Baozi (Steamed Buns)

Baozi

Ground Pork

Baozi (steamed buns) are a common breakfast item and popular street food in China. There are many variations of preparation methods and ingredients, and the recipe can be adapted using the cook's preferred fillings. This recipe uses pork, cabbage, and carrots.

Recipe Servings: 16

Prep Time

30 minutes
+ 2 hours 40 minutes resting

Cook Time

40 minutes

Total Time

3 hours 50 minutes

Vegetarian

Vegan

Gluten Free

Dairy Free

Kosher

Halal

Ingredients

1 packet (1 Tbsp or 7 grams) active dry yeast
1 cup (240 ml) warm water
4 cups (480 g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp (5 ml) baking powder
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
2 Tbsp (30 ml) sesame oil
1 cup (225 g) ground pork
½ cup (50 g) chopped green cabbage
¼ cup (40 g) chopped carrot
1 piece (¼ inch or ½ centimeter) fresh ginger, chopped
2 Tbsp (30 ml) soy sauce
1 Tbsp (15 ml) rice wine or sherry

Directions

Sprinkle yeast over warm water and set aside to foam for 10 minutes.
Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl.
Make a well in the center and add yeast mixture, stirring to form a dough.
Knead dough for 7–10 minutes, until smooth and shiny.
Place dough in a greased bowl and set aside to rise for 2 hours.
Heat sesame oil in a skillet and sauté ginger for a few minutes.
Add pork, cabbage, and carrot, sautéing until meat is broken up and browned.
Pour in rice wine or sherry.
Roll out dough into 16 pancakes, flattening edges so centers are thicker.
Place a dollop of filling in the center of each piece of dough.
Pull up edges of dough and pinch at the top to form a bun.
Place buns on oiled squares of parchment paper and let rest for about 30 minutes.
Steam buns for 25–30 minutes.