Steamed not baked. Fluffy soft steamed buns filled with yummy goodies are a delicious treat. These buns are often seen as an Asian street food. If you don’t have an oven, but want some fresh bread this makes for a nice alternative.

Ingredients
  • 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp instant dried yeast
  • 3 tbsp whole milk
  • 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp warm water
  • 3 tbsp soft unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
  • Mix flour, sugar, salt and yeast in a bowl.
  • Add milk, warm water and butter in a separate bowl and stir together until butter is melted.
  • Stir the liquid mixture into the flour mixture.
  • Turn out on a floured surface and knead with your hands for 10 minutes. (You may also use a mixer with dough hook.)
  • Place the dough into an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and prove for 90 minutes or until doubled in size.
  • After the dough has doubled in size. Knead again on floured surface and split into 20 balls.
  • Roll each piece into an oval shape about 3×4 inches in size.
  • Brush each oval with olive oil and fold in half on the long side.
  • Place each folded piece onto a piece of parchment paper and set on a baking pan.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and let sit for an hour or until puffed up.
  • In a bamboo steamer place each bun on its parchment paper and steam for about 10 minutes.
  • Once steamed place on a warm plate.
  • Fill and serve.
  • Enjoy!
Freeze Instructions

You can freeze bao buns. Let them cool completely and place a piece of parchment in between the folded buns. Freeze on a baking sheet and then place in a freezer safe bag. Defrost by placing in the refrigerator overnight and allow to come to room temperature before reheating. Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds per bun or steam for 4-5 minutes.

You may also reheat from frozen. Simply steam the buns for 5-6 minutes, until hot all the way through.