Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you straight to the vibrant streets of China! These mouthwatering steamed bao buns are not just a meal – they're an experience that combines the soft, pillowy texture of traditional Chinese dumplings with a bright, citrusy vegetable stir fry that will make your palate dance with joy. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a curious food enthusiast, this recipe promises to turn an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon yeast
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 orange, juiced
- Soy sauce to taste
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and yeast. Mix well to combine the dry ingredients.
- Slowly add the warm water and sesame oil to the dry mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough begins to come together.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 20 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the orange veggie stir fry. Heat a tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced bell pepper, julienned carrot, and sliced zucchini to the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender but still crisp.
- Pour the fresh orange juice over the stir-fried vegetables and add soy sauce to taste. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball.
- Roll each ball into a flat circle about 4 inches in diameter. Place a generous spoonful of the orange veggie stir fry in the center of each circle.
- Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching them together to seal the bao. Make sure there are no gaps for the filling to escape.
- Prepare a steamer by lining it with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking. Place the bao in the steamer, leaving some space between each one.
- Bring water to a boil in a pot or wok and carefully place the steamer over the boiling water. Cover and steam the bao for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are puffed and cooked through.
- Once cooked, remove the bao from the steamer and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy your Chinese Bao with Orange Veggie Stir Fry!
Tips
- Dough Consistency is Key: When kneading the bao dough, aim for a smooth, elastic texture. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little flour; if it's too dry, incorporate a small amount of warm water.
- Steam Success: Ensure your steamer is lined with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking. Leave enough space between bao for them to expand during steaming.
- Temperature Matters: Use warm (not hot) water when activating the yeast to ensure proper rising. The ideal temperature is around 110°F (43°C).
- Filling Technique: Don't overfill your bao. Too much filling can make sealing difficult and may cause the buns to burst during steaming.
- Fresh is Best: Serve the bao immediately after steaming for the most delightful texture and flavor. The combination of warm, soft bun and zesty vegetable filling is simply irresistible!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
