Vegan Chinese Steamed Pork Buns (Baozi)

Experience a plant-based twist on a classic favorite with these Vegan Chinese Steamed Pork Buns (Baozi), a true masterpiece of flavor and texture. Soft and fluffy homemade dough encases a savory filling of crumbled tofu, umami-rich shiitake mushrooms, and aromatic ginger and garlic, all seasoned with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and a hint of five-spice for that authentic Chinese flavor. The buns are steamed to perfection, creating a chewy yet airy bite that pairs beautifully with dipping sauces or as part of a comforting dim sum spread. Whether you’re vegan or simply looking to explore delicious meatless options, these baozi are a satisfying, crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main course, this recipe is sure to impress with its stunning blend of traditional techniques and modern plant-based innovation.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:45 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 300 grams All-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 2 teaspoons Active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons Sugar
• 150 milliliters Warm water
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 200 grams Firm tofu
• 100 grams Shiitake mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon Ginger
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 2 pieces Green onions
• 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons Water
• 1 tablespoon Hoisin sauce
• 0.5 teaspoon Five-spice powder

Directions

Step 1

In a small bowl, combine the active dry yeast, sugar, and warm water. Stir well and let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Pour in the yeast mixture and vegetable oil. Mix to form a dough.

Step 3

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 4

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Drain and crumble the tofu. Finely chop the shiitake mushrooms. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Chop the green onions.

Step 5

In a skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, ginger, and mushrooms. Sauté until the mushrooms are softened.

Step 6

Add the crumbled tofu to the skillet along with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and five-spice powder. Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes.

Step 7

Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to form a slurry. Add this to the skillet and mix until the filling thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped green onions. Let cool.

Step 8

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and knead briefly. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces.

Step 9

Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten into a circle using a rolling pin. Place about 1 tablespoon of filling in the center of each circle.

Step 10

Gather the edges of the circle and pleat to form a bun, twisting to seal at the top. Repeat for all buns.

Step 11

Prepare a steamer by lining it with parchment paper. Place the buns inside, spaced apart. Cover the steamer.

Step 12

Steam the buns over boiling water for about 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the buns sit in the steamer for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(963.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1876.1

Total Fat 54.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 23.0g
Cholesterol 0.5mg	0%
Sodium 3102.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 292.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.7g	0%
Total Sugars 35.9g
Protein 61.6g	0%

Vitamin D 18IU	0%
Calcium 413.1mg	0%
Iron 19.0mg	0%
Potassium 1313.7mg	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: 25.6%

Protein: 12.9%

Carbs: 61.4%