Everything you need to know about Bao Buns
Bao Buns (pronounced “bow”), but also known as a ‘steamed buns’ or ‘baozi’ 包子, are a delicious, warm, fluffy treat of stuffing wrapped inside a sweet, white dough. Made with a mix of flour, yeast, sugar, baking powder, milk and oil, the bao is a tad sweeter than its closely related cousin, the dumpling. It is a type of filled bun or bread-like dumpling that originates from Chinese cuisines.
Bao Buns Ingredients:
- Flour
- Yeast
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Milk
- Oil
Renowned for being light and fluffy, the perfect bao should be light, round and soft. It is more commonly known to be filled with pork, however, as the bao bun has become more popular worldwide, the bao bun fillings have become much more diverse. Let’s take a look at some of the fillings that you can serve with your bao dough.
Looking for a simple way to make Bao Buns? Check out our <a href="/tips-and-recipes/bao-dough" title="Steamed Bao Bun Recipe">Bao Dough recipe</a>
What can you serve with bao?
The bao is a little sweeter than your average bread bun, therefore we tend to use fillings that will balance out the flavours and make it into a more savoury, delicious snack. So, wok can you serve with bao?
When it comes to what to serve with bao, the world really is your oyster, however, as we mentioned, some may opt for the most common filling for bao which is the bbq pork, with a light and sticky sauce to accompany. Others may try beef, fish, or glazed mushrooms as a savory snack and chocolate for a sweeter dessert!
Just a recap of some bao buns fillings:
- BBQ pork bao buns
- Pork belly bao buns
- Pickled vegetables bao buns
- Beef bao buns
- Fish bao buns
- Glazed mushrooms bao buns
- Chocolate bao buns
Are Baos healthy?
Due to bao dough’s amazing versatility, how healthy your bao buns are is largely up to you! Whether you fancy indulging in a less than traditional dessert, like the chocolate bao, or if you would like a lighter vegetarian-based bao - the decision is in your hands.
However, we can’t say that baos are the ‘healthiest’ of snacks (in the sense of calorie-counting, diet-dabbling Instagrammers, at least). Bao dough itself is made of the six main ingredients listed above (flour, yeast, sugar, baking powder, milk and oil) - and so it is a deliciously sweet dough that should be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, rather than the base of every meal.
Do bao buns have gluten in?
Our School of Wok Bao Bun Kits do have wheat in, therefore would not be suitable for someone with a gluten intolerance. However, the bao recipe is transferable and if you suffer from any intolerances you can substitute out the ingredients to suit your requirements when making from scratch.
FAQs
A standard steamed bao typically contains about 200-250 calories, positioning it as a moderate-calorie food option. Additionally, bao serves as a source of protein and dietary fiber, particularly when made with whole grain flours or filled with vegetables or lean meats.
Are bao buns healthy for you? ›
It is difficult to answer this question with a simple yes or no since it depends on the filling or the type of bao. It is considered a healthy meal if it contains all the essential nutrients you need, is eaten in moderation, and is sufficient to meet your dietary needs per meal.
How many calories in a bao bao bun? ›
Nutritional Information
| Typical Values | Per 100g | One bao bun (28g) |
|---|
| Energy | 1258kJ / 298kcal | 352kJ / 83kcal |
| Fat | 4.6g | 1.3g |
| Saturates | 2.7g | 0.8g |
| Carbohydrate | 56.0g | 15.7g |
6 more rowsBao Bun Nutritional Facts and Calories
| Amount Per Serving | % DV |
|---|
| Trans fats | 0g | 0% |
| Carbs | 23g | 8% |
| Sugars | 1g | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
7 more rowsThe bao buns need 10-12 minutes to steam, so I recommend steaming the bao buns (homemade or frozen) just before serving. Allow about 3 buns per person as a main meal.
What buns are the healthiest? ›
Our Favorite Healthy Hamburger Buns
- Lettuce Wrap. Of all the low-calorie burger buns, a lettuce wrap is likely to have the least calories. ...
- Cauliflower Buns. The world has gone crazy over cauliflower! ...
- Portobello Mushrooms. ...
- Grilled Pineapple Buns. ...
- Sweet Potato Buns. ...
- Zucchini Buns.
Fujisan Bao Asian-style Steamed Buns (1 bao) contains 24g total carbs, 23g net carbs, 6g fat, 6g protein, and 230 calories.
Is steamed bread healthy? ›
Overall, processing, including cooking method, had a greater impact on GI than ingredients. Thus, the A*STAR team concluded, steaming is a healthier way of making bread than baking.
Are bao buns Korean or Japanese? ›
A gua bao, also known as a pork belly bun, bao, or bao bun, is a type of lotus leaf bun originating from Fujianese cuisine in China. It is also a popular snack in Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, and Nagasaki Chinatown in Japan.
What flour are Bao buns made from? ›
My recipe for Bao bun dough requires five ingredients: all-purpose flour; dried yeast; sugar; cooking oil, and lukewarm water. The flour & liquid (water + oil) ratio is 2:1 by weight. It may vary a little depending on the type and the brand of your flour.
When it comes to the dip, hoisin sauce, sweet chilli or a simple soy sauce with sesame oil make great pairings. We love to eat bao alongside some bouncy or zingy veggies. For zingy veg, we suggest some quick pickled cucumber.
How many calories are in 2 chicken bao buns? ›
The stuffed chicken bao calories per serving are 553 calories.
Is Sweet bun unhealthy? ›
Buns, mainly white and refined buns, have a high carbohydrate content. Unfortunately, such varieties of buns also have a high glycemic index. Therefore, consuming too many buns can result in a spike in blood sugar levels.
Is bao healthy for weight loss? ›
A standard steamed bao typically contains about 200-250 calories, positioning it as a moderate-calorie food option. Additionally, bao serves as a source of protein and dietary fiber, particularly when made with whole grain flours or filled with vegetables or lean meats.
How many calories are in 1 bao bun? ›
Kunf Food Bao Buns (1 serving) contains 32g total carbs, 32g net carbs, 1.1g fat, 4.7g protein, and 159 calories.
Are Bao buns high in fat? ›
2 serving of bao buns (Thermomix recipe) contains 221 Calories. The macronutrient breakdown is 70% carbs, 20% fat, and 10% protein.
Are buns healthy or unhealthy? ›
Buns are an excellent source of carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins, and minerals, preventing deficiency diseases. However, the primary nutrients they offer are carbohydrates and fibre. Various buns are enriched or fortified with nutrients. However, buns made from refined or regular flour are not healthy.
Are Bao buns a snack? ›
Bao buns are typically served hot and can be enjoyed as a snack, appetiser, or light meal in Chinese cuisine. They are often garnished with condiments like hoisin sauce, pickled vegetables, or herbs, adding extra flavor and texture to the dish.
