Chinese Steamed Bun Recipe Vegetarian Made Easy and Tasty

If you’ve ever wandered through the bustling streets of a Chinatown or savored the soft, pillowy texture of Chinese steamed buns, you know just how irresistible they are. These fluffy, warm buns filled with savory ingredients are a quintessential comfort food and a staple in many Asian cuisines.

Today, we’re diving into a delicious vegetarian Chinese steamed bun recipe that you can easily whip up at home. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to Asian cuisine, this recipe is approachable, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying.

Steamed buns, or “baozi,” are perfect for a light meal, snack, or even dinner. Filled with a flavorful mix of mushrooms, tofu, and vegetables, these buns are a fantastic option for vegetarians and anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their repertoire.

Plus, steaming keeps the buns soft and healthy without the need for oil. Let’s get started on making these delightful buns that will surely become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian Chinese steamed bun recipe offers a wonderful balance of simplicity and authenticity. With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll enjoy the process as much as the result.

Here’s why you’ll want to add this recipe to your collection:

• Light and fluffy texture: The dough rises beautifully, creating buns that are soft and airy.
• Hearty vegetable filling: A delicious combination of mushrooms, tofu, and aromatic seasonings make each bite flavorful and satisfying.
• Healthy cooking method: Steaming preserves nutrients and keeps the buns low in fat.
• Customizable: Easily swap or add vegetables and spices to suit your taste.
• Perfect for any occasion: Serve as an appetizer, snack, or main dish for family and friends.

Ingredients

• For the Dough:
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the Filling:
• 1 cup firm tofu, crumbled
• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, diced
• 1/2 cup finely chopped napa cabbage
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for sautéing)
• Salt to taste

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Steamer basket or bamboo steamer
• Rolling pin
• Large skillet or wok
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
• Pastry brush (optional)

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 10 minutes, until frothy.
2. Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Slowly pour in the yeast mixture and vegetable oil. Stir together with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare the filling: While the dough rises, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Cook vegetables: Add the diced shiitake mushrooms and napa cabbage to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and any moisture has evaporated.
6. Add tofu and seasonings: Stir in the crumbled tofu, soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and green onions. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes. Adjust salt to taste. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.
7. Shape the buns: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten into a 4-inch circle with a rolling pin.
8. Fill the buns: Place about 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each dough circle. Gather the edges up and pinch them together tightly at the top to seal. Place each bun seam-side down on a small square of parchment paper.
9. Second rise: Arrange the buns in your steamer basket, leaving space between each for expansion. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise for another 20-30 minutes.
10. Steam the buns: Bring water to a boil in your steamer pot. Place the steamer basket over the boiling water and cover. Steam the buns for 15 minutes on medium-high heat.
11. Rest and serve: Turn off the heat and let the buns rest in the steamer for 5 minutes before removing the lid. This prevents the buns from shrinking.

Tips & Variations

For a softer bun, add 1 tablespoon of milk powder to the dough mix.

Here are some tips to ensure your steamed buns turn out perfect every time:

• Use warm water: This helps activate the yeast properly, ensuring a good rise.
• Don’t overfill: Too much filling can cause the buns to burst during steaming.
• Customize the filling: Try adding finely diced carrots, bamboo shoots, or even cooked chestnuts for extra texture.
• Make ahead: You can freeze uncooked buns on parchment paper and steam them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the steaming time.
• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for bread baking, though texture may vary slightly.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Chinese steamed buns are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:

• Serve with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of chili oil.
• Accompany with a light Asian cucumber salad or pickled vegetables for refreshing contrast.
• Pair alongside a hot bowl of soup, like miso or hot and sour soup, for a comforting meal.
• For a fusion twist, enjoy with Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe for dessert.
• If you love experimenting, try these buns with a side of Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for a vegetable-packed dinner.

Conclusion

Making vegetarian Chinese steamed buns at home is a rewarding experience that brings authentic flavors and a comforting texture to your table. This recipe balances a fluffy, tender dough with a savory, well-seasoned vegetable filling, making it a perfect choice for vegetarians and anyone craving a delicious, wholesome meal.

Plus, with simple ingredients and clear steps, it’s approachable for cooks of all skill levels. Whether you’re preparing a casual weeknight dinner or impressing guests, these steamed buns are guaranteed to be a hit.

Don’t forget to explore other creative recipes like the Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe to complement your culinary adventures. Happy cooking and enjoy your homemade baozi!

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