The 15 Best Places for Steamed Buns in Los Angeles
1.Din Tai Fung is a Chinese restaurant. 8.9Westfield Century City, Beverly Hills, California, United States Chinese Restaurant in Beverly Hills with 24 reviews and recommendations Snow cream and pork soup dumplings are two of my favorite dishes. They even offered to show how to eat them (by nibbling a cooling vent into the top), but considering how little they are, it wasn’t really required given the size of the snack bars. Andrew Galdi (interviewer): Excellent dumplings. The soup dumplings are just delicious!
Nothing else should be ordered.
8.28256 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CADim Sum Restaurant Mid-City West 102 recommendations and reviews Crystle shrimp dumpling, steaming barbecue pork bun, juicy beef dumpling, and shrimp spring roll are among the dishes prepared by Brian Anthony.
If you’re scared to jump into the dumpling pool, try these first.
To be completely honest, nothing I’ve ever eaten here has been anything short of spectacular.
However, please be advised that the fantastic half-price lunch deal is no longer available:( Ramen Restaurant in Silver Lake, Los Angeles, CA8.72927 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CARamen Restaurant in Silver Lake, Los Angeles, CA120 recommendations and reviews Todd: You may obtain broth that is half pig and half chicken.
- The pork bun is very delectable.
- It takes a bit longer to put together.
- Connie Chiu: The pork bun is a substantial and delectable treat.
- 4.Won Kok Restaurant is a Korean restaurant in Seoul.
- Chinese Restaurant in Chinatown, with 57 recommendations and reviews Lorena: The pork buns and sesame red bean buns were really delicious.
- Each one costs 90 cents.
- On the exterior, there’s a sweet glaze, and on the interior, there’s flavorful juicy pork.:)) Marimelle Please pick up the siumai (also known as pork dumpling), pork bao, and almond biscuits for later.
Erik Dane: I’d want to thank you for your time.
By a long stretch, the best in the hood.
Matt Britton: The spicy ramen is very delicious.
Their pork buns are authentic, and thank goodness they only serve you two at a time.
Christine Wu:Deliciously succulent roast pork served on soft steamed buns with a cool cucumber slice is a delicious combination.
Pork shumai for just 40 cents a piece, thanks to graceface killa!
r g: BBQ pork buns and pineapple buns baked in the oven.
Greta Anderson’s Steamed and Baked Pork Bao Buns are just 65 cents each bao bun!
They accept credit cards with a minimum purchase of $10.
You should try the duck fat fries with the delectable dill crack sauce.
Eater: Despite the fact that this K-town eatery is still serving some of the greatest french fries in the biz, the little’ baos are a hit here.
More information may be found here.
Despite the fact that they are little, around the size of a taco, they offer several alternatives.
It’s very wonderful!
Too obsessed about remaining fashionable, yet the flavour is simply wrong.
serifluous: This is the best ramen I’ve ever tasted in my life.
9.Catch LA8.98715 Melrose Ave (San Vicente), Los Angeles, California, CASeafood Restaurant71 recommendations and reviews.
Bao buns filled with crunchy chicken Laith Al-Hashimi (Laith Al-Hashimi): The seafood and sushi tower is a must-see.
The chicken skewers and the Bao were both really delicious!
Natalie Freilich: I’m having a pork bun.
Steam buns are to die for, according to Johanna Lerma.
Stephanie Szeto: Sheng jian bao!
12.Chi’s Chinese Restaurant8.29635 Reseda Boulevard, Northridge, California 13 recommendations and reviews for a Chinese restaurant Samantha Freedman: The peanut sauce is fantastic!
Jackie P: Everything we ordered was delicious; it is served a la carte, so order a couple entrée, such as noodles or something similar.
In addition, the service was superb.
aiwanese Restaurant in Silver Lake has 121 ratings and recommendations from diners.
Sadly, the panfried pork buns are a letdown.
Cooking with the Lindy Groove: Pumpkin pot stickers and sweet potato greens served with a pork rice dish 14.Everson Royce Bar9, 11936 E 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90036 Downtown Los Angeles’s most popular cocktail bar 44 recommendations and testimonials Rayshawn Williams is a football player who plays in the National Football League (NFL).
- The hoisin sauce is very delectable.
- Amber: The Infanté ($12), a tequila cocktail made with lemon, almond, nutmeg, and rosewater, is a favorite.
- The facade is designed to be uninspiring, while the backyard has a large terrace.
- Hamburger and French Fries 15.BeautyEssex8.41615 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CALounge Central Hollywood CALounge Central Hollywood CALounge Central Hollywood 19 recommendations and testimonials I recommend the grilled cheese, smoky bacon, and tomato soup dumplings, which are a must-have.
Delicious, albeit a little gimmicky. Raghda:Oh my gosh, I’m such a foodie, and it’s been a long time since I’ve had such delectable cuisine. Michael Amster: Lamb chops, raw bar plates, and empanadas are some of the dishes on the menu.
Steamed Bao Buns
Detailed instructions and photographs on how to create the ideal, soft, and fluffy steamed bao buns. To create the ultimate handmade bao buns, follow these tips and methods. They’ll be excellent for stuffing with your favorite fillings. In this section, you will find methods for steaming bao buns on the stovetop and in a steam oven.
Bao Buns
It was about 2004 that David Chang introduced his version of Pork Belly Buns to the menu of his restaurant, Momofuku Noodle Bar in New York, and no one could have imagined that the modest bao buns would go on to become an international gastronomic sensation. Even I made a point of getting a table at Momofuku every time I was in New York, no matter how lengthy the line was. His concept of transforming a normal bao bun into a sandwich or hamburger of sorts, packed with delicious pork belly and a simple garnish of pickled cucumbers, was absolutely brilliant to me.
Homemade Bao Buns
Bao buns were not to be found in Zurich’s stores or restaurants (and this is still the case in 2019! ), so I set out to make my own using a recipe from David Chang’s cookbook, Momofuku, to make steamed bao buns from scratch. After a few years of experimentation (David Chang’s bao bun recipe yields almost 50 buns! ), I settled on the recipe below, which I use on a regular basis throughout the year.
Why This Recipe Works
- Bao buns are a steamed bun that is light, fluffy, and pillowy in texture, and they are ideal for stuffing with your favorite ingredients. Make the bao buns anyway you like using this recipe
- It’s all up to you. This recipe may be used to make bao buns that are filled or stuffed. Once the buns have been rolled out, all that is left to do is fill and shape them before allowing them to rise for the second time according to the instructions. After they’ve been cooked, the bao buns may be frozen and then warmed in the steamer
Steamed Buns
Light, fluffy and pillowy steamed buns are created by following this recipe, and they’re ideal for stuffing with your favorite ingredients. Make the bao buns anyway you like using this recipe; it is all up to you. This recipe may be used to make bao buns that are filled or stuffed with different fillings and ingredients. As soon as the buns have been rolled out, just fill and shape them as directed by the recipe before allowing them to rise for a second time. Alternatively, the cooked bao buns can be frozen and warmed in a steamer.
Bao Buns Recipe
If you’re lucky, your local Asian supermarket may have pre-made bao buns in the freezer part of their establishment. It is possible that this simple bao bun recipe will need some planning and preparation, but you will be rewarded with delectably fluffy handmade buns that will thrill everyone who tries them.
How to Make Bao Buns
Bao buns are made with both yeast and baking powder, which helps the buns rise to their full potential. Begin by combining all of the dry ingredients in a large mixing basin and mixing well. Then, using a measuring jug, pour the heated water and oil into the pan. The water should be somewhat warmer than lukewarm in order to aid in the activation of the yeast, but it should not be boiling hot.
Step 2
The dough for my bao buns is made in my electric stand-mixer; however, you may certainly create everything by hand if you so choose. Using a dough hook on a medium speed, incorporate the liquid components into the dry ones. If you are using a different type of flour than that specified in the recipe, you may require more or less liquid than that specified. You just need a small amount of liquid to bring everything together into a soft dough.
Next, with the mixer still running on medium speed, knead the dough until it is soft and smooth to the touch. This should take around 10 minutes with a stand mixer on medium speed, or approximately 5 minutes if done manually.
Step 3
After the dough has become soft and smooth, I recommend kneading it by hand for a few more minutes on the kitchen counter top to finish it off. In order to determine whether the dough is ready, push your finger into the dough and produce an imprint in the dough. If the dough bounces back, it indicates that it is ready. If the imprint is still visible, you will need to knead the dough a little longer. Place the ball of dough back into the (clean) mixing basin and set the bowl somewhere warm for around 60 to 90 minutes, or until the dough has doubled in size, to rise and expand.
Step 4
As soon as the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and knead it by hand for around 5 minutes to remove any air bubbles that may have formed in the dough. Afterwards, roll out the dough until it is approximately one centimeter in height. Rub a little amount of oil onto the surface of the dough with your hands. Using this method, you will be able to avoid the dough from sticking together later on while shaping the buns.
Step 5
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it back down and knead it by hand for about 5 minutes to remove any air bubbles that may have formed in the dough during the rise. Afterwards, roll out the dough to a height of approximately 1 cm. With your hands, dab a small amount of oil onto the dough’s surface. This will help to avoid the dough from sticking together later on while you’re shaping the buns, which is important.
Step 6
Place the rounds on a small sheet of baking paper – I prefer to use simple white cupcake wrappers that I flatten with a rolling pin to make them easier to handle. This saves me the time and effort of having to cut a sheet of baking paper into little pieces before using it. Then, using a rolling pin, carefully flatten the dough to make the bun shape. Repeat with the remaining rounds.
Step 7
Set everything on a big baking sheet, cover with a tea towel, and set it aside somewhere warm for approximately 30 minutes to let the buns to rise again and become more puffed. It should have taken around 10 minutes for the bao buns to rise somewhat and puff out a little.
Step 8
In the meantime, heat the steamer on the stovetop (see notes below). The buns should be steamed in batches for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are fluffy and soft, and the insides are cooked through.
How to Proof Dough
The yeast in the dough must be activated in a warm atmosphere in order for the dough to rise properly. You might try one of the following suggestions if you don’t have a warm spot in your house:
- In the oven with the oven light turned on (this is only applicable to certain ovens)
- On the lowest shelf of the oven, there is a baking plate filled with boiling water. Use around 1 litre (4 cups) of water, then top it up after approximately 1 hour of cooking
- Cook at a low temperature of around 25-40°C (77-104°F) in the oven or a steamer oven
How to Steam Bao Buns
- Using a bamboo steamer to steam bao buns is a terrific way to save money, and Asian grocery shops usually have a big selection of sizes available at reasonable costs. Aside from the low cost, another advantage of bamboo steamers is that they are attractive when used to serve food at the table. I recommend that you get the largest steamer that will fit your saucepan and stovetop. In order for it to work properly, the bamboo steamer must be the same size as the saucepan you are using below it. To illustrate this point further, if you are using a bamboo steamer with a diameter of 12 inches, your saucepan should likewise be 12 inches in diameter
- If you plan to make bao buns (or even dumplings) on a regular basis, I recommend purchasing at least two steamer baskets that can be stacked on top of each other to reduce cooking (and waiting) time
- If you plan to make dumplings, I recommend purchasing at least two steamer baskets that can be stacked on top of each other. For those who are serious about creating bao buns, I recommend investing in a multi-tiered metal or stainless steel steamer, which can be found at most Asian grocery shops or online. These are also available in a variety of sizes and have the added benefit of being dishwasher-safe
- Fill the saucepan about one-third of the way with boiling water, and then lay the steamer baskets on top of that. Place the pot with the steamer baskets on the stove over a low-medium heat and cook for 10 minutes. There is a chance that the bao buns will overcook or even turn soggy if you steam them at a high enough temperature
- However, if you steam them at a lower temperature, the buns will be OK. Place the bao buns in each steamer basket, leaving enough space between them for them to rise and expand during cooking. Cover and steam for approximately 10 to 12 minutes, or until the buns have risen and are light and fluffy when opened.
Tips For Making Bao Buns
- Plain flour (all-purpose flour) is fine for this recipe, since the cornflour (cornstarch) will aid in giving the buns a light and fluffy texture due to the use of cornstarch. It is not necessary for the buns to be a blinding white as those available in Chinese restaurants
- Nonetheless, the taste and texture should remain the same. To get the pure white appearance of buns found in Chinese restaurants, I recommend using bleached flour, which can be obtained at Asian grocery shops or online. In order for the dough to rise properly, it must be kneaded for the necessary period of time. It is possible that failing to knead the dough adequately can result in buns that are blotchy in appearance (but still taste delicious), and this is due to not mixing the ingredients together well enough and/or failing to remove all of of the air bubbles from the dough. To prevent the buns from becoming soggy, steam them on a low-medium heat until they are just cooked through.
How to Make Steamed Bao Buns with a Steam Oven
This recipe may be made using plain flour (all-purpose flour), but it is recommended that you use cornflour (cornstarch) to give the buns a light and fluffy texture. It is not necessary for the buns to be a blinding white as those available in Chinese restaurants; nonetheless, the flavor and texture should be the same. Using bleached flour (available at Asian grocery shops) to make pearly white buns like those found in Chinese restaurants is recommended. In order for the dough to rise properly, it must be kneaded for the appropriate period of time.
To prevent the buns from becoming soggy, steam them on a low-medium heat until they are just just cooked.
- First Proof: Place the dough in a large basin that has been gently greased and let aside for 30 minutes. Use some cling film or a disposable bowl cover to keep the contents of the bowl safe. For approximately 1.5 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size, proof the dough in the steam oven/combi-steam oven at 40°C / 104°F
- First, form the bao buns and set them on a tiny piece of baking paper each, then transfer them to a big tray that will fit inside your steam oven/combi-steam oven. Second, proof the bao buns. I can put a big sheet pan into my steam oven, which will adequately accommodate 12 bao buns. There is no need to wrap the buns with plastic wrap. Proof the bao buns in their formed forms at 40°C / 104°F for around 30 minutes, or until the buns have swelled up significantly
- Steaming the Bao Buns: Remove the tray of bao buns from the steam oven/combi-steam oven and place it on a baking sheet. Raise the temperature to 100°C / 212°F if necessary. As soon as the steam oven/combi-steam oven has reached the desired temperature, return the tray of bao buns to the oven and steam them for 10-12 minutes.
Freezing Bao Buns
Bao buns are ideally consumed fresh, and as soon as they are steamed, if at all possible. Bao buns can be preserved in zip-lock bags in the freezer for up to two months if they are not used immediately. To reheat frozen bao buns, just steam them for about 5 minutes, or until they are thoroughly warmed through.
What to Serve with Bao Buns
As soon as the bao buns are steamed, it is better to consume them fresh. Bao buns may be preserved in zip-lock bags in the freezer for up to two months if they are not used right away. If you want to reheat frozen bao buns, simply steam them for around 5 minutes to bring them back to room temperature.
Steamed Bao Buns
★★★★★4.8from32reviews
- The resting time is 2 hours, the preparation time is 1 hour, the cooking time is 10 minutes, and the total time is 1 hour 10 minutes. This recipe makes 12-16 buns. Recipe Type:Bread
- Cooking Method:Stovetop
- Cuisine:Chinese
Instructions on how to create the ideal, soft and fluffy steamed bao buns, complete with images. To create the ultimate handmade bao buns, follow these tips and methods. They’ll be excellent for stuffing with your favorite fillings. There are directions for steaming the bao buns on the stovetop and in a steam oven included in the recipe.
Ingredients
- 300 g (2 cups) plain flour (all-purpose flour) or unbleached flour
- 125 g (1 cup) cornflour (cornstarch)
- 5 tablespoonscaster sugar (super-fine sugar)
- 1 teaspooninstant yeast (also known as instant dried yeast or fast-action dried yeast) (see Kitchen Notes)
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 180 ml (3/4 cup) warm water
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) vegetable oil, plus extra
- 300 g (2 cups) plain flour (
Instructions
In order to prepare the buns
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of an electric stand-mixer (if using), combine all of the dry ingredients
- Mix well. Using a measuring jug, pour the heated water and oil into the pan. The water should be somewhat warmer than lukewarm in order to aid in the activation of the yeast, but it should not be boiling hot. Mixing the liquid components into the dry ingredients using the dough hook at a medium speed is recommended. If you are using a different sort of flour than what is specified in the recipe, you may require more or less liquid than is specified in it. Continue kneading the dough on medium speed until the dough becomes soft and silky to the touch until you’ve achieved a sticky dough consistency. This should take around 10 minutes with a stand mixer on medium speed, or approximately 5 minutes if done manually. After the dough has become soft and smooth, I recommend kneading it by hand for a few more minutes on the kitchen counter top until it is elastic. Replacing the ball of dough in the (now-empty) mixing bowl
- Use some cling film or a disposable bowl cover to keep the bowl covered. Placing the bowl in a warm location for 60 to 90 minutes will allow the dough to rise and double in size.
In order to form the buns
- To remove any air bubbles that may have formed in the dough, punch it back and knead it by hand for around 5 minutes after it has doubled its size. Then, using a rolling pin, roll out the dough until it is approximately 1 cm in height. Rub a little oil into the surface of the dough with your hands
- To cut out rounds from the dough, use an 8 cm (3 inch) cookie cutter. Re-roll the dough as many times as necessary. Place these circles on a small piece of baking paper – I prefer to use simple white cupcake wrappers that I flatten with a rolling pin – and set them aside to dry. Fold each circle in half and then gently flatten the dough with a rolling pin to make the bun shape
- Set everything on a big baking sheet, cover with a tea towel, and set it aside somewhere warm for approximately 30 minutes to let the buns to rise again and become more puffed. After this time, the bao buns should have blown up somewhat
To remove any air bubbles that may have formed in the dough, punch it back and knead it by hand for around 5 minutes after it has twice its original size; Roll out the dough until it is approximately 1 cm in height; then cut into squares. Rub a little oil onto the surface of the dough with your hands. To cut out rounds from the dough, use an 8 cm (3 inch) cookie cutter; If necessary, reroll the dough. Place these circles on a small piece of baking paper – I prefer to use simple white cupcake wrappers that I flatten with a rolling pin – and set them aside to cool.
Set everything on a big baking sheet, cover with a tea towel, and set it aside somewhere warm for approximately 30 minutes to allow the buns to rise once more.
- In the meantime, prepare the steamer on the stove (see the Kitchen Notes section below). Puff and soften the buns by steaming them in batches for 10 to 12 minutes or until they are completely cooked through
- Serve the buns as soon as possible.
Kitchen Notes
The many types of yeast* Please keep in mind that there is a difference between instant yeast (also known as quick dried yeast or fast-action dried yeast) anddried yeast while baking (also calledactive dry yeast). When in doubt about the sort of yeast you have, look for instructions on how to utilize it on the package. If you use instant yeast, you may add it right to the flour mixture without having to wait for it to activate first. If you don’t have instant yeast, I would recommend using the same quantity of dried yeast as you would with instant yeast.
- Combine the dry ingredients in the recipe above with the yeast mixture and vegetable oil, and mix well.
- Although the buns will be a pale yellow in color, they will taste delicious.
- INSTRUCTIONS FOR STEAMING BAO BUNS* Place the steamer basket (whether bamboo or other material) directly on top of a saucepan that has the same size and shape.
- ***Place the steamer basket on top of the saucepan.
- Place the lid on top of the steamer basket and close the lid tightly.
- How to Make Bao Buns in a Steam Oven*First Proof: Cover the bowl with cling film or a re-usable bowl cover to prevent the buns from drying out.
- There is no need to wrap the buns with plastic wrap.
- * Preparing the Bao Buns by steaming them: Take the tray of bao buns out of the steam oven/combi-steam oven and set it aside.
- As soon as the steam oven/combi-steam oven has reached the desired temperature, return the tray of bao buns to the oven and steam them for 10-12 minutes.
To reheat frozen steamed buns, place them in a stovetop steamer for approximately 5 minutes, or until they are completely warmed through. CONVERSIONSIf you need to convert from cups to grams, or vice versa, you may use this handyConversion Chart for Fundamental Ingredients.
eatlittlebird
This recipe was initially published on May 17, 2019 and has since been updated. More detailed recipe notes have been added to the original version.
Chinese Steamed Buns
This recipe provided me with the smooth, fluffy texture that I was seeking. As a substitution for 1/2 cup warm water, I used 1/2 cup warm milk, which I believe helped to make the dough even lighter and fluffier than it already was. Because the dough was extremely sticky and difficult to work with, I had to add an additional 1/4 cup of flour to the recipe. It was only after the 3 hours for the first rising that I realized that the dough had a little sour flavor, similar to that of sourdough bread, which became more obvious after steaming the buns (I steamed a golf ball sized amount of dough to test for texture and taste before I rolled and steamed the rest of the dough).
To stuff the bread, I utilized a homemade beef filling recipe that I developed.
UPDATE: *Tip* I’ve successfully doubled the recipe without encountering any difficulties – use the same amount of yeast as in the original recipe (1 TB or around 1 envelope dry yeast), but double all of the other ingredients to achieve the desired result.
Most helpful critical review
Because I was making this recipe for the first time and didn’t want to wind up with an excessive amount of rolls if I didn’t enjoy them, I scaled it down to make 6 rolls instead of 24. While I’m not sure if this was due to the fact that I used allrecipes.com or the recipe itself, I found that I needed to add a LOT more flour than the recipe asked for in order to avoid turning the dough into a watery mush, which threw off the balance of the yeast, baking soda, and sugar. I basically ended up with chewy dinner rolls as a result of my efforts.
- There are 111 5star ratings, 57 4star ratings, 11 3star ratings, 7 2- and 1-star ratings, and 4 1-star ratings.
This recipe provided me with the smooth, fluffy texture that I was seeking. As a substitution for 1/2 cup warm water, I used 1/2 cup warm milk, which I believe helped to make the dough even lighter and fluffier than it already was. Because the dough was extremely sticky and difficult to work with, I had to add an additional 1/4 cup of flour to the recipe. It was only after the 3 hours for the first rising that I realized that the dough had a little sour flavor, similar to that of sourdough bread, which became more obvious after steaming the buns (I steamed a golf ball sized amount of dough to test for texture and taste before I rolled and steamed the rest of the dough).
To stuff the bread, I utilized a homemade beef filling recipe that I developed.
UPDATE: *Tip* I’ve successfully doubled the recipe without encountering any difficulties – use the same amount of yeast as in the original recipe (1 TB or around 1 envelope dry yeast), but double all of the other ingredients to achieve the desired result.
When you’re ready to consume them, simply place them in the refrigerator to defrost for at least overnight before steaming them for 10-15 minutes.
DO NOT allow the buns to come into contact with the water.
I stuffed it with red bean paste, similar to what I used to eat at home in Singapore, and it turned out to be far better than I remembered.
I made sure to follow the instructions to the letter.
However, measurements taken in cups are seldom very exact in any case.
Because I didn’t have a bamboo steamer (although it would have been better in a bamboo steamer because of the scent from the bamboo), I used Alton Brown’s excellent suggestion of putting holes in my disposable pie plate and placed it on top of a metal cookie cutter in a wok to steam the vegetables.
- At the very least, it isn’t enough to disturb me.
- Overall, we are quite pleased with it.
- Thank you very much for sharing.
- All of the ones I’ve tried have failed to deliver the same level of flavor and light texture as this one.
- The dough is quite sticky.
- Due of the extended rise time, I added 1/2 tablespoon of baking soda to the dough to mitigate the “sour” taste that resulted.
- This allowed the dough to quadruple in size in little over an hour and a half (instead of 3.) I packed my buns with a meat/veggie combination and let the buns rise for a further 25 minutes before steaming them in a big steamer.
I think I ate four buns in a single sitting.
These buns didn’t turn out to be particularly white (like in stores.) But it was simply handmade buns, so it didn’t bother me at all!
Also, add little baking powder to your dough to make it more rise.
This is an opportunity to make some extra white buns!
TRY IT OUT AND SEE WHAT YOU THINK!
Everything turned out well, and everyone enjoyed themselves.
- The suggestions made by user Mukinsvivi ROCK made it possible for me to make steamed buns that were really delicious.
- You can punch it down in the manner specified in the directions.
- Obviously, I didn’t use the whole 3/4 cup, but I came very close.
- In order to prevent me from overdoing it, the extra flour was introduced gradually.
- As a result, my buns turned out very white.
- My steamed buns turned out to be rather huge, yielding around 12.
- Because my steaming pot is tiny, it took a long time to steam all of the buns, which were a little reluctant to cling on the steaming plate.
This allows the bottoms of the buns to dry thoroughly.
When I make these again, I might try stuffing them with fruit, just to see how they turn out.
They have a slight chewy texture and are quite light, almost “airy.” I used half of the dough to make 12 buns (as directed by the recipe), and the other half was used to make 6 medium-sized buns (see photo).
The little buns were more difficult to fill with meat filling and were far too fragile to handle.
When assembling the buns, keep in mind that the sides should be thinner than the middle.
I will continue to search for the “ideal” bun recipe, but I will have this one on hand as well.
If you create more than you intend to consume and store it in the refrigerator, remember that when food is not fresh, it becomes unpalatable.
Whether it was the fault of allrecipes.com or the recipe itself, I found that I needed to add far more flour than the recipe asked for in order to avoid turning the mixture into a watery mush.
I basically ended up with chewy dinner rolls as a result of my efforts.
Where to Find Steamed Buns or “Bao” in Buffalo
Dobutsu provided the photograph. When I bit into the pillowy soft, warm white bun, which was loaded with flavorful pork, I was overcome with an unexpected sense of joy. It was the first time I had ever tasted steamed buns in my life, and it was delicious. I had the experience at Home Taste restaurant, a small hole in the wall in Kenmore that served wonderful Chinese food. The bun appeared to be the Chinese counterpart of a hamburger in the United States. It contained both the bread and the meat components.
- It had been cooked to the right tenderness, and the warm bread had completely encircled the flavor-filled meat that was hidden inside.
- This is a staple cuisine in northern China, and it is quite tasty.
- This all-in-one supper is perfect for sharing with friends or devouring by yourself if you’re feeling particularly peckish.
- In the years since, I’ve been to Home Taste several times for their enormous pork steamed buns (as well as their delectable dumplings!) Despite this, Home Taste is far from the only location in the Queen City where you can get your hands on the steamy, bready bliss that is steamed buns.
Did we miss one? Did one of these places close? Send us a note!
Dobutsu provided the image. Taking a bite of the pillowy soft, warm white bun, which was loaded with tasty pork, brought me to tears of joy. The steamed buns were my first experience with them in my life. In Kenmore, it was at Home Taste restaurant, a tiny hole in the wall that served wonderful Chinese food. There was something about this bun that resembled the Chinese counterpart of a hamburger in the United States. Bread and meat were included in this dish. The only difference was that this exquisite bun was not prepared in the traditional manner.
This type of steamed bun is referred to as “Bao” in Chinese, but you were probably already aware of this from viewing the Pixar short film of the same name.
They can be filled with a variety of savory or sweet ingredients despite their usual filling of ground pork and other vegetables.
ADVERTISEMENTI first had steamed buns a few years back, and they were delicious.
In the Queen City, however, steamed buns are not just available at Home Taste; they can also be found at a number of other locations. Some of the best locations to eat bao may be found in the following cities:
2.Dobutsu
Dobutsu provided the photo. When I bit into the pillowy soft, warm white bun, which was stuffed with flavorful pork, I was overcome with an unexpected sense of contentment. It was the first time I had ever tried steamed buns in my life. It happened at Home Taste restaurant, a little hole-in-the-wall in Kenmore that serves outstanding Chinese cuisine. The bun appeared to be the Chinese counterpart of a hamburger, similar to the one served in the United States. It included both the bread and the meat components.
- It had been cooked to a perfect tenderness, and the warm bread had completely encircled the flavor-filled meat that was hidden inside.
- This is a staple dish in northern China, where it is known as yam.
- This all-in-one supper is perfect for sharing with guests or devouring by yourself if you’re feeling peckish.
- Since then, I’ve gone to Home Taste several times for their enormous pork steamed buns (as well as their delectable dumplings!).
- Here are a few spots where you can get some truly outstanding bao:
3.007 Chinese Food
Information: 25 Grant St., Buffalo (in the West Side Bazaar)/716-464-6389/Additional Information This husband and woman pair operate a small café within the West Side Bazaar, where they serve steamed buns and other items. They sell buns that are filled with pork as well as buns that are loaded with veggies.
4.SATO Brewpub
More information is available at 110 Pearl St., Buffalo (716-248-1436). The small plates menu at SATO Brewpub includes a stout-braid BBQ, pork, cucumber, and kimchi steamed bun ($3.5), among other items.
5.Falley Allen
For further information, call (716-464-3903) or visit 204 Allen St. in Buffalo. Falley Allen adds a crunchy texture to the conventional steamed bun, giving it a unique flavor. Crispy bao buns with kimchi, siracha mayo, pickled jalapenos, and cilantro are available, as is a selection of pickled veggies to accompany them. The short ribs or salt and pepper shrimp are two options for this dish. ADVERTISEMENT
6.Pho Lantern Restaurant
More Information: 837 Niagara St Buffalo, NY 14213/ 716-240-9680 /Additional Information Add a side order of buns to any meal to make it more complete.
7.Tasty Time Café
More Information: 3143 W State St, Olean, NY 14760 / 716-379-8476 / More Information It may be well-known for its frozen yogurt, but don’t be fooled by its appearance. They also have steamed buns and poke bowls to choose from!
Did we miss one? Did one of these places close? Send us a note!
This item was initially published in 2019 and has been modified to reflect current information.
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Photo courtesy of James Ransom
Author Notes
I’m quite aware of what you’re going to say. What mom in her right mind would consider David Chang’s famous pork buns to be a healthy option? When you live in the same city as Momofuku, what should you make for your children and what should you do at home? I have strong reasons in support of both positions. There are so many aspects to these buns that children adore: Pork belly, a near relative of bacon, is used in these recipes because it is salty, sweet, and texturally fascinating. They are both visually and gastronomically appealing.
- What could be more entertaining than small balls of dough that can be smashed and rolled into amusing shapes?
- When it comes down to it, the second reason is simply that things are not that difficult.
- Quick-pickled cucumbers are ready in minutes, and then it’s only a matter of assembling the buns, which is both the most physically demanding and the most enjoyable portion of the dish.
- The finest part about the buns, though, is that they freeze like a dream once they have been steamed to perfection.
- The following is a step-by-step guide on how to form the buns: Following the first rise, split the dough into 50 pieces and roll them into little balls before allowing them to rise a second time.
- Place a chopstick in the middle of the bun and fold the bun in half over it to enclose it.
- Gently lift the bun off the chopstick and place it on a piece of parchment paper to finish rising before steaming.
- Keep an eye on this recipe Pork Buns from Momofuku Nishioka
- Keep an eye on This Recipe Pork Buns from Momofuku Nishiyama
Ingredients
- 2 thick Kirby cucumbers, sliced into 18-inch slices
- 6 pounds skinless pork belly
- 1 / 2 cup plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 / 2 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
- Pork Buns: 1tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 41/4 cups bread flour
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 1/3 cup rendered pork fat, bacon fat, or vegetable shortening, room temperature
- 3 tablespoons nonfat dry milk powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 / 2 teaspoon baking powder, rounded
- 1 / 2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 / Greasing and brushing with vegetable oil
- 1 cup phoisin sauce
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions (light-green and white sections)
- Sriracha for serving
Directions
- Cooked Pork Belly with Cucumbers Pickled in Minutes
- Place the pork belly, fat side up, in a roasting pan large enough to accommodate it snugly. 12 cup of the salt and 12 cup of the sugar are combined in a small dish and rubbed all over the pork shoulder. Seal tightly with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours and no more than 24 hours. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove any liquid that has gathered in the roasting pan and set it aside. Roast the pork belly for 1 hour, basting halfway through with the rendered fat, or until it is golden brown. Raise the oven temperature to 250 degrees Fahrenheit and continue to roast for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the pork is fork tender. Transfer the pork to a platter, decant the fat and meat juices from the pan, and set them aside for dipping the buns in later on. Allow the pork to cool somewhat before wrapping it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and placing it in the refrigerator to chill until totally cooled and hard, at least 2 hours or overnight. (You may skip this step if you’re pushed for time, but chilling the belly sufficiently before slicing it is the only way to produce tidy, nice-looking slices in the end.) The remaining 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon salt should be combined in a small dish with the cucumbers.
- Allow yourself 5 to 10 minutes of resting time. When you’re ready to create the buns, slice the pork belly into 12-inch pieces that are approximately 2 inches long. You may use them right away or chill them for up to 4 hours. Warm in a pan over medium heat for a minute or two, or until the vegetables are tender and well heated. Make use of the pork as soon as possible.
- In a large mixing bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, whisk together the yeast and 112 cups room temperature water until well combined. Mix on the lowest speed for 8 to 10 minutes, until the flour, sugar, pig fat, milk powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda are well incorporated. While using the hook, the dough should come together to form a ball. Toss the dough in a large mixing bowl with a little oil and turn it over to coat it with the oil. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and set the bowl in a warm location to rise for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the dough has doubled in size. Punch the dough down and put it out onto a lightly floured work surface to rest. To split the dough, cut it in half with a sharp knife, then cut each half into five equal pieces. Make logs out of the pieces by gently rolling them together, then cutting each log into five pieces to make a total of 50 pieces. Their size and weight should be approximately the same as that of a Ping-Pong ball, or approximately 25 grams each. Using your hands, roll each piece into a ball and place on baking pans. Allow for a 30-minute rise time by covering lightly with plastic wrap. Prepare 50 (4-inch) pieces of parchment paper while the dough is rising
- After 30 minutes, roll each ball into a 4-inch-long oval with the use of a rolling pin to finish. Lay a chopstick horizontally across the middle of the oval and fold the oval over into itself to make a bun. Lightly brush the oval with vegetable oil and set aside. Gently remove the chopstick out of the bun while keeping it folded, and transfer to a square of parchment paper to cool. Wrap the rest of the buns in plastic wrap and repeat the process. Allow the buns to rest for 30 to 45 minutes, during which time they will rise somewhat
- Place a steamer on top of the stove to steam the buns. Steam the buns on the paper squares for 10 minutes, working in batches so that the steamer does not become overcrowded. Remove the parchment paper from the oven. You can either use the buns right away or allow them to cool completely before putting them in plastic freezer bags and freezing them for up to 2 months. Puff and soften the frozen buns in a stovetop steamer for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they are warm all the way through, depending on their size. Half of the buns should be frozen in sealed bags for another time. Open a freshly baked bun and put around 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce on the interior, if possible. Add two pieces of pork belly and a couple of slices of pickle to the pan. Optional garnishes include scallions and a squeeze of Sriracha, if you so want. Repeat the process with the remaining buns.
Steamed Pork Buns (Char Siu Bao) Recipe
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Directions
- The first step in preparing the filling is to rub five-spice powder evenly over the pork shoulder. Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat until very hot. Cooking spray should be used to coat the pan. Cook the pork for 18 minutes, or until a thermometer reads 155°, flipping the meat once or twice throughout cooking. Remove the pork from the pan and set it aside for 15 minutes. Advertisement
- Step 2: Slice the pork crosswise into thin slices, then cut the sections into strips. Pork should be placed in a medium-sized mixing basin. Stir in the onions and the next 7 ingredients (through 1/4 teaspoon salt) until everything is well-combined. Refrigerate after covering with plastic wrap. 3. To prepare the dough, in a large mixing basin, add 1 cup warm water, the sugar, and the yeast
- Let aside for 5 minutes. In the fourth step, lightly scoop flour into dry measuring cups, and level with a knife. To the yeast mixture, add the flour, oil, and 1/4 teaspoon salt and stir until a soft dough is formed. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and press it down. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes). Toss the dough in a large mixing basin sprayed with cooking spray, stirring to cover the whole surface. Cover and let aside in a warm (85°) area that is free of drafts for 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size. (Apply gentle pressure to the dough with two fingers.) If the indentation is still there, the dough has risen sufficiently.) Step 5: Punch the dough down and let it sit for 5 minutes. Make a clean area for the dough to rest on and knead in the baking powder. After allowing dough to rest for 5 minutes, proceed to Step 6 and divide it into 10 equal sections, rolling each into a ball. Make 5-inch circles out of each dough ball, working with one at a time (covering the remaining dough balls to prevent them from drying out). 1/4 cup filling should be placed in the center of the dough circle. Bring the edges up to cover the filling and bring them together at the top. Twist the end of the pinch to seal it shut. To make more dough balls and filling, follow the same technique as described above. 7. Arrange 5 buns, seam side down, 1 inch apart, on each layer of a 2-tiered bamboo steamer, one bun in each tier of the steamer. Stack the layers and cover with the lid. Then fill a big pan half-full with water until the water is one inch deep
- Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Place the steamer in the pan and steam for 15 minutes, or until the puff and set is achieved. Allow for 10 minutes of cooling time before serving.
Chef’s Notes
Red chili peppers, cilantro, or jalapenos can be used to increase the spiciness of the dish. Cucumbers, cut into little cubes, lend a refreshing crunch to this traditional Asian dish. Hint: The beauty of this recipe is that you don’t have to limit yourself to only using pork products. Make a vegetable, bean, or even seafood bun to go with it.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: 259 calories; calories from fat 21 percent; fat 6.1 grams; saturated fat 0.9 grams; mono fat 3.2 grams; poly fat 1.5 grams; protein 14.3 grams; carbs 35.7 grams; fiber 1.6 grams; cholesterol 27 milligrams; iron 2.9 milligrams; sodium 343 milligrams; calcium 54 milligrams;
Japanese Restaurant Minneapolis: Try Steamed Buns at Moto-i
Have you been looking for fresh and fascinating supper recipes to serve your family while the weather is cold outside? Steamed buns are a great option! Steamed buns are a mainstay in a variety of Asian cuisines, and they make for delicious lunches during the cold winter months. It may be difficult for you to locate real steamed buns in Minneapolis, but fortunately, our Japanese restaurant has a variety of options for you to choose from. Call Moto-i and place an order for steamed buns from our menu!
What Are Steamed Buns?
Steamed buns are, at their most basic level, basically Asian dumplings. They are often made up of buns made of bread or bread-like flour dough that are filled with veggies, meat, or a combination of the two. For comparable buns in Asian cuisine, steaming is commonly the technique of preparation. However, various methods of preparation for similar buns can be found in Asian cuisine as well. The majority of steamed bun types have a filling that is typically composed of meat. Pork is arguably the most common meat used in steamed buns, but Moto-i also provides chicken, tuna, and even vegan fillings for our steamed buns.
The soft and fluffy exterior of the buns is attributed to the bread-like dough and the steaming preparation process used in their creation.
Despite the fact that steamed buns are extremely popular in China, Japan, and other Asian nations, many people in the United States have never tried them, let alone realized that they are so popular in other parts of the world.
History of Steamed Buns
It is believed that steamed buns were first created in Northern China over a thousand years ago, and that they have been consumed in China since the third century. Steamed buns are referred to as baozi or bao in Mandarin. In addition to being beloved by many people in China and Indonesia, steamed buns have swiftly gained popularity in Japanese cuisine. Steam buns, known in Japan as nikuman, are a popular street dish sold on the streets of nearly every city in the nation. When steamed buns were first brought to much of Japan in the late 1920s, they quickly gained appeal, and their popularity skyrocketed when convenience stores began to offer them in the late 1990s.
When the temperature in Japan begins to drop, steamed buns become a popular dish to consume.
Pork Steamed Buns
Moto-i is pleased to offer real, house-made steamed buns on our menu, which you can find here. Our steamed buns are a terrific way to have a taste of one of the most popular dishes in Japanese cuisine. As the most genuine steamed buns on our menu, the pork steamed buns may be a good spot to begin your exploration of our cuisine. We have two distinct kinds of steamed buns with pork filling. First and foremost, we have a Pork Shoulder Bun, which is stuffed with house-made, smoked pork shoulder as the key ingredient.
The second item on our menu is our Pork Belly Bun.
It’s served with a ginger-yuzu marmalade, mesclun, and a fried parsnip as an accompaniment.
At about $4 apiece, these steamed buns may be a whole dinner on their own, or you can combine them with a cup of ramen to complete your meal. Pork steamed buns, served hot or cold, are a delectable way to get away from the frigid Minneapolis winter.
Other Steamed Buns on Our Menu
When it comes to classic pork steamed buns, we at Moto-i appreciate that not everyone would be interested in trying them. In order to accommodate our customers’ preferences, we also provide steamed buns with chicken, fish, duck, and tofu. No matter if you are avoiding pork because of its flavor or because of dietary restrictions, you may still enjoy Moto-steamed i’s buns, which are cooked in-house daily. Our Crispy Chicken bun is perfect for folks who enjoy fried chicken and a little kick of spice in their lives.
Tuna Bun is available for individuals who prefer fish over meat.
Our Tofu Agedashi Tofu Bun is an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans who want to sample some famous Japanese dishes.
We are pleased to offer a variety of delectable vegetarian and vegan options on our menu.
Come to Moto-i
Are you ready to give steamed buns a try for the first time? If this is the case, please make a reservation online or give us a call! In Minneapolis, Moto-i is a Japanese restaurant and sake bar that is proud to serve a variety of dishes that are influenced by the cuisine of the Japanese culture. Come in and try some of our freshly baked steamed buns!
Steamed bao buns
- 525g plain flour, with a little more for dusting
- 525g butter
- 12-tablespoon caster sugar, plus a pinch
- 1 teaspoon quick-action dry yeast
- 50mL milk, 1 tablespoon sunflower oil, plus additional for brushing on top and rubbing on the bottom of the bowl
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Method
- 500g plain flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 525g butter (plus extra for spreading)
- 1 12 tablespoons castor sugar (plus an additional sprinkle)
- 1 teaspoon quick-action dry yeast
- 50 mL milk
- 1 tablespoon sunflower oil (plus additional for brushing on top and to coat the bottom of the mixing bowl)
- Baking powder
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
RECIPE TIPS
Up to the conclusion of step 3, the dough may be readily prepared in a mixer fitted with a dough hook.
FREEZING THE BUNS
The buns can be frozen once they have been cooked. Simply reheat in a steamer once it has been defrosted.
Goes well with
Recipe adapted from the February 2015 issue of Good Food magazine.