Vegetarian Bakpao (Steamed Buns with Meat Filling)

Discover the irresistible charm of Vegetarian Bakpao, a plant-based spin on the classic steamed buns traditionally filled with meat. These fluffy, cloud-like buns are made from a simple dough of all-purpose flour and yeast, enveloping a savory and satisfying filling crafted with rehydrated textured vegetable protein (TVP), sautéed vegetables, and a medley of bold seasonings like soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Perfectly steamed to tender perfection, these buns burst with flavor in every bite while remaining entirely meat-free, making them ideal for vegetarians and flexitarians alike. Quick to prepare and versatile, they're perfect as appetizers, snacks, or even a light meal. Serve them warm and watch these delectable, steamed treasures disappear from the plate!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:45 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 500 g All-purpose flour
• 2 tsp Instant yeast
• 4 tbsp Sugar
• 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
• 1 tsp Salt
• 250 ml Warm water
• 100 g Textured vegetable protein (TVP)
• 2 tbsp Soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Oyster sauce
• 1 tsp Sesame oil
• 1 medium Carrot, finely chopped
• 2 Green onions, chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 0.25 tsp Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.

Step 2

Add the vegetable oil and warm water to the dry mixture. Stir until it forms a rough dough.

Step 3

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes 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 place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 5

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling: Rehydrate the TVP according to package instructions and drain well.

Step 6

In a pan over medium heat, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil and sauté the garlic until fragrant.

Step 7

Add the chopped carrot and continue to sauté for about 3 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 8

Stir in the rehydrated TVP, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, ensuring everything is well combined.

Step 9

Add the green onions, mix thoroughly, and remove from heat. Let the filling cool to room temperature.

Step 10

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 10 equal portions.

Step 11

Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten into a disk about 10 cm in diameter.

Step 12

Place a generous tablespoon of filling in the center of each disk, gather the edges, and pinch to seal, forming a bun.

Step 13

Place each bun seam side down on a piece of parchment paper.

Step 14

Prepare a steamer with boiling water and steam the buns over medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes or until the dough is cooked through and fluffy.

Step 15

Remove the buns from the steamer and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1262.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2841.5

Total Fat 47.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 22.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4045.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 488.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 35.8g	0%
Total Sugars 62.4g
Protein 112.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 423.6mg	0%
Iron 36.8mg	0%
Potassium 3311.7mg	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: 15.0%

Protein: 15.9%

Carbs: 69.1%