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Beef Bao Buns Recipe

Beef Bao Buns Recipe

Beef Bao Buns feature soft, steamed buns filled with tender beef simmered in a savory soy, hoisin, and oyster sauce mixture.
Ready in about 2 hours, this recipe yields 10–12 fluffy buns that combine slightly sweet dough with a rich, umami-packed filling for a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal.
Prep Time 55 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

For the Bao Buns
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¾ cup warm water
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • Pinch of salt
For the Beef Filling
  • 1 lb beef brisket or chuck cut into small cubes
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons ginger grated
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
  • Fresh cilantro or green onions chopped
  • Pickled vegetables
  • Chili sauce

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rolling Pin
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Bamboo steamer or steaming tray
  • Parchment paper
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add warm water, vegetable oil, and rice vinegar, stirring until a dough forms.
  2. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for about 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed beef, season with salt and pepper, and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, sauté chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and ginger and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Return the beef to the pan. Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and beef broth. Reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Punch down the risen dough and divide into 10–12 portions. Roll each into a ball and flatten into a round disc using a rolling pin.
  7. Place a small square of parchment under each disc, fold in half to create the bao shape, and arrange in a steamer with space between each bun.
  8. Steam over boiling water for 10–12 minutes until puffed and cooked through.
  9. Carefully open each bun and fill with the warm beef mixture. Garnish as desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Beef Bao Buns are soft, fluffy, and filled with tender, savory beef in a rich sauce.
They’re comforting, impressive, and deeply satisfying, a homemade dish that feels both special and unforgettable.