Vegan Chicken Bao

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Vegan Chicken Bao, expertly crafted to combine fluffy homemade steamed buns with a savory, plant-based filling. Perfectly seasoned vegan chicken strips are cooked with soy sauce, hoisin, garlic, and ginger, creating a rich umami base that's complemented by scallions and a hint of sesame oil. These delectable buns are then garnished with crisp cucumber slices and fresh cilantro for a delightful contrast in texture and flavor. With a soft, pillowy exterior and a bold, flavorful interior, this recipe is a show-stopping plant-based twist on traditional bao. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking to elevate your weekly meal prep, these bao buns are a must-try for any vegan or Asian-inspired food enthusiast!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:90 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:120 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 3 cups All-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons Sugar
• 2.5 teaspoons Instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 1 cup Warm water
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 8 oz Vegan chicken strips
• 3 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Ginger, minced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Hoisin sauce
• 2 Scallions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Sesame oil
• 0.5 Cucumber, thinly sliced
• 0.25 cup Cilantro leaves, for garnish

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and instant yeast.

Step 2

Dissolve the salt and baking powder in warm water. Slowly add this mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.

Step 3

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

Step 4

Add vegetable oil and knead again until the oil is fully incorporated.

Step 5

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

Step 6

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a skillet over medium heat, add vegan chicken strips, soy sauce, minced ginger, minced garlic, and hoisin sauce. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the strips are thoroughly coated and heated through. Add scallions and sesame oil, stir, and remove from heat.

Step 7

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it back to the floured surface. Divide into 12 equal portions.

Step 8

Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten it into a 4-inch circle using a rolling pin.

Step 9

Place a spoonful of the vegan chicken filling in the center of each circle. Gather the edges towards the center and twist to seal.

Step 10

Place each filled bao onto a piece of parchment paper. Allow them to rest for 15 minutes.

Step 11

Prepare a steamer and bring water to a boil. Place the bao in the steamer, ensuring they don't touch each other. Cover and steam for about 15 minutes.

Step 12

Remove the lid carefully to avoid water dripping on the buns. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Step 13

Serve the bao garnished with thin cucumber slices and cilantro leaves. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1121.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2379.8

Total Fat 63.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 23.2g
Cholesterol 1.0mg	0%
Sodium 4810.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 363.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.2g	0%
Total Sugars 38.6g
Protein 93.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 287.9mg	0%
Iron 26.9mg	0%
Potassium 1779.8mg	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: 23.9%

Protein: 15.6%

Carbs: 60.5%