Bánh Bao (Vietnamese Steamed Pork Buns)

Short Description

Bánh Bao are traditional Vietnamese steamed buns filled with savory ground pork, mushrooms, Chinese sausage, and a slice of hard-boiled egg. These fluffy, soft buns are a staple in Vietnamese cuisine and are typically enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack. Their rich, flavorful filling and tender steamed dough make them a comforting and satisfying dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Brings authentic Vietnamese street food to your home kitchen
• Soft and fluffy texture paired with savory, flavorful filling
• Great for meal prepping or enjoying on the go
• Easily customizable with various fillings
• A fun and rewarding cooking project for all skill levels

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough

• All-purpose flour
• Instant yeast
• Baking powder
• Whole milk (warmed)
• Granulated sugar
• Vegetable oil

For the Filling

• Ground pork
• Wood ear mushrooms (rehydrated and minced)
• Yellow onion (minced)
• Fish sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Ground black pepper
• Chinese sausage (sliced)
• Hard-boiled eggs (quartered)

Directions

1. Make the Dough
   In a bowl, mix warm milk with instant yeast and let it sit until foamy. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and sugar. Add in the yeast mixture and oil, then knead until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Cover and let rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling
   In a large bowl, combine ground pork, mushrooms, onion, fish sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly. Divide into small balls. Flatten each, place a slice of sausage and a piece of egg in the center, and form into meatballs.
3. Assemble the Buns
   Punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions. Flatten each piece into a disc, keeping the center thicker. Place a meatball in the center, wrap the dough around it, and pinch to seal. Place each bun seam-side down on parchment paper.
4. Steam the Buns
   Let the assembled buns rest for 20 minutes while you prepare the steamer. Steam over boiling water for about 15–18 minutes or until fully cooked and fluffy. Do not open the lid during steaming.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 8 buns.
Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including rising time)
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours

Variations

• Chicken Filling: Substitute ground pork with ground chicken for a leaner version.
• Vegetarian: Use tofu, mushrooms, and vegetables instead of meat.
• Sweet Version: Try a mung bean or sweet custard filling for a dessert-style bánh bao.
• Spicy: Add chili paste or chopped chilies to the pork mixture for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, steam for 5–7 minutes or microwave covered with a damp paper towel for 1–2 minutes.
For longer storage, freeze buns individually, then steam from frozen for 15–20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

What does bánh bao mean?

“Bánh bao” translates to “wrapped cake” in Vietnamese, referring to the dough wrapped around the filling.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground chicken, beef, or turkey can be used in place of pork.

Do I need a bamboo steamer?

No, any steamer will work as long as you ensure even steam and space for the buns to expand.

Why is my dough not rising?

Check if your yeast is active and the milk is warm (not hot). Let the dough rise in a warm environment.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and steaming.

What is the best flour for bánh bao?

All-purpose flour works well, though some recipes use a mix of cake flour for a lighter texture.

Can I omit the egg or sausage?

Yes, you can customize the filling to your liking or dietary needs.

How do I prevent the buns from sticking to the steamer?

Place each bun on a square of parchment paper before steaming.

Are these gluten-free?

Not by default, but you could experiment with gluten-free flour blends, though the texture may differ.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Yes, finely chopped carrots or cabbage can be added to the pork mixture.

Conclusion

Bánh Bao offers a delicious taste of Vietnam with its flavorful pork filling and soft steamed dough. Whether you’re making them for the first time or reliving a nostalgic favorite, these buns are satisfying, customizable, and well worth the effort. Enjoy them fresh, or store for convenient meals throughout the week.

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