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Chinese Steamed Buns (Gua Bao Buns)

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 buns 1x
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Steaming
  • Cuisine: Chinese
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Soft, fluffy Chinese steamed buns that are lightly sweet and perfectly pillowy, ready to be filled with savory or fresh toppings for a comforting and satisfying bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 3/4 cup warm water
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl and let it sit until foamy.
  2. Add flour, salt, and oil to the yeast mixture and knead until a smooth, soft dough forms.
  3. Cover the dough and let it rest until doubled in size.
  4. Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each into an oval shape.
  5. Lightly brush with oil, fold in half, and place on parchment paper.
  6. Steam the buns for 8 to 10 minutes until puffed and tender.
  7. Let rest briefly, then fill and serve warm.

Notes

  • Keep the buns covered while proofing to prevent drying.
  • Steam over gently simmering water, not a rapid boil.
  • Reheat leftovers in the steamer to restore softness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bun
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: Chinese steamed buns, gua bao buns, steamed bao, fluffy bao dough