Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the warm water and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until a foamy layer appears, indicating the yeast is active.
- Step 2: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, baking powder, and salt. Add this dry mixture along with the vegetable oil to the activated yeast mixture. Mix with a spoon or your hands until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Step 3: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean, damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for 60-90 minutes, or until it has noticeably increased in size and appears light and airy.
- Step 4: Gently punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly gluten-free floured surface. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten it into an oval shape about 3-4 inches long. Brush one half of the oval lightly with a little oil, then fold the other half over to create the classic bao bun shape.
- Step 5: Place each shaped bun on a small square of parchment paper. Arrange the buns in a steamer basket, making sure there is enough space between them to expand. Steam over rapidly boiling water for 10-12 minutes, or until the buns are puffy, white, and cooked through. Serve immediately with your favorite savory filling.
Notes
- Store leftover steamed bao buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer enjoyment; just make sure they're completely cool first.
- To bring your bao back to life, re-steam them for 3-5 minutes until soft and warm, or a quick zap in the microwave (about 30 seconds per bun) works in a pinch, though steaming keeps them fluffiest!
- These fluffy bao buns are perfect for cradling savory fillings like slow-cooked pulled chicken, marinated hoisin mushrooms, or crispy fried chicken, always topped with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a drizzle of sriracha mayo.
- Don't skip brushing the inside of the folded bun with a little oil before steaming; it's a simple trick that prevents the dough from sticking and allows your bao to open up beautifully for filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Bao Bun (approx. 90g)
- Calories: 325
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 12g