Vegetarian Pau Recipe Easy and Delicious Homemade Buns

Vegetarian pau, also known as steamed buns, are a delightful and fluffy treat that originated from Chinese cuisine but have been embraced by many cultures worldwide. These buns are soft, pillowy, and typically filled with a savory or sweet vegetarian filling that bursts with flavor in every bite.

Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a satisfying lunch, or an appetizer to impress your guests, vegetarian pau fits the bill perfectly. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and simplicity, making it an ideal dish for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike.

Plus, steaming instead of baking keeps the buns incredibly moist and tender.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through making the perfect dough and a delicious vegetable filling, ensuring your vegetarian pau comes out just right every time. If you enjoy exploring plant-based dishes, you might also want to check out our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for more inspiration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegetarian pau offers a wonderful combination of soft, airy bread and a rich, savory filling, making it a satisfying meal or snack. The dough is easy to prepare with basic pantry ingredients, and steaming ensures they maintain their fluffy texture without the need for oil or baking.

This recipe is not only delicious but also customizable. You can swap out the filling ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

The buns freeze well, so you can make a batch ahead of time and steam them fresh whenever you want a comforting bite.

Additionally, making pau at home is a fun culinary project that introduces you to traditional Asian cooking techniques. For those interested in baking, you might enjoy our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves, which complements this steamed bun recipe beautifully.

Ingredients

• For the dough:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup warm water (around 110°F / 43°C)
• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• For the filling:
• 1 cup finely chopped cabbage
• 1/2 cup grated carrot
• 1/2 cup finely chopped shiitake mushrooms (or any mushrooms available)
• 1/4 cup diced firm tofu
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil for cooking
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Steamer basket or bamboo steamer
• Rolling pin
• Frying pan or wok
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
• Knife and cutting board

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates the yeast is active.
2. Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Slowly add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil while stirring. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle a little more flour.
3. Let the dough rise: Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
4. Prepare the filling: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
5. Add chopped mushrooms, grated carrot, and cabbage. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften.
6. Add diced tofu, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
7. Shape the buns: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 10-12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a small ball.
8. Using a rolling pin, flatten each ball into a circle approximately 4-5 inches in diameter. Place about 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each circle.
9. Carefully gather the edges of the dough around the filling and pinch to seal the bun at the top. Make sure the seal is tight to prevent filling from leaking out during steaming.
10. Steam the buns: Line your steamer basket with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking. Place the buns inside, leaving enough space between them to expand.
11. Cover and steam over boiling water for 15-18 minutes. Avoid opening the lid during steaming to keep the buns fluffy.
12. Once done, turn off the heat and let the buns sit for 2 minutes before removing the lid.
13. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For perfectly soft dough, make sure your water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.

If you want a spicier filling, add chopped chili peppers or a dash of chili oil.

You can substitute the tofu with mashed chickpeas or cooked lentils for a different texture and protein boost.

Vegetarian pau can be frozen before steaming. Just place them on a baking sheet in the freezer, then transfer to a ziplock bag.

Steam directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegetarian pau are best enjoyed warm, straight out of the steamer. They make a perfect snack or light meal paired with a fresh salad or a side of dipping sauces like soy sauce, chili oil, or even a sweet and sour sauce.

For a more substantial meal, consider serving them alongside soups such as a Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating or a tangy cucumber salad.

These buns also work well as party appetizers or lunchbox treats. For an extra touch, garnish with toasted sesame seeds or chopped scallions.

Conclusion

Making vegetarian pau at home is a rewarding experience that combines a few simple ingredients into a delicious, fluffy, and savory delight. This recipe is perfect for anyone wanting to explore vegetarian Asian-inspired cooking with a healthy and versatile dish.

The softness of the steamed buns paired with the rich, flavorful vegetable filling makes every bite satisfying and comforting.

Not only is this recipe approachable for cooks of all skill levels, but it also allows ample room for creativity in the fillings and spices you choose. Plus, with the option to freeze and reheat, vegetarian pau can become a convenient staple in your kitchen.

Don’t forget to explore other vegetarian delights like our Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners to continue your culinary adventure.

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