How to Make Bao Buns - Mantou Chinese Steamed Buns
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
8 minutes
Servings:
12 buns
Ingredients
  • ⅔ cup warm water
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1¼ cups bread flour, plus more for if needed
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
Directions
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the water, yeast and sugar until the yeast dissolves. Let the mixture sit until the yeast starts to get foamy and bloom, 4 to 6 minutes. Stir in the oil and set aside.
  2. Meanwhile, sift the bread flour, salt and baking soda together. Add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients and stir using a rubber spatula. If the dough looks sticky, add 1 additional tablespoon of flour at a time until it is less sticky.
  3. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and knead until smooth. Cover the dough with a damp kitchen towel and let the dough rest until it has doubled in size, 1½ to 2 hours. Punch the dough down to flatten it.
  4. Portion the dough into balls that are 2 inches in diameter and let rest for 5 minutes. Flatten each ball into a disk 3 inches in diameter.
  5. Fill the buns with your filling of choice and wrap by gathering the edge and twisting slightly. Cover with a damp kitchen towel to keep the bao from drying out.
  6. Place the buns in a steam basket lined with parchment paper and steam until the buns have expanded, 7 to 9 minutes. Serve.