Buzz
Bread is one of those foods you can always count on. It’s comforting, satisfying, and the variety available globally never fails to excite. One of my go-to favorites is the plump gua bao bun. If you haven't tried it yet, you absolutely should make it a regular part of your meals.
What exactly are gua bao buns?
The gua bao (also spelled koah-pau, gua-pao, or commonly referred to as a bao bun) is a small, fluffy bread made from wheat flour that comes from China. The term 'bao' literally translates to 'bun,' so the phrase 'bao bun' might seem redundant, similar to saying 'chai tea.' You might also spot other types of buns or dumplings labeled with 'bao' on restaurant menus, with or without the addition of 'bun.'
In my passionate bread-loving opinion, the unique thing about gua bao lies in both its shape and its method of cooking. Made from basic bread ingredients like wheat flour, yeast, baking powder, sugar, salt, and milk, they differ from typical Western breads by being steamed at a much gentler temperature of 212 F, rather than being baked at high temperatures (400–500 F) in a dry oven. As for their shape, unlike the round ball of a dinner roll, gua bao are flattened into a long oval shape, then folded in half. This gives them a shape reminiscent of a sock puppet's face—fluffier and certainly more appetizing.
Where can you find gua bao?
While it's definitely possible to make gua bao at home, I personally don't do it. Not because it’s difficult, but because buying pre-made ones is so much easier for me. (However, if you'd like to give it a shot, here's a recipe you can try.) I typically buy them frozen from Asian grocery stores—they’re budget-friendly and taste amazing.
To reheat them, it’s best to follow the instructions on the package. If there aren’t any, or if they’re in a language you can’t understand, you can re-steam them on the stove, but I usually just use the microwave. Place one or two buns on a microwave-safe plate, cover them with a damp paper towel, and microwave in 15-second intervals, checking on them between each burst. They’ll be ready in 30 seconds or less.
How do you enjoy gua bao?
The steaming process gives these rolls a unique texture: a slightly tacky, glossy skin on the outside and a soft, airy crumb on the inside. Their delicate flavor makes them an ideal base for various fillings, and their gentle texture complements any added crunch. These little rolls are just the right size to grab with one hand and devour in just a few bites.
At most eateries, you’ll find gua bao filled with juicy, braised meats, shredded carrots, fresh cucumber, and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts. This combination is delicious and easy to recreate at home. But if that doesn’t appeal, gua bao are incredibly versatile. Fill them with anything you like, whether it’s sweet or savory. Try using them like a hot dog bun, filled with cheesy scrambled eggs, or stuff them with crispy, nutritional yeast-coated tofu. Other tasty options include barbecued pulled pork, fried chicken, or Thai fried bananas. Unused buns can be frozen for later, as gua bao freeze incredibly well, just like most types of bread.
