Vegetarian Char Siu Bao (Cantonese BBQ Pork Buns)

Indulge in the irresistible charm of Vegetarian Char Siu Bao, a plant-based twist on the classic Cantonese BBQ pork buns. These fluffy, pillowy steamed buns are filled with a savory-sweet mixture of shiitake mushrooms and tofu, perfectly seasoned with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and a hint of five-spice powder. With a rich umami depth and delicate sweetness, these baos capture all the comforting flavors of traditional char siu while remaining entirely vegetarian. Ideal for dim sum lovers and those exploring meatless alternatives, this recipe is a delightful combination of authentic Cantonese cuisine and modern dietary preferences. Serve them fresh and warm to elevate your next gathering or enjoy them as an indulgent snack!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:45 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 400 g all-purpose flour
• 7 g instant yeast
• 6 g baking powder
• 25 g sugar
• 200 ml warm water
• 20 ml vegetable oil
• 200 g shiitake mushrooms
• 150 g firm tofu
• 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp five-spice powder
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 green onions, chopped

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, baking powder, and sugar. Gradually add the warm water while stirring. Add the vegetable oil and knead to form a smooth dough. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2

Dice the shiitake mushrooms and tofu into small pieces. In a pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat, add the minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the mushrooms to the pan and cook for 5 minutes until soft. Stir in the tofu and cook for another 3 minutes.

Step 4

Add hoisin sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and five-spice powder. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat, and mix in the chopped green onions. Let the filling cool completely.

Step 5

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten it into a round disc with a rolling pin.

Step 6

Place a spoonful of the cooled filling in the center of each disc. Gather the edges and pinch them together to seal the bun. Ensure the seam side is down.

Step 7

Prepare a steamer by lining it with parchment paper. Place the buns on the paper, leaving space between them to expand, and let them rest for 15 minutes.

Step 8

Steam the buns for 12 minutes, ensuring the lid is covered with a cloth to prevent condensation from dripping onto the buns.

Step 9

Serve the Vegetarian Char Siu Bao warm, sharing this delightful and flavorful experience with friends and family.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1323.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2293.4

Total Fat 46.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 18.1g
Cholesterol 1.4mg	0%
Sodium 2606.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 403.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.8g	0%
Total Sugars 59.0g
Protein 73.7g	0%

Vitamin D 36IU	0%
Calcium 502.1mg	0%
Iron 26.7mg	0%
Potassium 2112.2mg	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: 17.9%

Protein: 12.7%

Carbs: 69.4%