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Tender Beef Bao Buns Recipe

Tender Beef Bao Buns Recipe: Fluffy Buns Bursting with Flavor

Experience the delightful Tender Beef Bao Buns Recipe, featuring fluffy buns filled with succulent beef for a perfect comfort food.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 10 buns
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Consider bread flour for extra chewiness.
  • 1/4 cup Warm Water Around 110°F (43°C) for best results.
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar Can substitute with honey.
  • 2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast Ensure it’s fresh.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt Stick to the recommended amount.
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil Olive oil can also be used.
For the Filling
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Substitute with ground pork, chicken, turkey, or crumbled tofu if desired.
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Fresh garlic provides maximum flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Minced Ginger Adjust for desired spice level.
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce Tamari for gluten-free option.
  • 1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce Vegetarian substitute: hoisin sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon Hoisin Sauce Sweet soy sauce can be a substitute.
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch Mix with 2 tbsp water before adding.
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil Toasted sesame oil deepens flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon White Pepper Black pepper can work in a pinch.
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped Scallions For filling and garnish.
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped Cilantro Adjust to taste preference.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • steamer basket
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Floured Surface
  • damp cloth

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of warm water with 1 tablespoon of sugar and 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for about 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Add in the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 8 minutes.
  3. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.
  4. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil, add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon of minced ginger, sauté for 1 minute. Add 1 pound of ground beef, cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Stir in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. Cook until thickened, then add chopped scallions and cilantro, and cool completely.
  6. After the dough has risen, punch it down, divide into 10 pieces, and roll into balls. Flatten each ball to 4 inches wide and place a tablespoon of beef filling in the center. Gather edges and pinch to seal.
  7. Let the shaped buns rest for 15 minutes. Prepare the steamer by bringing water to a gentle boil. Steam the buns for 12-15 minutes until puffed up.
  8. For extra flavor, pan-fry steamed buns in oil over medium heat for 2 minutes on each side until golden. Serve hot with garnishes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bunCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 80IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Store leftover buns in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat by steaming. For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped buns for up to 2 months.

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