13 Fluffy Bao Buns Recipes
I still remember the steamy aroma of my grandmother’s kitchen in Chinatown, where Sundays meant dim sum feasts. She’d steam batches of fluffy bao buns filled with tender pork, teaching me the art of pleating the dough just right. Those pillowy bites were pure comfort, wrapping juicy fillings in a cloud-like embrace that made every bite an explosion of flavor and nostalgia.
Lately, I’ve been experimenting in my own kitchen, tweaking classic bao recipes to fit modern tastes—from vegan twists to fusion fillings inspired by global street food. With bao buns trending on social media and at food trucks everywhere, they’re the perfect canvas for creativity. Whether you’re a beginner or a bao pro, these recipes prove that fluffy, homemade steamed buns are easier than you think and endlessly versatile.
Classic Char Siu Pork Bao
For these iconic bao, start with soft bao dough (2 cups flour, 1 tsp yeast, 1 tsp sugar, ¾ cup warm water, 1 tbsp oil—knead, rise 1 hour). Filling: 1 lb pork shoulder diced, 3 tbsp hoisin, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp five-spice; marinate overnight, braise 1 hour, shred. Steam buns 12-15 mins.
These bao offer juicy, sweet-savory pork perfection with minimal effort, packed with protein and antioxidants from spices—ideal for meal prep or parties.
Teriyaki Chicken Bao
Bao dough as above. Filling: 1 lb chicken thigh diced, ¼ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup mirin, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp ginger; simmer 20 mins until sticky. Stuff, steam 12 mins.
A lighter take with caramelized chicken that’s kid-friendly and high in lean protein, promoting satiety without heaviness.
Shiitake Mushroom Vegetarian Bao
Dough recipe standard. Filling: 2 cups shiitake mushrooms sliced, 1 cup cabbage shredded, 2 tbsp oyster sauce (or veg alternative), 1 tsp sesame oil; stir-fry 5 mins. Steam 10 mins.
Earthy, umami-rich and fully plant-based, these boost immunity with mushrooms’ beta-glucans and add fiber for gut health.
Korean Bulgogi Beef Bao
Prep dough. Filling: 1 lb beef ribeye thinly sliced, ¼ cup soy, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 1 pear grated, 2 garlic cloves; marinate 1 hr, sear 5 mins. Steam 12 mins.
Bold, sweet-spicy beef delivers iron and B vitamins, fusing Korean flair into portable bites.
Garlic Shrimp Bao
Dough base. Filling: ½ lb shrimp chopped, 3 garlic cloves minced, 2 scallions, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tsp rice wine; sauté 3 mins. Steam 10 mins.
Succulent seafood bursts with flavor, omega-3s for heart health, and quick prep for weeknights.
Crispy Tofu and Veggie Bao
Standard dough. Filling: 14 oz firm tofu cubed & fried crisp, 1 carrot julienned, ½ cup bok choy, 2 tbsp hoisin; mix warm. Steam 12 mins.
Vegan powerhouse with complete plant protein and crunch, supporting muscle repair and low-cal diets.
BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Bao
Dough as before. Filling: 2 cans jackfruit shredded, 1 cup BBQ sauce, 1 onion sliced; simmer 20 mins. Steam 12 mins.
Meat-free “pulled pork” alternative, fiber-rich for digestion and smoky satisfaction for vegans.
Spicy Kimchi Pork Bao
Dough prep. Filling: ¾ lb ground pork, 1 cup chopped kimchi, 1 tbsp gochujang, 1 tsp ginger; cook 10 mins. Steam 12 mins.
Fermented kimchi adds probiotics for gut health, with fiery pork for an addictive kick.
Custard-Filled Sweet Bao
Dough with extra 2 tbsp sugar. Filling: 1 cup milk, ¼ cup sugar, 2 egg yolks, 2 tbsp cornstarch, vanilla; thicken into custard. Steam 15 mins.
Dessert bao treat, calcium-rich custard comforts like a hug, perfect post-meal indulgence.
Peking Duck-Style Bao
Dough standard. Filling: 2 duck breasts roasted & shredded, 2 tbsp hoisin, cucumber/pancake wrappers shredded in; assemble. Steam 12 mins.
Luxurious, crispy duck skin vibes with healthy fats, elevating home cooking.
Szechuan Spicy Chicken Bao
Dough. Filling: 1 lb chicken minced, 2 tbsp Szechuan peppercorns, 1 tbsp chili oil, peanuts crushed; stir-fry 8 mins. Steam 12 mins.
Numbing spice wakes senses, with peanuts for healthy fats and bold Sichuan heat.
Pineapple Pork Bao
Dough base. Filling: ¾ lb pork diced, 1 cup pineapple chunks, 2 tbsp soy, 1 tbsp vinegar; braise 25 mins. Steam 12 mins.
Tropical sweet-tangy twist aids digestion with pineapple enzymes, fun fusion flavor.
Chocolate Hazelnut Dessert Bao
Sweetened dough. Filling: ½ cup chocolate hazelnut spread, ¼ cup crushed hazelnuts, optional banana slices; stuff cold. Steam 10 mins.
Decadent treat with antioxidants from chocolate and nuts, guilt-free steamed delight.
These 13 fluffy bao bun recipes are your ticket to steamed bun mastery—grab some dough, pick your favorites, and fill your kitchen with that irresistible steam. Experiment, share with friends, and let the fluffy magic happen!
