Vegetarian Steamed Pork Baos

Discover the irresistible charm of Vegetarian Steamed Pork Baos—a plant-based twist on the classic steamed buns that are fluffy, savory, and absolutely satisfying. These baos feature a pillowy, homemade dough filled with a rich, umami-packed mixture of shiitake mushrooms, crumbled tofu, and aromatic seasonings like garlic, ginger, and green onions. A touch of soy and hoisin sauces adds depth, while a silky cornstarch slurry lends the filling its perfectly creamy texture. Perfect for vegans and vegetarians (just sub in plant-based milk!), these steamed buns are easy to prepare and make a delightful addition to your dim sum spread or as a show-stopping appetizer. Whether served fresh from the steamer or stored for meal-prep convenience, these meat-free "pork" buns are a deliciously modern take on an iconic recipe!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:90 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:110 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 3 cups All-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons Sugar
• 2.25 teaspoons Instant yeast
• 0.75 cup Warm water
• 0.25 cup Milk (or plant-based milk for vegan option)
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 8 pieces Shiitake mushrooms (fresh or rehydrated dried)
• 0.5 block Firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Hoisin sauce
• 2 teaspoons Sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon Ginger (grated)
• 1 teaspoon Garlic (minced)
• 2 stalks Green onions (chopped)
• 1.5 teaspoons Cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons Water (for cornstarch slurry)

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, sugar, and instant yeast.

Step 2

Combine warm water, milk, and vegetable oil, then slowly add to the dry ingredients while stirring.

Step 3

Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp towel and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 4

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Finely chop the shiitake mushrooms and crumble the tofu into small pieces.

Step 5

Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mushrooms, tofu, ginger, garlic, and green onions. Cook for 5-7 minutes until fragrant and slightly browned.

Step 6

Mix in soy sauce and hoisin sauce, then make a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch and water. Add the slurry to the filling mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened. Remove filling from heat and let it cool.

Step 7

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten into a 4-inch circle.

Step 8

Place a small spoonful of the filling in the center of the dough circle. Gather the edges and pinch them to seal the bun. Twist slightly to ensure it's closed, and place the bun seam-side down on a parchment paper square.

Step 9

Repeat until all the buns are filled and shaped. Let them rest for 15-20 minutes.

Step 10

Set up a steamer with boiling water. Steam the buns in batches (avoid overcrowding) for 12-15 minutes.

Step 11

Remove the buns from the steamer and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your vegetarian steamed 'pork' baos!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1140.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2276.5

Total Fat 69.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 10.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 28.8g
Cholesterol 3.5mg	0%
Sodium 1497.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 348.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.3g	0%
Total Sugars 52.6g
Protein 70.5g	0%

Vitamin D 191.3IU	0%
Calcium 473.9mg	0%
Iron 21.7mg	0%
Potassium 1508.5mg	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: 27.1%

Protein: 12.3%

Carbs: 60.6%