Are Bao Buns supposed to be sweet? Store-bought Bao Buns are too sweet for me. I made less sweet Bao Buns based on my dough for Nikuman (Steamed Pork Buns). Add 1 to 2 tablespoons Sugar. 2 tablespoons is quite a lot, but still much less sweet than store-bought ones. If you bake Bread regularly, these Bao Buns are quite easy to make for you.

Makes

8 Buns

Ingredients

1 cup (250ml) Self-Raising Flour
1/2 cup Bread Flour
1 pinch Salt
1 teaspoon Dry Yeast
1 tablespoon Sugar *add extra 1 tablespoon if you want sweeter
1/2 cup Warm Water
1 tablespoon Oil of your choice *plus extra to brush
1 teaspoon Rice Vinegar

Method
  1. Place Warm Water, Dry Yeast and Sugar in a bowl, mix gently and set aside.
  2. Place Self Raising Flour, Bread Flour and Salt in a large bowl, and mix to combine. Make a well in the centre and pour in the yeast mixture, Oil and Rice Vinegar. Mix well to form a soft dough. Allow to rest for 1 hour.
  3. Divide the dough into 8 portions. Roll each portion into 5mm thin oblong. Brush Oil over the top side, and fold in half. *Note: You may wish to brush Sesame Oil for extra flavour.
  4. Place each bun on a piece of baking paper (size 10 x 10cm). Allow to rest for 30 to 60 minutes or until doubled in size.

  5. Pour water into a steamer and bring to the boil over high heat. Place buns into steamer, cover with lid and cook for 10 minutes. Repeat with remaining buns.
  6. Serve while they’re still warm with your favourite fillings. Today I filled with Lettuce and stir-fried Prawns, Tomato and Egg. Any flavours will go well with these buns.