17 Best Chinese Steamed Bun Recipe Taste The Magic Today!
Published on: Mar 20, 2024
Chinese steamed buns, also known as "baozi" or "mantou", are a staple in Chinese cuisine. These soft and fluffy buns are filled with a variety of delicious fillings, making them a popular dish for both breakfast and snacks. While there are many variations of steamed bun recipes, we have scoured the web and tested different techniques to bring you the best Chinese steamed bun recipe. Follow our step-by-step guide to create these irresistible buns in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Instant Yeast, Lukewarm Water, Milk
Mantou, also known as Chinese steamed buns, are a staple in Chinese cuisine. These soft and fluffy buns are a versatile food that can be enjoyed as a snack, side dish, or even as a main course. They are easy to make and can be filled with a variety of ingredients, making them a popular choice among home cooks and street vendors alike.
If you're new to making mantou, start with a basic recipe like this one from The Woks of Life. It uses only a few ingredients and yields soft and fluffy buns that are perfect for stuffing with your favorite fillings. These buns can also be enjoyed on their own, dipped in a savory sauce or served alongside a meal.
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Kaya Pao (Kaya Chinese Steamed Bun)
Main Ingredients: Fine Granulated Sugar, Hot Water, Coconut Milk, Eggs
Kaya pao, also known as kaya Chinese steamed buns, are a popular variation of the traditional mantou. These buns are filled with a sweet and creamy coconut jam called kaya, giving them a unique and delicious flavor. Kaya pao are often served as a dessert or snack in many Chinese households.
To make kaya pao at home, you'll need to start by making your own kaya jam. This recipe from Rasa Malaysia is easy to follow and yields a deliciously smooth and creamy jam. Once your jam is ready, you can follow this recipe from China Sichuan Food to make your kaya pao buns from scratch. These buns are best enjoyed warm, with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
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Pumpkin Mantou (Pumpkin Chinese Steamed Bun)
Main Ingredients: Pumpkin Flesh, Instant Yeast, Plain Flour, Sugar
If you're looking for a fun and colorful variation of the traditional mantou, try making pumpkin mantou. These buns are made with pumpkin puree, giving them a vibrant orange color and a subtle sweetness. They are perfect for fall gatherings or as a festive addition to any meal.
This recipe from Wok and Kin uses pumpkin puree, flour, and sugar to create soft and fluffy pumpkin mantou. The addition of pumpkin adds a unique flavor and also makes the buns more nutritious. You can serve these buns with a savory filling like pork or chicken, or enjoy them as a sweet treat on their own.
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All-Purpose Chinese Steamed Bun Dough (Man Tou)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Instant Yeast, Baking Powder, Sugar
Having a go-to recipe for basic Chinese steamed bun dough can be a lifesaver when you're short on time or ingredients. This all-purpose Chinese steamed bun dough is easy to make and can be used for a variety of dishes, including mantou, baozi, and more.
This recipe from The Woks of Life uses only four ingredients and can be made in less than 30 minutes. The dough can also be frozen and stored for future use, making it a convenient and versatile option for busy cooks. You can use this dough to make any of the recipes mentioned in this article or get creative and come up with your own fillings.
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Pandan Spiral Mantou-Soft Fluffy Chinese Steamed Bun...
Main Ingredients: Flour, Wheat Starch, Instant Yeast, Sugar, Milk, Corn
If you're a fan of pandan, a fragrant leaf used in many Southeast Asian dishes, you'll love these pandan spiral mantou. These buns are not only delicious but also visually stunning with their vibrant green color and spiral shape. They are perfect for impressing guests or for a special occasion.
To make these pandan spiral mantou, you'll need pandan extract or pandan paste, which can be found at most Asian grocery stores. This recipe from Christine's Recipes uses a combination of all-purpose flour and rice flour to create soft and fluffy buns with a slight chewiness. These buns are best enjoyed warm, with a cup of tea or coffee.
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The BEST Gua Bao Pork Belly Steamed Bun & Video
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Large Onion, Garlic Cloves, Chicken Stock
Gua bao, also known as Taiwanese hamburger, is a popular street food in Taiwan. These steamed buns are filled with tender and flavorful pork belly, pickled mustard greens, and crushed peanuts, making them a delicious and satisfying meal. They are easy to make at home and are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
This recipe from The Woks of Life includes a step-by-step video to guide you through the process of making these mouth-watering gua bao buns. The recipe also includes instructions for making the pickled mustard greens, which are an essential component of this dish. Serve these buns as a main course or as an appetizer for a taste of Taiwanese street food at home.
Chinese steamed custard buns, also known as nai wong bao, are a popular dim sum dish that can be found in many Chinese restaurants. These buns are filled with a sweet and creamy custard that oozes out when you take a bite, making them a delicious and indulgent treat.
To make these buns at home, you'll need custard powder, which can be found at most Asian grocery stores. This recipe from Rasa Malaysia includes instructions for making the custard filling from scratch, but you can also use store-bought custard powder for convenience. These buns are best enjoyed warm, and can be enjoyed as a dessert or snack.
Chinese steamed buns, or baozi, are a popular street food in China. These buns are filled with a variety of ingredients, including pork, chicken, vegetables, and more. They are a convenient and delicious option for a quick meal or snack.
This recipe from The Woks of Life includes instructions for making the dough and the filling from scratch. The buns can be steamed or pan-fried, depending on your preference. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Chinese steamed egg, also known as zheng shui dan (water-steamed eggs), is a popular dish in many Chinese households. This dish is made by steaming beaten eggs with a flavorful broth, creating a silky and smooth texture. It can be served as a side dish or enjoyed on its own as a light meal.
This recipe from China Sichuan Food includes instructions for making the broth with chicken or pork, but you can also use your preferred protein or omit it altogether for a vegetarian option. The key to achieving the perfect texture for this dish is to steam the eggs at a low temperature for a longer period of time. Serve with a drizzle of soy sauce and sprinkle of green onions for a delicious and comforting meal.
Chinese orange chicken is a popular dish in many Chinese and American restaurants. This dish features crispy chicken pieces coated in a tangy and sweet orange sauce, making it a favorite among many. You can recreate this takeout favorite at home with this recipe from Dinner at the Zoo.
The chicken is coated in a cornstarch and flour mixture before being deep-fried, giving it a crispy and crunchy texture. The sauce is made with orange juice, soy sauce, and other flavorful ingredients for a delicious and balanced flavor. Serve this dish with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Chinese beef and broccoli is another popular dish that can often be found on Chinese restaurant menus. This dish features tender beef and crisp broccoli florets coated in a savory and flavorful sauce. It's a quick and easy dish to make at home and can be served with rice or noodles.
This recipe from The Woks of Life includes instructions for making a delicious and authentic Chinese-style sauce that pairs perfectly with the beef and broccoli. The key to achieving tender and flavorful beef is to marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, and other ingredients. This dish can be made in less than 30 minutes, making it a great option for a busy weeknight.
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Chinese Steamed Buns (Mantou)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Dry Active Yeast, Warm Water
Traditional Chinese steamed buns, or mantou, are a versatile food that can be enjoyed in many different ways. They can be stuffed with a variety of fillings, or enjoyed on their own as a snack or side dish. This basic mantou recipe from China Sichuan Food is a great starting point for anyone looking to make their own steamed buns at home.
The dough is made with only four ingredients and can be used to make a variety of buns, including barbecue pork buns, sweet red bean buns, and more. The key to achieving soft and fluffy buns is to let the dough rise properly and to steam them at a high temperature. Serve these buns with your favorite fillings or dip them in a savory sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Chinese fried rice is a popular dish that can be found in many Chinese restaurants around the world. This dish is made with rice, vegetables, and protein, and is flavored with soy sauce, garlic, and other ingredients. It's a great way to use up leftover rice and can be customized with your preferred protein and vegetables.
This recipe from Rasa Malaysia includes instructions for making the fried rice with chicken, but you can also use shrimp, beef, or tofu for a vegetarian option. The key to achieving flavorful and non-greasy fried rice is to use cold, leftover rice and to stir-fry the ingredients over high heat. Serve this dish as a main course or as a side dish with other Chinese dishes.
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Chinese Chicken Thighs
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Olive Oil, Minced Ginger, Minced
Chinese chicken thighs are a simple and delicious dish that can be made with just a few ingredients. This dish features juicy and tender chicken thighs coated in a savory sauce made with soy sauce, honey, and other flavorful ingredients. It's a great option for a quick and easy meal that the whole family will enjoy.
This recipe from The Woks of Life includes instructions for making the sauce and marinating the chicken overnight for maximum flavor. The chicken is then baked in the oven until it is juicy and tender. Serve with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Restaurant-style Chinese Steamed Fish
Main Ingredients: Fish, Ginger, Scallion, Cilantro Leaves, Cooking Oil
Steamed fish is a popular dish in many Chinese restaurants, and for good reason. It's a simple and healthy way to enjoy fish, and the steaming process helps to preserve the natural flavors and nutrients of the fish. This recipe from China Sichuan Food recreates the restaurant-style steamed fish at home, using only a few ingredients.
The key to achieving a perfectly steamed fish is to use fresh and high-quality fish and to steam it at a high temperature for a short period of time. The sauce is made with soy sauce, ginger, and other ingredients for a flavorful and well-balanced dish. Serve with steamed rice and vegetables for a nutritious and delicious meal.
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Chinese Steamed Buns with BBQ Pork Filling
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Loin Roast, Barbecue Sauce, Shallots
Chinese steamed buns with BBQ pork filling, also known as char siu bao, are a popular dim sum dish that can be found in many Chinese restaurants. These buns are filled with tender and flavorful BBQ pork and are a delicious and satisfying meal or snack.
To make these buns at home, you'll need to start by making the BBQ pork filling. This recipe from China Sichuan Food includes instructions for making the filling from scratch, but you can also use store-bought BBQ pork for convenience. The buns are then steamed until they are soft and fluffy, and can be enjoyed as a snack or as a main course.
Chinese chicken and broccoli is a popular dish that can be found on many Chinese restaurant menus. This dish features tender chicken and crisp broccoli florets coated in a savory and flavorful sauce. It's a quick and easy dish to make at home and can be served with rice or noodles.
This recipe from The Woks of Life includes instructions for making the sauce from scratch, which is key to achieving a flavorful and well-balanced dish. You can also add other vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers to make this dish even more nutritious. Serve with steamed rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Chinese egg drop soup is a simple and comforting dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or as a light meal. This soup features a flavorful broth, eggs, and other ingredients like mushrooms, tofu, or corn. It's a great option for a quick and easy meal that the whole family will enjoy.
This recipe from Rasa Malaysia includes instructions for making the soup with chicken broth, but you can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. The key to achieving the signature egg drop texture is to slowly pour beaten eggs into the hot broth while stirring constantly. Serve this soup with a sprinkle of green onions for a delicious and comforting meal.
Chinese steamed sponge cake, also known as ma lai gao, is a popular dessert in many Chinese households. This cake is soft, fluffy, and has a delicate texture, making it a delicious and light treat. It can be enjoyed on its own or with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
This recipe from China Sichuan Food uses only a few ingredients and can be made in a steamer or in the oven. The key to achieving a light and fluffy sponge cake is to beat the eggs until they are light and airy. You can also add other flavors like pandan or chocolate to make this cake even more interesting.
Chinese steamed fish is a simple and healthy dish that is often enjoyed in Chinese households. This dish features a whole fish that is steamed with ginger, scallions, and other ingredients, creating a flavorful and nutritious meal. It's a great option for anyone looking to incorporate more fish into their diet.
This recipe from China Sichuan Food includes instructions for making the sauce and steaming the fish in a traditional Chinese steamer. The key to achieving a perfectly steamed fish is to use a fresh and high-quality fish and to steam it at a high temperature for a short period of time. Serve with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete and nutritious meal.
The Importance of Quality Ingredients
When it comes to making the best Chinese steamed buns, using high-quality ingredients is key. The main ingredient, flour, should be of good quality and have a high protein content. This will ensure that the buns have a soft and fluffy texture when steamed. Eggs are also an essential ingredient as they add moisture and richness to the dough. For the filling, pork is traditionally used, but you can also use chicken, beef, or vegetables for a healthier option. Using fresh and flavorful ingredients will elevate the taste of your buns and make them truly delicious.
The Importance of Proper Technique
Aside from using quality ingredients, mastering the technique of making Chinese steamed buns is crucial. The dough should be kneaded for a sufficient amount of time to activate the gluten and create a smooth and elastic texture. It is also important to let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out and shape. When filling the buns, make sure to seal them tightly to avoid any leakage during steaming. These small but important steps will make a significant difference in the overall quality of your steamed buns.
Adding a Personal Touch
While traditional Chinese steamed buns are delicious on their own, you can add your own personal touch by experimenting with different fillings and shapes. For a savory option, try adding shredded cabbage or mushrooms to your filling. For a sweet twist, you can add red bean paste, custard, or chocolate to create a dessert bun. You can also get creative with shaping your buns, from the classic round shape to pleats and twists. These small variations will add a unique and personal touch to your steamed buns.
In conclusion, making the best Chinese steamed buns requires the use of quality ingredients, proper technique, and a touch of creativity. With our tried and tested recipe, you can easily recreate these popular buns in your own kitchen. So why not gather your ingredients and give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you.
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