7 Ways to Make Delicious, Soft, and Simple Bánh Bao at Home

Bánh bao is one of the familiar dishes in Vietnamese cuisine. Thanks to its soft texture and enticing, delicious flavor, bánh bao has become a favorite dish for all ages. In today's article, Mytour Blog will share with you 7 simple ways to make delicious bánh bao at home while ensuring the authentic taste to treat your family and friends. 

1. How to make vegan bánh bao without filling

This is a delicious vegan dish suitable for the full moon or the first day of each month. The buns have a soft appearance, and the inside is without any filling. Vegan bánh bao can be steamed or fried to perfection. Despite its simple ingredients, the taste of this type of bánh bao is equally delicious compared to other varieties. Here's a simple recipe for making vegan bánh bao that you can refer to: 

Ingredients for Vegan Bánh Bao

• 220g all-purpose flour
• 3g instant yeast
• 30g sugar
• 130ml fresh milk or unsweetened soy milk
• Tools: Steamer, pot, bowl, parchment paper, rolling pin.

Steps to make vegan bánh bao without filling

• Step 1: Mix and Knead the Dough
  • Put 220g all-purpose flour, 3g instant yeast, and 30g sugar in a clean bowl. Mix the ingredients thoroughly.
  • Add 130ml fresh milk or unsweetened soy milk to the mixture. Continue to mix all the ingredients together and let it rest for 5 minutes.
• Step 2: Shape the Unfilled Vegan Bánh Bao
  • Place the rested dough on a flat surface and knead it with your wrists for about 10 minutes. Stop when the dough is no longer sticky and has a soft, smooth texture.
  • Use a rolling pin to flatten the dough into a rectangular shape. Brush water on the dough's surface and roll it into a tube shape. Ensure the dough is evenly spread to avoid uneven thickness. Finally, use a knife to cut the dough into equal-sized portions.
• Step 3: Proof the Dough and Steam the Buns
  • Place parchment paper in the steamer and put the dough portions on top. Proof the dough for about 45 – 60 minutes to allow it to rise evenly.
  • Steam the buns over medium heat for about 10 – 15 minutes.
  • After the bánh bao is cooked, leave it in the pot for about 5 minutes before removing the buns.

Finished Product

Vegan bánh bao with a soft and pure white outer layer that has a slight chewiness, providing an interesting eating experience. The natural sweetness from the sugar in the bun is not too overwhelming, delivering a delicious and enjoyable culinary experience.

With these characteristics, vegan bánh bao is truly an excellent choice for breakfast or as an appetizer for a feast. You can enjoy vegan bánh bao with soup, condensed milk, or soy sauce.

2. How to Make Non-Greasy Sweet Bánh Bao

Sweet bánh bao is both a satisfying meal and a popular dessert among food enthusiasts. The filling is often made with ingredients like red beans, saffron, coconut, or lotus seeds, creating a unique and unforgettable flavor. The process of making sweet bánh bao includes simple steps such as: 

Ingredients for Sweet Bánh Bao

• 400g all-purpose flour
• 30g sugar and salt
• 10g baking powder
• 150ml water or unsweetened fresh milk
• 3 local chicken eggs (only use yolks)
• 70ml coconut milk
• 50g caster sugar
• 30g unsalted butter
• 30g cornstarch
• 1 vanilla pod

Steps to Make Sweet Bánh Bao

• Step 1: Make Sweet Bánh Bao Dough
  • Combine baking powder, sugar, and 100ml warm water (or unsweetened fresh milk) in a bowl and mix well.
  • In another clean bowl, add 400g all-purpose flour, a pinch of salt, and sugar. Mix thoroughly.
  • Pour the baking powder mixture into the flour, add a little warm water, then knead the dough until it becomes soft and smooth. Let it rest for about 1 hour to double in size.
• Step 2: Prepare Sweet Bánh Bao Filling
  • Add egg yolks to a bowl. Add some sugar and use a whisk to beat until both ingredients are well combined.
  • Gradually add fresh milk, coconut milk, and cornstarch to the egg mixture and mix well by hand.
  • Strain the mixture through a sieve to remove any undissolved egg. Heat the strained mixture over medium heat. Stir continuously until the filling thickens, then turn off the heat.
  • Add vanilla and unsalted butter to the mixture, then stir well. Finally, let the filling set by placing it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
• Step 3: Shape the Bánh Bao
  • Shape the doubled dough into a round ball. Use a rolling pin to flatten the dough, add the prepared egg and milk filling inside. Reshape the dough into a round and even shape, covering the filling completely.
• Step 4: Steam the Bánh Bao
  • Add a little vinegar to the steaming water for a natural white color. Place the bánh bao in the steamer and steam for about 30 minutes.

Finished Product

Sweet Bánh Bao with egg and milk filling has a delightful and enticing aroma. The filling, after steaming, has a gentle melt-in-your-mouth texture when you split the bun. This bánh bao can be used for both main meals or as a dessert. People often use this type of bánh bao as a gift for loved ones on special family occasions throughout the year.

3. How to Make Bánh Bao with All-Purpose Flour Without Yeast

If there's a family member allergic to yeast or you prefer not to use it when making bánh bao, you can still achieve a delicious and well-rounded result. The recipe for making bánh bao with all-purpose flour without yeast will include the following steps: 

Ingredients for All-Purpose Flour Bánh Bao

• 300g all-purpose flour
• 50g cornstarch
• 5g instant yeast
• 70g unsweetened fresh milk
• Seasonings: sugar, salt, cooking oil, white wine, oyster sauce
• 70ml unsweetened fresh milk
• 200g fatty minced meat
• 50g wood ear mushrooms
• 15g purple onions
• 10 boiled quail eggs
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Steps to Make Bánh Bao with All-Purpose Flour Without Yeast

• Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
  • Clean and cut wood ear mushrooms into small strips. 
  • Peel and finely chop purple onions. 
• Step 2: Marinate the meat
  • Place the minced meat in a bowl. Then, add seasonings such as cornstarch, salt, sugar, cooking oil, pepper, oyster sauce, and white wine according to your family's taste. 
  • After mixing the mixture evenly, use plastic wrap to cover and let it sit for 1 hour. 
• Step 3: Mix dough for the bun
  • Place 300g of all-purpose flour in a large bowl, make a small hole in the middle, slowly pour in the instant yeast without activating, add cornstarch, salt, and a little sugar. Mix the ingredients well to incorporate everything. 
  • Pour unsweetened fresh milk or warm water into the flour and knead the dough with a machine. When the dough becomes soft and smooth, turn off the machine and divide the dough into equal parts. Wrap each portion with plastic wrap and let it rest for 15–20 minutes. 
• Step 5: Shape the bánh bao
  • Take each portion of dough and roll it thin. Add the filling inside, add a slice of quail egg, and then fold the bun so that the edges are sealed. 
• Step 6: Steam the bánh bao
  • Steam the buns in a steamer for about 10 minutes. After the buns are cooked, open the steamer lid and let the buns cool for 5 minutes before removing and enjoying. 

Finished Product

Bánh bao without yeast still boasts a rich and delicious flavor. With its smooth white exterior and a perfectly seasoned filling, this dish is sure to delight the whole family when enjoyed. 

4. How to Make Flavorful Meat-filled Bao Buns with Wheat Flour

Bao buns filled with savory meat have a soft exterior and a rich, flavorful interior with finely minced meat and a touch of chewy shiitake mushrooms. This homemade bao bun recipe with meat filling made from wheat flour is not overly complicated. You can try your hand at it with these simple steps: 

Ingredients for Meat-filled Bao Buns

• 3g dry yeast
• 300g all-purpose flour (adjustable based on family size)
• 30g sugar
• 70ml unsweetened fresh milk
• 20g potato starch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 100g shiitake mushrooms
• 200g finely minced pork (choose a cut with some fat)
• Hard-boiled and peeled quail eggs
• Additional seasonings: salt, sugar, ground pepper, etc.

Steps to Make Wheat Flour Meat-filled Bao Buns

• Step 1: Make the bun dough
  • Combine dry yeast, unsweetened fresh milk, sugar, and all-purpose flour in a clean bowl. After mixing the ingredients well, add baking powder and a little warm water to the bowl. 
  • Mix the dough thoroughly by hand, then tightly cover it with plastic wrap and let it ferment for 30 minutes. 
• Step 2: Prepare the meat filling
  • Thinly slice shiitake mushrooms and finely mince pork. In a non-stick pan, combine mushrooms, minced pork, pepper, seasoning granules, fish sauce, and a little sugar. Stir the mixture on the stove for about 5 minutes until the meat is cooked, then turn off the heat. 
• Step 3: Shape the meat-filled bao buns
  • After the dough has fermented for 30 minutes, take it out and knead it with your hands. 
  • Cut the dough into bite-sized pieces, then roll it out thinly. 
  • Place the meat filling and a quail egg on the dough, then slowly fold the bun into a neatly layered shape. Be sure to wrap the filling tightly to prevent it from falling out during steaming. 
• Step 4: Steam the buns
  • Place the buns in a steamer and steam for about 30 minutes. After the buns are cooked, let them cool in the pot for about 5 minutes before removing and serving to the whole family. 

Finished Product

Meat-filled bao buns are incredibly enticing and delicious when steaming hot. The exterior of the bao buns is usually soft with just the right amount of elasticity, providing a gentle eating experience. The rich flavor of the meat and quail egg filling creates a perfect culinary delight. 

5. How to Make Delicious Kim Sa Salted Egg Bao Buns

Kim Sa Salted Egg Bao Buns are highly praised by food enthusiasts for their distinctive flavor, setting them apart from other types of bao buns. The soft and smooth bun exterior, combined with the creamy and rich salted egg filling, creates a captivating and worth-trying dish. 

Ingredients for Kim Sa Bao Buns

• 5 salted egg yolks
• 50g unsalted butter
• 45g sweetened condensed milk
• 50g coconut milk
• 40g milk powder
• 325g all-purpose flour
• 145ml unsweetened fresh milk
• 3g instant yeast
• 30ml vegetable oil
• 4g baking powder
• 30g egg whites

Steps to Make Kim Sa Bao Buns

• Step 1: Prepare Salted Eggs
  • Rinse salted eggs under running water to remove any remaining egg whites.
  • Steam salted eggs for about 10 minutes. Then, mash the eggs with a fork.
• Step 2: Prepare Kim Sa Filling
  • Combine unsalted butter and sweetened condensed milk in a bowl. Continue to add coconut milk and milk powder to the mixture.
  • After thorough mixing, divide the salted egg mixture into portions and place it on a tray. Wrap the filling tightly and refrigerate for about 12 hours. 
• Step 3: Make the Bao Bun Dough
  • Combine all-purpose flour, instant yeast, unsweetened fresh milk, sugar, and vegetable oil in a bowl and mix well.
  • Knead the dough until it becomes a smooth and elastic mass. Then, remove the dough and knead by hand for 1 minute. 
  • Wrap the dough mixture in plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. 
• Step 4: Shape the Buns:
  • Divide the risen dough into small portions, roll it out, and place the Kim Sa filling inside.
  • Fold the edges of the bun to secure the filling inside during steaming.
• Step 5: Steam the Buns
  • Place the buns in a steamer and steam over high heat for 10 minutes. Once the buns are cooked, let them cool in the pot, then remove and enjoy.

Finished Product

Salted egg filling is the highlight of kim sa bao buns. When steamed, the salted egg filling melts, creating a rich and distinctive creamy blend. As you take a bite, the aroma from the bun's outer layer will spread, tantalizing your taste buds and making it irresistible.

6. Crispy and Delicious Fried Bao Buns

Fried bao buns present a unique and delightful twist to the traditional bao. The crispy and crunchy exterior complements the deliciously soft filling, offering a distinctive and exciting culinary experience.

Ingredients for Crispy Fried Bao Buns

• 130g all-purpose flour
• 80ml fresh milk
• 1g baking powder
• 50g minced pork
• 50g Chinese sausage
• 20g shiitake mushrooms
• 30g carrots
• 30g cabbage
• 2 eggs

Steps to Make Crispy Fried Bao Buns

• Step 1: Mix Dough and Let It Rest
  • Combine instant yeast, all-purpose flour, and salt in a clean bowl, mixing well by hand.
  • In another bowl, mix together yeast, fresh milk, cooking oil, and sugar, ensuring the ingredients blend thoroughly. Pour the yeast mixture into the flour bowl and mix until the dough absorbs all the liquid.
  • Let the dough rest at room temperature for 15 minutes, cover it tightly, and allow it to rise for 1–2 hours until the dough doubles in size. 
• Step 2: Prepare the Bun Filling
  • After soaking shiitake mushrooms, cut them into small strips.
  • Wash and clean carrots and cabbage, then cut them into small pieces.
  • In a bowl, mix Chinese sausage, minced pork, shiitake mushrooms, carrots, cabbage, oyster sauce, sugar, and seasoning. Stir-fry the bun filling on the stove until the meat is thoroughly cooked, then turn off the heat.
  • Boil the eggs and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
• Step 3: Wrap the Buns
  • Take the risen dough and divide it into small portions. Use a rolling pin to flatten each piece into a thin round sheet.
  • Place the bun filling and a piece of egg on top of the dough. Then, carefully fold the bun into a round shape, ensuring it covers the filling inside.
• Step 4: Fry the Buns
  • Heat a pan with 200ml cooking oil. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, place the buns in to fry. When the buns are evenly golden on all sides, remove them and let them drain, then enjoy. 

Final Result

The exterior of the buns has an enticing turmeric yellow color, while the interior is filled with delicious meat filling. Each bite of the fried buns explodes with flavor in your mouth. These fried buns can be enjoyed with a bit of chili or tomato sauce to enhance the overall taste of the dish. 

7. Homemade Char Siu Bao Recipe

Char Siu Bao, a Chinese delicacy, features a soft and smooth bun filled with flavorful char siu pork. Making these buns at home is simple and involves the following steps: 

Ingredients for Char Siu Bao

• 130g char siu pork
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 350g all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce, char siu sauce, oyster sauce, vegetable oil.
• 1 onion

Steps to make Char Siu Bao

• Step 1: Marinate char siu pork
  • Mix char siu sauce, oyster sauce, vegetable oil, and finely chopped onion. Stir the mixture on the stove with dark soy sauce, sugar, and seasoning. Stir well until the sauce is well combined, then remove the onions.
  • Place the sauce in a bowl and let it cool completely.
  • Cut the char siu pork into small cubes and marinate with the sauce for 20 minutes.
• Step 2: Make the bun dough
  • Combine all-purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, and baking powder in a bowl. Add vegetable oil and warm water to the mixture. Use a dough mixer to knead the dough until it becomes a smooth, non-sticky dough.
• Step 3: Shape the buns
  • Divide the kneaded dough into equal portions. Roll out the dough and place the char siu filling on top.
  • Fold the edges of the bun to encase the filling neatly.
• Step 4: Steam the buns
  • Place the buns in a steamer. Steam them over boiling water for 30 minutes until the buns are cooked. Let them cool in the steamer for 5 minutes, then remove and enjoy immediately.

Finished Product

Char Siu Bao with its rich and flavorful filling, exuding the distinctive aroma of Chinese cuisine, offers a unique mouthwatering experience. The outer bun is soft and smooth, providing a gentle sensation with every bite.

Expertise in Crafting Delectable Bánh Bao

To achieve the perfection of delicious, home-cooked bánh bao, consider the following tips in the bánh bao making process:

• Avoid over-fermenting the dough as it may result in an unpleasant odor during steaming.
• If the dough feels sticky while kneading, you can add a little dry flour.
• If parchment paper is unavailable, you can apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the steamer to prevent the dough from sticking.
• Place a thin cotton cloth over the steamer lid. This helps reduce condensation dripping onto the bánh bao.

Effective Bánh Bao Preservation Tips

If you want to preserve bánh bao for an extended period to enjoy gradually, consider applying these tips: 

• Preserving fermented dough: 
  • After kneading the dough, tightly wrap it in plastic wrap to prevent bacteria. Let it ferment for 2 – 3 hours, avoiding prolonged fermentation to prevent sourness. 
• For unbaked bánh bao
  • If you've shaped the bánh bao but haven't steamed it yet, place it on a tray. Then, use plastic wrap to seal the tray and store it in the refrigerator. This method can help preserve the bánh bao for up to a week.
• For steamed and cooked bánh bao
  • After steaming and allowing the bánh bao to cool, place it in a food storage container and store it in the refrigerator. You can keep the bánh bao for 7 – 10 days with this method. 

This article has shared with you how to make bánh bao at home with simple ingredients. Hopefully, after reading, you will find a recipe to create delicious bánh bao to treat your friends and family. To discover more recipes for various types of cakes, don't forget to follow the articles on the Mytour Blog!