Steamed Bao Buns with Glazed Beef Filling

Today I'll attempt making steamed bao buns.

They're usually called gua bao but are also sometimes known as Taiwanese hamburgers. However their popularity in the West has spread with the name bao buns, so here we are! The usual filling is glazed pork belly but you can basically fill them with whatever you want. I tried making the halal version and filled mine with glazed beef.

It's very similar to Filipino Siopao buns except it has a sandwich shape. So let me show you how to make it.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED
If you're planning on making bao buns I highly recommend you invest in one of these bamboo steamers.

A bamboo steamer is a relatively inexpensive addition to your kitchen cupboard and really is an essential piece for individuals who want an easy and convenient option to cook home-based meals in a way that preserves the flavor, texture, minerals, and nutrients of their food.

The truth is, once you have tried an authentic bamboo steamer, you will wonder how you ever cooked without one. The bamboo steamer lets you get back to the basics: healthy food, made in all-natural materials that literally feeds your body and mind.

I bought mine from Amazon and was very affordable CLICK HERE


Watch the video recipe below for more instructions.

Steamed Bao Buns Recipe

Recipe adapted from Marion's Kitchen

Recipe makes around 20 Bao Buns
INGREDIENTS:

• 550g all-purpose plain flour, plus extra for dusting
• 250ml warm water
• 50ml warm milk
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 7g instant dry yeast
• 1 tbsp white sugar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil, plus extra for greasing the dough
• 14 squares of baking paper (about 10x10cm)

DIRECTIONS:
STEP1
Place flour, milk powder, baking powder, yeast and sugar in a large bowl. In a separate bowl mix the vegetable oil and water. Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the liquids. Stir with a spoon and then use your hands to knead until the dough comes together. Empty out onto a work surface and knead for 5 minutes or until smooth, adding extra flour a tablespoon at a time if the dough sticks to the palm of your hand. Return the dough to the mixing bowl, cover and rest in a warm place for 90 minutes or until doubled in size.

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STEP 2

Once risen, transfer the dough to a work surface and dust with flour. ‘Punch down’ the dough by kneading it for 5 to 10 minutes. The aim here is to remove as many air bubbles as possible. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough out to 1cm thick. Dip your fingers in vegetable oil and lightly spread the oil over the surface of the dough. Then use an 8cm diameter pastry cutter (or a plastic cup of the same diameter) to cut out rounds. Remove the excess dough. Fold rounds in half and flatten slightly with the rolling pin. Place on a square of baking paper and place directly into a large bamboo steamer or onto a tray. Repeat with remaining dough (excess dough can be re-rolled and used). Cover the folded rounds and set aside to prove for 30 minutes.

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STEP 3

Fill a wok one-third full with water and place over high heat. When the water is boiling, place the bamboo steamer over the wok and steam buns for 12 minutes. Then turn off the heat (don’t lift the lid) and allow the buns to rest over the hot water for 5 minutes. Buns can be made up to a day in advance and steamed to re-heat before serving.