Description
Soft & Juicy Beef Bao Buns feature irresistibly tender, pillowy steamed buns filled with a rich, savory slow-cooked ground beef mixture infused with soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, garlic, and green onions. This comforting and flavorful recipe combines a light dough with a juicy umami-packed filling, perfect for any occasion – from casual dinners to festive gatherings. Easy to customize and made with simple ingredients, these bao buns promise delicious restaurant-quality results at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Beef Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Optional Garnishes and Serving Suggestions
- Crunchy slaw
- Thin-sliced cucumbers
- Fresh cilantro
- Hoisin sauce
- Chili sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl and let it activate for 5-10 minutes until foamy. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add the yeast mixture and sesame oil, then knead by hand or mixer until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and allow it to rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Make the Beef Filling: Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green onions until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned and juicy. Stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce, and cook until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Shape and Steam the Buns: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions. Roll each portion into a small flat oval. Place a generous spoonful of beef filling in the center of each oval, then bring the dough edges together and seal completely. Arrange the buns on parchment paper squares and place them in a steamer basket. Steam covered for 12-15 minutes until buns are puffy and soft.
- Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the buns from the steamer and serve warm. Garnish with crunchy slaw, fresh cucumber slices, cilantro, and your choice of hoisin or chili sauce for added flavor contrast and freshness.
Notes
- Use warm water at approximately 110°F for optimal yeast activation.
- Avoid overfilling buns to prevent tearing of the dough.
- Do not lift the steamer lid during cooking to maintain moisture and softness.
- Allow the dough sufficient rising time to achieve fluffy bao texture.
- Use parchment paper or cabbage leaves under buns during steaming to avoid sticking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: bao buns, beef bao, steamed buns, Asian appetizers, comfort food, soft buns, savory beef filling, homemade bao