Soy-Free Steamed Bao Buns with Savory Pork Filling

Discover the ultimate comfort food with these Soy-Free Steamed Bao Buns packed with a savory pork filling! Perfectly soft, fluffy dough encases a flavorful blend of ground pork, fresh ginger, garlic, and colorful veggies like carrots and green onions. Sweetened with a touch of honey and seasoned with coconut aminos and rice vinegar, this soy-free alternative ensures everyone at the table can enjoy this classic Asian-inspired dish. These pillowy bao buns are steamed to perfection, making them light, tender, and ideal for snacking, dinner, or entertaining. With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, this recipe brings the authentic flavors of traditional bao buns into your kitchen without the common allergens. Perfect for a homemade culinary adventure!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:60 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 350 grams All-purpose flour
• 50 grams Sugar
• 7 grams Instant yeast
• 5 grams Baking powder
• 3 grams Salt
• 180 milliliters Warm water
• 30 milliliters Neutral oil (e.g., sunflower or avocado oil)
• 400 grams Ground pork
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Fresh ginger, grated
• 1 medium Carrot, finely diced
• 3 stalks Green onions, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon Honey
• 2 tablespoons Coconut aminos (soy-free alternative to soy sauce)
• 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons Water (for cornstarch slurry)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, baking powder, and salt.

Step 2

Gradually pour in the warm water and neutral oil while mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 3

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 4

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 5

While the dough is rising, prepare the pork filling. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of neutral oil, and cook the ground pork until browned and fully cooked.

Step 6

Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, diced carrot, and green onions to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Step 7

Stir in the honey, coconut aminos, and rice vinegar. Cook for another 2 minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 8

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water to create a slurry. Add this to the pork mixture and stir until the filling thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Step 9

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Divide into 8 equal portions and roll each portion into a ball.

Step 10

Flatten each ball into a circle (about 4 inches in diameter) and place a spoonful of the pork filling in the center.

Step 11

Gather the edges of the dough circle and pinch them together at the top to seal the bun. Place each bun on a small square of parchment paper, seam side down.

Step 12

Prepare a steamer by bringing water to a boil in the base. Arrange the buns in the steamer basket, leaving space between them for expansion.

Step 13

Steam the buns for 12–15 minutes over medium heat. Avoid opening the lid during steaming to maintain even cooking.

Step 14

Once steamed, remove the bao buns and let them cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1212.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3099.8

Total Fat 117.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 33.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 360mg	0%
Sodium 2508.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 359.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.4g	0%
Total Sugars 77.4g
Protein 144.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 225.6mg	0%
Iron 21.3mg	0%
Potassium 790.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.4%

Protein: 18.8%

Carbs: 46.8%