresh cucumber salad or pickled vegetables to add some brightness and crunch.

For a sauce, soy sauce mixed with a touch of rice vinegar, chili oil, or even a peanut dipping sauce works beautifully. You can also try pairing these buns with a hot bowl of miso soup or a vibrant Asian slaw to create a complete meal.

For more vegan baking inspiration, you might enjoy our Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe or try making homemade bread with the Hamburger Bun Sourdough Recipe.

Conclusion

Making vegan bao buns at home is a rewarding experience that introduces you to the wonderful world of Asian steamed breads. This recipe balances approachable ingredients with straightforward steps to help you create fluffy, delicious baos that can be customized endlessly.

Whether you’re cooking for vegan friends or simply want to explore new flavors, these bao buns are a crowd-pleaser that can be eaten as a snack or a meal. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different fillings or try steaming techniques to perfect your buns.

And if you love baking and exploring recipes, check out our Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe for a sweet treat after your bao feast!

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