chinease steamed buns recipe.

 

Chinese Steamed Buns Recipe (Mantou & Baozi)

Chinese Steamed Buns, known as Mantou (plain buns) or Baozi (stuffed buns), are a staple in Chinese cuisine. These soft, fluffy buns are usually served with savory fillings like pork, chicken, or vegetables, but they can also be enjoyed plain with dipping sauces. They are light, airy, and perfect for breakfast, dim sum, or as a side dish.

In this post, you’ll learn step-by-step how to make Chinese steamed buns at home, whether plain or filled, with tips for perfect results every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, fluffy, and pillowy texture.
• Can be made plain (Mantou) or filled (Baozi).
• Versatile — pair with savory or sweet fillings.
• Perfect for dim sum, snacks, or meal prep.

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Ingredients for Chinese Steamed Buns

For the Dough:

• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 cup (240ml) warm water
• ½ tsp salt

Optional Savory Filling (Baozi):

• ½ lb (225g) ground pork or chicken
• 1 cup cabbage, finely chopped
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 tsp sugar

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dough

1. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. Add warm water and oil, then knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
3. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling (Optional for Baozi)

1. Mix ground meat, cabbage, green onion, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and sugar.
2. Chill until ready to use.

3. Shape the Buns

1. Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces.
2. For Mantou (plain buns): roll into smooth balls.
3. For Baozi (stuffed buns): flatten dough circles, add 1 tbsp filling, and pinch edges to seal.

4. Steam the Buns

1. Place buns on parchment squares in a steamer basket.
2. Let rest for 15 minutes.
3. Steam over medium heat for 12–15 minutes until fluffy.
4. Turn off heat and let sit 2 minutes before opening lid (prevents shrinking).

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Tips for the Best Chinese Steamed Buns

• Use warm water (not hot) to activate yeast properly.
• Do not overcrowd buns in the steamer — they expand while cooking.
• Rest buns before steaming for extra fluffiness.
• Keep the lid closed after steaming for a couple of minutes to prevent collapse.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve plain Mantou with condensed milk or stir-fried dishes.
• Enjoy Baozi with soy sauce, chili oil, or dipping sauce.
• Perfect for dim sum, lunchboxes, or weekend snacks.

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Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze steamed buns individually wrapped for up to 1 month.
• Reheat by steaming for 5 minutes or microwaving with a damp paper towel.

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FAQs about Chinese Steamed Buns

1. What’s the difference between Mantou and Baozi?
Mantou are plain steamed buns, while Baozi are stuffed with savory or sweet fillings.

2. Can I make Chinese steamed buns without a steamer?
Yes, you can use a large pot with a steaming rack or even an instant pot.

3. Why are my buns dense instead of fluffy?
This usually happens if the dough was under-proofed or the yeast was inactive.

4. Can I make sweet versions?
Yes! Fill with red bean paste, custard, or sweet taro paste.

5. How do I keep buns soft after steaming?
Store in an airtight container and reheat by steaming, not just microwaving.

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