A steamy treat
Bao buns are a type of steamed bun originating in Chinese cuisine. You might hear them called baozi, mantou, or simply steamed buns. Regardless of the name, they all share a common characteristic: a soft, pillowy dough encasing a delectable filling. The dough itself is made with flour, yeast, sugar, baking powder, milk, and oil, resulting in a slightly sweet base that complements the fillings perfectly.
What’s inside?
The beauty of bao buns lies in their endless variety. These steamed buns are a playground of flavour options, with both sweet and savoury fillings. More classical fillings include pork belly simmered in a savoury sauce (ours is paired with mustard miso!) or smoked pork with a sweet and salty glaze; we chose yellow chilli honey as the perfect pairing.
For vegetarians and vegans, portobello mushrooms are a great choice and can be seasoned to mimic the texture and flavour of beef, making it a must-try. Aubergine also works really well which is why we pair it with a sweet miso glaze for an amazing flavour. Steamed or stir-fried vegetables like cabbage, carrots and peppers create a healthy and flavourful filling.
Many people also like to move away from the traditional and take inspiration from around the world. Crispy fried chicken, lamb shanks, beef short ribs and salmon with different flavourings and toppings are all fantastic choices.
How to enjoy your bao bun
Bao buns are traditionally steamed, resulting in a light and airy texture. You can enjoy them by hand or with chopsticks straight out of the steamer, savouring the contrasting textures; the warm, airy and soft dough giving way to the flavourful filling. Feel free to get creative – add a drizzle of chilli oil, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or a dollop of hoisin sauce for an extra flavour punch. Be warned, you might get a bit messy but that’s all part of the experience!
Are Hirata buns the same as bao buns?
Not quite! Hirata buns are often known as ‘bao’ but originate from Japan instead of China. While similar in appearance, bao buns and Hirata buns have some key differences. Hirata buns have a slightly denser dough and are often pan-fried, giving them a crispier base. Bao buns, on the other hand, are exclusively steamed, resulting in a lighter, airier texture.
Steamed buns at Flesh & Buns
At Flesh & Buns, we’re passionate about creating delicious Asian-inspired experiences. Because of this, we’re pleased to offer a variety of savoury steamed buns, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. why not try our Lamb Shank buns with its teriyaki & tobanjan marinated, blackberry vinaigrette, beetroot pickle and carrot pickle? Or our Crispy Piglet Belly buns are not to be missed with their chipotle miso BBQ sauce, red onion pickle and shiitake pickle. For vegetarians and vegans, consider either our Miso Grilled Aubergine buns or Portobello Mushroom buns.
Check out our menus at Covent Garden and Oxford Circus to discover your new favourite handheld treat!
Ready to try steamed buns yourself?
If we’ve inspired you to try our steamed buns, why not treat yourself this weekend? Click here to book either our Covent Garden or Oxford Circus restaurant.
