Say goodbye to traditional flour-based bao buns and hello to these healthy, flavor-packed Whole30 Pork Bao! This recipe swaps out dough for tender, blanched cabbage leaves, creating a gluten-free, grain-free alternative that's as satisfying as it is nutritious. Packed with a savory filling of succulent ground pork, crisp vegetables like carrots and bell peppers, and bold seasonings such as garlic, ginger, coconut aminos, and fish sauce, these bao wraps are bursting with umami flavor and wholesome goodness. Steamed to perfection, they offer a light yet hearty bite that's perfect for dinner, meal prep, or a creative appetizer. Whether you're following the Whole30 plan or simply embracing a clean eating lifestyle, these steamed pork bao are a must-try for a guilt-free indulgence.
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Begin by preparing the cabbage leaves. Carefully remove 12 large outer leaves from the cabbage. Blanch the leaves by immersing them in a pot of boiling water for about 2 minutes, then quickly transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This will soften the leaves and make them pliable. Set aside to dry.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the coconut oil. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the ground pork to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until the pork is browned and cooked through.
Stir in the coconut aminos, sesame oil, fish sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine the flavors.
Add the chopped green onions, grated carrots, and sliced red bell pepper to the pork mixture. Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Lay out the cabbage leaves and place a spoonful of the pork mixture in the center of each leaf. Carefully fold and wrap the cabbage around the filling, forming a neat package.
Place the filled cabbage wraps seam-side down in a steamer basket.
Fill a pot with a couple of inches of water and bring it to a boil. Place the steamer basket over the pot, ensuring the water does not touch the bao.
Cover and steam the cabbage bao for about 10 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
Serve the Whole30 Pork Bao warm, garnished with extra sliced green onions if desired. Enjoy your healthy and compliant meal!
Serving size | (1889.2g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 2021.8 |
Total Fat 124.2g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 48.9g | 0% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.1g | |
Cholesterol 408.2mg | 0% |
Sodium 3804.8mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 96.4g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 33.4g | 0% |
Total Sugars 53.6g | |
Protein 134.4g | 0% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 711.4mg | 0% |
Iron 11.8mg | 0% |
Potassium 2835.5mg | 0% |
Source of Calories