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Bao Buns!
Bao means Buns so calling it bao buns doesn’t make sense but it is such a cute name!
Bao is steamed buns and it can be many different shapes and it can be by itself or filled with sweet/savory filling.
I shared mantou, my original steamed bun recipe a long ago. It’s very similar but this recipe is an upgraded version of the old one.
https://seonkyounglongest.com/chinese-steamed-buns-mantou/
I have a char siu bao & Japanese style pork bun recipe it is very delicious and you can use this bao bun recipe for the dough!
https://seonkyounglongest.com/cha-siu-bao-bbq-pork-buns/
https://seonkyounglongest.com/japanse-pork-buns/
It can be served as a side with any main meal that you prepped. I love bao with pepper pork!
https://seonkyounglongest.com/pepper-pork/
![The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (2) The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (2)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/photos.smugmug.com/Bao-Buns/i-PKd84kX/0/1b777bdd/X2/BAbo%20Bun%205-X2.jpg?w=1170&ssl=1)
My bao bun recipe is foolproof, so fluffy it’s ridiculous.
Let’s get started!
![The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (3) The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (3)](https://i0.wp.com/i2.wp.com/photos.smugmug.com/Bao-Buns/i-hx6Jnvn/0/4a8b05e4/M/Screen%20Shot%202019-09-29%20at%2012.50.31%20PM-M.png?w=1170&ssl=1)
![The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (4) The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (4)](https://i0.wp.com/i2.wp.com/photos.smugmug.com/Bao-Buns/i-NKcwXdd/0/2b975574/M/Screen%20Shot%202019-09-29%20at%2012.50.37%20PM-M.png?w=1170&ssl=1)
Combine warm water, milk, active yeast, sugar, and oil. Whisk to let yeast and sugar dissolve then let it sit until years activate, about 5 to 10 minutes.
![The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (5) The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (5)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/photos.smugmug.com/Bao-Buns/i-vvdzPm4/0/08aa0a48/M/Screen%20Shot%202019-09-29%20at%2012.50.53%20PM-M.png?w=1170&ssl=1)
Meanwhile combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a stand mixer. You could make it with your hand too if you prefer.
![The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (6) The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (6)](https://i0.wp.com/i1.wp.com/photos.smugmug.com/Bao-Buns/i-QPww3N8/0/cbac947a/M/Screen%20Shot%202019-09-29%20at%2012.50.57%20PM-M.png?w=1170&ssl=1)
![The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (7) The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (7)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/photos.smugmug.com/Bao-Buns/i-bDBMMXn/0/f7a1a75f/M/Screen%20Shot%202019-09-29%20at%2012.51.02%20PM-M.png?w=1170&ssl=1)
![The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (8) The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (8)](https://i0.wp.com/i2.wp.com/photos.smugmug.com/Bao-Buns/i-dWhqHdR/0/f2b357e2/M/Screen%20Shot%202019-09-29%20at%2012.51.10%20PM-M.png?w=1170&ssl=1)
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients mixture. Start on a low speed to slowly incorporate all the ingredients together then on medium speed until it becomes a dough shape. Keep kneed for 3 to 4 minutes on medium speed. The dough should be elastic and really soft but not stick to your fingers or on the mixing bowl.
![The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (9) The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (9)](https://i0.wp.com/i1.wp.com/photos.smugmug.com/Bao-Buns/i-sM2qZ4d/0/c6acc20d/M/Screen%20Shot%202019-09-29%20at%2012.51.46%20PM-M.png?w=1170&ssl=1)
![The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (10) The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (10)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/photos.smugmug.com/Bao-Buns/i-fVcsJJL/0/7930e4f0/M/Screen%20Shot%202019-09-29%20at%2012.52.03%20PM-M.png?w=1170&ssl=1)
Take the dough out from the hook and form like a ball. Place back to the mixing bowl, cover with a plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until it becomes triple size, about 2 hours. Let it sit longer if needed.
![The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (11) The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (11)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/photos.smugmug.com/Bao-Buns/i-W2BCvbw/0/4cb28549/M/Screen%20Shot%202019-09-29%20at%2012.52.22%20PM-M.png?w=1170&ssl=1)
![The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (12) The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (12)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/photos.smugmug.com/Bao-Buns/i-SB4GGrK/0/053bdcdb/M/Screen%20Shot%202019-09-29%20at%2012.52.39%20PM-M.png?w=1170&ssl=1)
![The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (13) The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (13)](https://i0.wp.com/i2.wp.com/photos.smugmug.com/Bao-Buns/i-TWNhmDk/0/162edf10/M/Screen%20Shot%202019-09-29%20at%2012.52.50%20PM-M.png?w=1170&ssl=1)
You will see webs from the well-raised dough.
![The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (15) The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (15)](https://i0.wp.com/i2.wp.com/photos.smugmug.com/Bao-Buns/i-XxkFJPV/0/6bbeddf2/M/Screen%20Shot%202019-09-29%20at%2012.53.13%20PM-M.png?w=1170&ssl=1)
Place the raised dough on a working surface. Roll out the dough 1/4-inch thick. Sprinkle four is not necessary but if you do, use as minimum as possible.
I bought my super long rolling pin from a local Asian grocery. It’s the best rolling pin ever!!! Love the thickness of the rolling pin is even and straight. I found a similar one on Amazon if you wanna check it out!
![The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (17) The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (17)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/photos.smugmug.com/Bao-Buns/i-5sV54sr/0/b7a423e1/M/Screen%20Shot%202019-09-29%20at%2012.53.34%20PM-M.png?w=1170&ssl=1)
Cut the dough 3 1/2-inch circle with a ring mold or glass (I used a wine glass). This recipe will make 14 o 16 baos.
![The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (18) The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (18)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/photos.smugmug.com/Bao-Buns/i-qQBLzWH/0/c66328f6/M/Screen%20Shot%202019-09-29%20at%2012.53.42%20PM-M.png?w=1170&ssl=1)
![The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (19) The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (19)](https://i0.wp.com/i1.wp.com/photos.smugmug.com/Bao-Buns/i-W8LnmVS/0/2d83e69d/M/Screen%20Shot%202019-09-29%20at%2012.54.01%20PM-M.png?w=1170&ssl=1)
![The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (20) The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (20)](https://i0.wp.com/i2.wp.com/photos.smugmug.com/Bao-Buns/i-NmpTwH3/0/e0a94d58/M/Screen%20Shot%202019-09-29%20at%2012.54.05%20PM-M.png?w=1170&ssl=1)
Lightly brush or spray oil on one surface of the baos and fold in half like a half-moon shape.
![The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (21) The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (21)](https://i0.wp.com/i2.wp.com/photos.smugmug.com/Bao-Buns/i-XcSJnF6/0/c34dcd2d/M/Screen%20Shot%202019-09-29%20at%2012.54.13%20PM-M.png?w=1170&ssl=1)
![The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (22) The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (22)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/photos.smugmug.com/Bao-Buns/i-JxrKDXp/0/e391f50c/M/Screen%20Shot%202019-09-29%20at%2012.54.22%20PM-M.png?w=1170&ssl=1)
Gently press each bao with a roller and place it on a parchment paper or coffee filter-lined steamer.
Cover with a lid and let it rest for additional 30 minutes.
![The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (25) The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (25)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/photos.smugmug.com/Bao-Buns/i-nrj39Xt/0/2f7047e1/M/Screen%20Shot%202019-09-29%20at%2012.54.43%20PM-M.png?w=1170&ssl=1)
Meanwhile, bring water to boil on a wok or steamer pot.
![The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (26) The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (26)](https://i0.wp.com/i2.wp.com/photos.smugmug.com/Bao-Buns/i-KTP3B46/0/4fc5b49d/M/Screen%20Shot%202019-09-29%20at%2012.54.48%20PM-M.png?w=1170&ssl=1)
Carefully place the steamer with the baos on top of boiling water wok/pot. Make sure water is not touching the baos. Cover and steam for 8 to 12 minutes.When they are done cooking, tilt the lid a tiny bit for slow air circulation about 2 to 3 minutes before open the lid.
![The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (27) The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (27)](https://i0.wp.com/i2.wp.com/photos.smugmug.com/Bao-Buns/i-fFGTnJV/0/fe1cd3c3/M/Screen%20Shot%202019-09-29%20at%2012.54.52%20PM-M.png?w=1170&ssl=1)
![The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (28) The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (28)](https://i0.wp.com/i2.wp.com/photos.smugmug.com/Bao-Buns/i-qrT57Mf/0/39a6ab04/M/Screen%20Shot%202019-09-29%20at%2012.54.55%20PM-M.png?w=1170&ssl=1)
Spray some water on a coffee filter to prevent the dough from sticking.
![The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (29) The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (29)](https://i0.wp.com/i1.wp.com/photos.smugmug.com/Bao-Buns/i-js3VksW/0/eba68592/M/Screen%20Shot%202019-09-29%20at%2012.54.59%20PM-M.png?w=1170&ssl=1)
You can serve this bao as a side or make a sandwich!
![The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (31) The BEST Bao Buns Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (31)](https://i0.wp.com/i2.wp.com/photos.smugmug.com/Bao-Buns/i-6rZ6xLr/0/878474b2/X2/Bao%20Bun%2013%20copy-X2.jpg?w=1170&ssl=1)
Enjoy!
The BEST Bao Buns
- Author: Seonkyoung Longest
- Total Time: 2 hours 8 mins
- Yield: 14 to 16 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/3 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- 4 tbsp sugar, divided half
- 2 tbsp avocado, vegetable or canola oil
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour (use blenched flour if you want complete white buns)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Combine warm water, milk, active yeast, sugar, and oil. Whisk to let yeast and sugar dissolve, then let it sit until yeast activates, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a stand mixer. You can mix with your hands too if you prefer.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient mixture. Start on low speed to slowly incorporate all the ingredients together then on medium speed until it becomes a dough shape. Keep kneading for 3 to 4 minutes on medium speed. The dough should be elastic and really soft but not stick to your fingers or on the mixing bowl.
- Take the dough off the hook and form it into a ball. Place back to the mixing bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until it becomes triple in size, about 2 hours. Let it sit longer if needed.
- Place the raised dough on a working surface. Roll out the dough 1/4-inch thick. Sprinkle flour if necessary, but if you do, use as minimal as possible. Cut the dough 3 1/2-inch circle with a ring mold or glass (I used a wine glass). This recipe will make 14 to 16 baos.
- Lightly brush or spray oil on one surface of the baos and fold them in half as a half moon shape. Gently press each bao with a roller and place on a parchment paper or coffee filter lined steamer. Cover with a lid and let it rest for additional 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, bring water to boil in a wok or steamer pot. Carefully place the steamer with the baos on top of boiling water wok/pot. Make sure water is not touching the baos. Cover and steam for 8 to 12 minutes. When they are done cooking, tilt/open the lid slightly for slow air circulation, about 2 to 3 minutes before opening the lid all the way. Spray some water on coffee filter to prevent the dough from sticking. You can serve this bao as a side or make sandwiches! Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 8 mins
Keywords: Bao, Bao Buns, Steamed Buns