Delicious Homemade Baozi: Traditional Chinese Steamed Buns Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon of instant yeast
  • 1 cup of warm water
  • 1/4 cup of white sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • 200 grams of ground pork
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon of soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon of white sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
  • 1 large cabbage, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil for cooking

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, white sugar, and salt.
  2. Gradually add the warm water while stirring to form a dough.
  3. Once the dough begins to come together, add the vegetable oil and knead until it becomes smooth and elastic. This may take about 10 minutes.
  4. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm area for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
  5. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, green onions, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, black pepper, and chopped cabbage.
  6. In a large pan, heat the additional tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the filling mixture and cook until the pork is fully cooked. Remove from heat and allow it to cool.
  7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small pieces, about the size of a golf ball.
  8. Roll out each piece of dough into a circle. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle.
  9. Gather the edges of the dough circle and pinch them together to seal the baozi. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
  10. Steam the baozi in a bamboo steamer for about 15 minutes, or until the dough is cooked through.
  11. Remove from the steamer and serve hot.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining the dough ingredients.
  • Bamboo Steamer - A steamer made from bamboo, used to steam the baozi.
  • Pan - A large pan for cooking the filling mixture.
  • Rolling Pin - A tool used to roll out the dough into circles.
  • Knife - For finely chopping the cabbage and green onions.
  • Spoon - For mixing the filling ingredients and scooping them onto the dough circles.
  • Damp Cloth - To cover the dough while it rises.

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
  • Try using different types of meat such as chicken, beef, or shrimp instead of ground pork.
  • Add additional vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the filling.
  • For a vegetarian or vegan option, replace the meat with tofu or tempeh.
  • Experiment with different seasonings and sauces to customize the flavor, such as adding ginger, garlic, or chili sauce.
  • Make a sweet variation by adding a sweet filling such as red bean paste, chocolate, or fruit preserves.
  • Change the cooking method by pan-frying the baozi for a crispy texture.
  • Create mini-sized baozi for bite-sized appetizers or snacks.
  • Add a dipping sauce such as soy sauce, vinegar, or a spicy chili oil for extra flavor.
  • Make a dessert version by filling the baozi with a custard or cream filling.

Recipe overview

Experience the flavors of traditional Chinese cuisine with this Baozi recipe. Baozi, also known as Chinese steamed buns, are a staple in Chinese households and street food scenes. They're delicious, wholesome, and surprisingly straightforward to make at home. In this recipe, you'll be guided through the process of making your own Baozi dough, which is then filled with a flavorful mixture of ground pork and vegetables. The filled buns are then steamed to perfection, resulting in a deliciously soft and fluffy texture, housing savory and juicy filling inside. So, roll up your sleeves and let's bring the tantalizing taste of Chinese street food into your kitchen with this homemade Baozi recipe!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of flour?
    Yes, you can use other types of flour like bread flour or cake flour, but keep in mind that it may slightly affect the texture of the baozi.
  2. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
    Yes, you can use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast, but you would need to activate the yeast in warm water first before adding it to the flour mixture.
  3. Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?
    Certainly! You can use ground chicken, beef, or even vegetarian alternatives like tofu or mushrooms as a substitute for the ground pork.
  4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
    Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe.
  5. Can I freeze the baozi?
    Absolutely! Once the baozi are steamed and cooled, you can place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, steam them again until heated through.
  6. Can I add additional vegetables or seasonings to the filling?
    Of course! Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or water chestnuts. You can also add seasonings like garlic, ginger, or chili flakes to customize the flavor.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Baozi, a staple food in Chinese cuisine, has a history that can be traced back to the Three Kingdoms period (220-280 AD). According to folklore, it was invented by Zhuge Liang, a famous military strategist. Once, while on a military campaign, Zhuge Liang and his army were hindered by a raging river, and local barbarians suggested human heads be used as a sacrifice to the river god. Not wanting to harm anyone, Zhuge Liang devised a plan to create buns filled with meat, known as "mantou," using dough as the "head" and meat as the filling. These were then thrown into the river. The river god was appeased, the river calmed down, and the army crossed safely. The mantou later evolved into what we now know as baozi. Whether you're a history lover or a foodie, the story of this humble yet delightful food is sure to pique your interest.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.