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chineseappetizer

Bao Bun

The delectable small steamed buns known as bao (or baozi) have recently become extremely popular around the world, but in their home China, they come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Total time:
35 min
Servings:
4
Cost per serving:
$2.50
Difficulty:
medium
Bao Bun

Step-by-step

  1. Mise en place: prep all ingredients before heat. The delectable small steamed buns known as bao (or baozi) have recently become e

  2. Build base flavor first. For this snacks, this means achieving a stable batter.

  3. Combine, balance salt and acid, taste at every stage. Adjust to your palate.

  4. Rest, plate per the plating guidance below, and serve immediately.

Cook's tip

From Hilda Baci's Record Breaking Online Class.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve texture.

Freezer: Most cooked dishes freeze 1-2 months. Cool fully before freezing in flat portions.

Plating & presentation

How to plate this dish like a pro

Stack on slate or warm wood. One contrasting dip, fresh herb sprig, lemon wedge. Serve immediately.

Common mistakes

What to avoid

  • 1Frying at low oil temperature (below 170C). Cold oil = greasy, soggy snack.
  • 2Crowding the pan. Each piece needs space for the oil to recover heat.
  • 3Salting before frying. Draws out moisture and kills crispness. Salt right after pulling from oil.

Ingredient swaps

Substitutions for diet or availability

all-purpose flourrice flour

extra crispness, gluten-free

breadcrumbspanko

lighter, crunchier coating

egg washplant milk + olive oil

vegan binder

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