Vegan Steamed Bao Buns with Savory Pork Filling

Indulge in the irresistible charm of these Vegan Steamed Bao Buns with Savory "Pork" Filling, a plant-based twist on a beloved classic. Fluffy, pillowy bao dough encases a rich, umami-packed filling made from tender jackfruit, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic garlic and ginger, all tossed in a soy-maple glaze for the perfect balance of sweet and savory. These homemade bao buns are steamed to perfection, creating a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that's sure to impress. Perfect for dinner parties or as a flavorful snack, these vegan buns are both a culinary feat and a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re exploring vegan Asian recipes or looking for a creative alternative to traditional pork bao, this recipe delivers on flavor, texture, and satisfaction.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:90 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:120 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 3 cups All-purpose flour
• 2.25 teaspoons Instant yeast
• 2 tablespoons Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 1 cup Unsweetened plant milk (e.g., soy or almond)
• 2 tablespoons Neutral oil (e.g., vegetable or grapeseed)
• 1 can (14 ounces) Canned green jackfruit (drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup Cremini or shiitake mushrooms (finely chopped)
• 3 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Sesame oil
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Fresh ginger (grated)
• 2 stalks Scallions (thinly sliced)
• 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons Water

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Warm the plant milk until lukewarm (not hot) and mix it with the neutral oil. Gradually pour this into the dry ingredients.

Step 3

Mix the dough until it comes together, then knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 4

While the dough rises, prepare the filling. Shred the drained jackfruit using your hands or a fork, removing any tough core pieces.

Step 5

In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and mushrooms. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.

Step 6

Stir in the jackfruit, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and scallions. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring often.

Step 7

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add this to the filling mixture and cook for another 2 minutes, until thickened and well combined. Set the filling aside to cool.

Step 8

After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten into a 4-inch circle.

Step 9

Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle, then pleat the edges to seal the bao. Pinch the top to secure.

Step 10

Cut parchment paper into 3-inch squares and place each bun on a square to prevent sticking during steaming.

Step 11

Allow the assembled buns to rise for another 15 minutes.

Step 12

Set up a steamer over boiling water and steam the buns in batches for 10-12 minutes, ensuring they don't touch each other.

Step 13

Carefully remove the buns from the steamer and serve hot. Enjoy your Vegan Steamed Bao Buns with Savory 'Pork' Filling!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1111.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2009.3

Total Fat 49.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.9g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3540.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 343.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.2g	0%
Total Sugars 45.0g
Protein 53.4g	0%

Vitamin D 117.5IU	0%
Calcium 449.7mg	0%
Iron 20.1mg	0%
Potassium 2250.0mg	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: 21.8%

Protein: 10.5%

Carbs: 67.7%