Ingredients for the dough

• 500 g all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp yeast
• 250 ml lukewarm water
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Filling for meat or vegetarian bao buns

• 300 g minced pork or tofu
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (for the pork filling)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp finely chopped ginger
• 2 spring onions (scallions), finely chopped
• 1 carrot, grated (optional, for extra vegetables)

Instructions

1. Start with the dough: Mix flour, sugar, salt, baking powder and yeast in a large bowl. Slowly add the lukewarm water and oil, and knead the dough until smooth and elastic – this takes about 10 minutes. Cover the bowl with a tea towel and let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the filling: In a bowl, mix the minced pork or tofu with soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using pork), sesame oil, garlic, ginger, spring onions and grated carrot. Stir well so all the ingredients are combined.
3. After rising, punch down the dough and divide it into 16 equal pieces. Roll each piece out into a circle about 10 cm in diameter.
4. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each dough circle, fold the dough around the filling, and pinch the edges together to seal the buns.
5. Place the finished baos on small pieces of baking paper to prevent them from sticking, and let them rest for an additional 15 minutes.
6. Prepare a steamer with water, bring it to a boil, and place the baos in the steaming basket. Make sure there is some space between the buns so they have room to expand.
7. Steam the baos for 12–15 minutes or until they are light and fluffy.
8. Serve the steamed baos warm with your favorite dipping sauce or as they are.

Tips for perfect baos

For best results, make sure the dough rises in a warm environment, which will help the buns become extra fluffy. Also experiment with the filling – use your favorite vegetables and spices to give your baos a personal flavor.

This bao recipe can easily be adapted to a vegetarian version by using tofu instead of meat. It’s a tasty way to enjoy Asian food without meat.