Easy Vegan Bao Bun Recipe
This Easy Vegan Bao Bun Recipe comes together quickly by using self-rising flour for the dough. The delicious Bao Buns are then filled with a tasty combo of carrots, onion, garlic, Shitake Mushrooms and Bok Choy. Then, they are pan fried in sesame oil for added flavor.
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What are Bao Buns?
Bao Buns are a stuffed bun or filled dough-like dumpling that is commonly served in Chinese cuisine. There are a variety of different types of fillings that can be added to the buns ranging from meat to vegetables. They can also be prepared in different ways and are most often steamed.
In this recipe, I use a vegan stuffing comprised of carrots, onion, garlic, Shitake Mushrooms and Bok Choy. Adding mushrooms to vegan recipes, such as this one give them a "meat like" texture to please everyone. The vegan Bao Buns are then pan-fried in sesame oil for a quick and easy preparation.
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What ingredients do I need to make the Vegan Bao Bun Recipe?
These tasty treats come together quickly with just 13 ingredients. You will need:
- Self-Rising Flour
- Hot Water
- Sunflower Oil
- Salt
- Sugar
- Shitake Mushrooms
- Bok Choy
- Carrots
- Onion
- Garlic Cloves
- Black Pepper
- Soy Sauce
I have never used Bok Choy, where can I find it?
Bok Choy is a green leafy vegetable known as Chinese cabbage. It is also called pak choi or pok choi. It is a cruciferous vegetable that is a member of the mustard family along with cabbage, kale, turnips and broccoli.
The entire plant is edible, but in this recipe, only the stems are used and the leaves can be reserved for later use. It can be found in the produce section of the grocery store where cabbage, kale, and lettuce are located. If you can not find it, spinach, kale or shredded green or purple cabbage can be used in place of the Bok Choy.
Kitchen items needed for recipe:
- Large Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Non-stick Frying Pan
- Basting Brush
How do I make the Vegan Bao Buns?
There are 4 easy steps to make the Bao Buns.
Step 1: Prepare the Bun Dough
In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, salt and sugar. Create a well in the center of the flour. Pour hot water and oil into the well. Mix the dough with a wooden spoon until the water cools down. Then, knead the dough for about 2 minutes. If sticky, add more oil. Cover and set aside while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Bun Filling
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat in a large non stick frying pan. Fry onion, garlic and carrots until tender. Then, add the sliced shitake mushrooms, bok choy stems, salt and pepper. Sauté for 2 to 3 more minutes, or until veggies are tender. Remove from heat and let the filling cool down.
Step 3: Prepare the Bao Buns
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large non stick pan over medium heat. Place buns in the pan with the pinched-side up. Cook until golden brown and crispy. Then, brush the tops of the buns with a little more sesame oil and flip them over carefully. Cook until golden brown and crispy on the other side.
How should I serve the Vegan Bao Buns?
These tasty buns can be served as an appetizer with a side of soy sauce. They can also be served as a main course meal over a bed of rice or sautéed greens. I like to make a batch to serve up along side my Healthy Ramen Soup Recipe. When I make them both together, I use all of the Bok Choy as the leaves are added to the Vegetarian Ramen Soup.
Can I add different vegetables to the Bao Buns?
Yes, absolutely! This is a versatile recipe, so feel free to experiment with adding different filling combinations to the buns.
How do I store the Vegan Bao Buns?
I like to eat them immediately after making them. However, they can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. My kids actually enjoy eating them cold for a snack, so if you have any leftover, give them a try that way!
So Tell Me...
What is your favorite homemade appetizer or snack? Have you ever made Vegan Bao Buns? If so, what type of filling did you add?
Thank you so much for stopping by. As always, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below. Have a great week!
Easy Vegan Bao Bun Recipe
Ingredients
Bun Dough Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 5-6 shiitake mushrooms sliced
- 1 head bok choy leaves removed and stems chopped
- 2 carrots sliced
- ½ onion sliced
- 2 garlic cloves chopped
- 2 tablespoon sesame oil divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- salt
- soy sauce optional
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, add the flor, sugar and salt.
- Create a well in the center of the flour. Pour hot water and oil into the well.
- Mix dough with a wooden spoon until the water cools to luke warm.
- Then, knead the dough for about 2 minutes. If sticky, add more oil. Cover and set aside while preparing the filling.
Prepare the Bun Filling
- Heat 1 tablespoon of sesmae oil over medium heat in a large non stick frying pan.
- Add onion, garlic and carrots to pan and sauté until tender.
- Then, add shitakes, bok choy stems, salt and pepper. Sauté for 2 to 3 more minutes or until veggies are tender. Remove from heat and allow filling to cool down.
Prepare the Bao Buns
- Flour your working place and divide dough into 5 balls.
- Roll each ball flat into a ½ inch thick round shape with a rolling pin.
- Add prepared vegetable filling in the center then fold the bun up and around the filling making sure to seal the top by pinching with your fingers. Repeat until all buns are assembled.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large non stick pan over medium heat.
- Place buns in the pan with the pinched-side up. Cook until golden brown and crispy then flip them over and carefully cook on the other side untill golden brown and crispy.
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