Dumplings & Apps

Baozi Steamed Buns

Name: Baozi Steamed Buns
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon active dry yeast; 1 cup warm water; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 pound ground pork; 1/2 cup finely chopped cabbage; 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil

By Imani Yarrow · June 19, 2026 · Dumplings & Apps

Prep30 min

Cook20 min

Total60 min

Serves8

I still remember the first time I had baozi steamed buns at a small Chinese restaurant in my hometown. The soft and fluffy texture of the buns, combined with the savory fillings, was love at first bite. Since then, I've been on a mission to perfect my own baozi recipe at home. With this recipe, you'll learn how to make authentic Chinese baozi steamed buns from scratch, using a simple yeast dough and a variety of delicious fillings.

One of the best things about baozi is its versatility. You can fill them with anything from classic pork and vegetables to more adventurous ingredients like kimchi or tofu. In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of ground pork, cabbage, and scallions for our filling. But don't be afraid to experiment and find your own favorite combinations!

While making baozi from scratch may seem intimidating, it's actually quite straightforward. The key is to use the right ingredients and to follow a few simple steps. With a little practice, you'll be making delicious baozi like a pro. So let's get started and dive into the world of Chinese steamed buns!

Baozi steamed buns are a staple in Chinese cuisine, and for good reason. They're the perfect snack or meal for any time of day, and they're incredibly easy to customize with your favorite fillings. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade baozi!

As a home cook, I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are easy to make and delicious to eat. And let me tell you, this baozi recipe delivers. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you'll be making steamed buns like a pro in no time. So why not give it a try and see what you think? I promise you won't be disappointed!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baozi steamed buns are easy to make and require minimal ingredients
They're a delicious and authentic Chinese dish that's perfect for snacking or as a light meal
You can customize the fillings to suit your taste preferences
Baozi are a great way to use up leftover ingredients and reduce food waste
They're a fun and interactive food that's perfect for parties and gatherings
Baozi steamed buns are a healthy and nutritious option that's low in calories and fat

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great baozi is to use a combination of the right ingredients and the right techniques. First, we need to create a yeast dough that's soft and fluffy, but also strong enough to hold its shape. This is achieved by using a combination of all-purpose flour, yeast, and warm water. We also add a little bit of sugar to help feed the yeast and give the dough a slightly sweet flavor.

Next, we need to create a delicious filling that's both savory and slightly sweet. We use a combination of ground pork, cabbage, and scallions, which are all common ingredients in Chinese cuisine. We also add a little bit of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil to give the filling a rich and complex flavor.

Once we have our dough and filling, it's time to assemble the baozi. We divide the dough into small balls and flatten them into disks, then place a spoonful of filling in the center of each disk. We fold the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal the baozi, then steam them until they're cooked through.

The result is a delicious and authentic Chinese steamed bun that's perfect for snacking or as a light meal. The dough is soft and fluffy, while the filling is savory and slightly sweet. It's a perfect combination of flavors and textures that's sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make baozi steamed buns, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including all-purpose flour, yeast, and warm water for the dough, and ground pork, cabbage, and scallions for the filling. You'll also need some soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil to give the filling a rich and complex flavor.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality items that are fresh and flavorful. For the dough, use a combination of all-purpose flour and yeast that's designed for bread-making. For the filling, choose ground pork that's lean and flavorful, and cabbage and scallions that are fresh and crisp.

2 cups all-purpose flourUse a high-quality all-purpose flour that's designed for bread-making, such as King Arthur or Bob's Red Mill
1 teaspoon active dry yeastMake sure the yeast is fresh and active, as this will help the dough rise
1 cup warm waterUse warm water that's around 100°F to 110°F, as this will help the yeast activate
1 tablespoon sugarAdd a little bit of sugar to help feed the yeast and give the dough a slightly sweet flavor
1/4 teaspoon saltUse a small amount of salt to bring out the flavors in the dough
1/2 pound ground porkChoose lean ground pork that's flavorful and has a good texture
1/2 cup finely chopped cabbageUse fresh cabbage that's crisp and flavorful
1/4 cup finely chopped scallionsUse fresh scallions that are flavorful and have a good texture
2 tablespoons soy sauceUse a high-quality soy sauce that's flavorful and has a good balance of salt and umami
1 tablespoon oyster sauceUse a high-quality oyster sauce that's flavorful and has a good balance of salt and umami
1 teaspoon sesame oilUse a high-quality sesame oil that's flavorful and has a good nutty flavor

Equipment You’ll Need

Large mixing bowlMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatulaStand mixer with dough hook attachmentInstant-read thermometerSteamer basketLarge pot with lid

How to Make Baozi Steamed Buns

1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and sugar. Whisk until the yeast is fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
2
Add the warm water to the bowl and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl and ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
3
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10-15 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough if you prefer.
4
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, until it has doubled in size.
5
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Flatten each ball into a disk using a rolling pin or your hands.
6
In a small bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped cabbage, and chopped scallions. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and the filling is evenly distributed.
7
Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each disk, then fold the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal the baozi. Use a little bit of water to help the dough stick together if necessary.
8
Place the baozi in a steamer basket, leaving about 1 inch of space between each bun. Steam the baozi over boiling water for 10-15 minutes, until they are cooked through and fluffy.
9
While the baozi are steaming, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and the sauce is evenly distributed.
10
Once the baozi are cooked, remove them from the steamer and brush them with the soy sauce mixture. Serve the baozi hot, garnished with chopped scallions and a drizzle of soy sauce if desired.
11
To store the baozi, let them cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze the baozi for up to 2 months, then thaw and reheat them as needed.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture in your baozi.
Make sure the yeast is fresh and active, as this will help the dough rise.
Don't overmix the dough, as this can lead to a dense and tough texture.
Use a variety of fillings to keep your baozi interesting and delicious.
Experiment with different seasonings and sauces to find your favorite flavor combinations.
Let the baozi rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, as this will help them retain their shape and texture.
Serve the baozi with a dipping sauce, such as soy sauce or chili oil, for added flavor and fun.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using old or inactive yeast, which can prevent the dough from rising.
Overmixing the dough, which can lead to a dense and tough texture.
Not letting the baozi rest before serving, which can cause them to lose their shape and texture.
Not using enough filling, which can result in baozi that are too small or too dense.
Not steaming the baozi long enough, which can result in undercooked or raw baozi.
Not using a steamer basket, which can cause the baozi to stick together or become misshapen.

Variations and Substitutions

Use different types of meat, such as chicken or beef, for a unique flavor and texture.
Add vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini, to the filling for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different seasonings, such as five-spice powder or sesame oil, to give the baozi a unique flavor.
Try using different types of flour, such as whole wheat or gluten-free, for a unique texture and flavor.
Experiment with different shapes and sizes, such as mini baozi or baozi buns, for a fun and creative twist.
Add a little bit of spice, such as red pepper flakes or sriracha, to the filling for an extra kick of heat.

What to Serve With Baozi Steamed Buns

Baozi steamed buns are a delicious and versatile food that can be served in a variety of ways. Try serving them as a snack or appetizer, or as a light meal with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a salad. You can also serve them as a dessert, filled with sweet ingredients like red bean paste or lotus seed paste.

Some other ideas for serving baozi include:

- With a dipping sauce, such as soy sauce or chili oil, for added flavor and fun.

- In a bowl with a savory broth, such as wonton soup or hot and sour soup, for a comforting and filling meal.

- As a side dish, paired with a variety of other Chinese dishes, such as stir-fried noodles or braised pork belly.

Serve with a dipping sauce, such as soy sauce or chili oil, for added flavor and funServe in a bowl with a savory broth, such as wonton soup or hot and sour soup, for a comforting and filling mealServe as a side dish, paired with a variety of other Chinese dishes, such as stir-fried noodles or braised pork bellyServe as a snack or appetizer, perfect for parties or gatherings

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Baozi steamed buns can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place the baozi in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply steam the baozi over boiling water for 5-10 minutes, until they are cooked through and fluffy.

When storing baozi, it's a good idea to let them cool to room temperature first, as this will help prevent moisture from accumulating and causing the baozi to become soggy or moldy. You can also store them in a paper bag or wrap them in a clean towel to absorb any excess moisture.

To freeze baozi, make sure they are completely cooled and dry, as any excess moisture can cause them to stick together or become freezer-burned. You can also add a little bit of oil or cooking spray to the baozi before freezing to help prevent them from sticking together.

When reheating baozi, make sure they are heated through to an internal temperature of at least 165°F, as this will help ensure food safety and prevent any potential health risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to store baozi steamed buns?

Baozi steamed buns can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply steam the baozi over boiling water for 5-10 minutes, until they are cooked through and fluffy.

Can I make baozi steamed buns ahead of time?

Yes, baozi steamed buns can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to serve. Simply steam them over boiling water for 5-10 minutes, until they are cooked through and fluffy.

What is the best type of flour to use for baozi steamed buns?

The best type of flour to use for baozi steamed buns is a high-quality all-purpose flour that is designed for bread-making, such as King Arthur or Bob's Red Mill.

Can I use different types of meat for the filling?

Yes, you can use different types of meat for the filling, such as chicken or beef, for a unique flavor and texture. Simply adjust the seasoning and cooking time as needed to ensure the filling is cooked through and flavorful.

How do I know when the baozi are cooked through?

The baozi are cooked through when they are fluffy and tender, and the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F. You can check the internal temperature by inserting a food thermometer into the center of a baozi.

Can I freeze baozi steamed buns?

Yes, baozi steamed buns can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for storage.

How do I reheat frozen baozi steamed buns?

To reheat frozen baozi steamed buns, simply steam them over boiling water for 5-10 minutes, until they are cooked through and fluffy. You can also reheat them in the microwave or oven, but steaming is the best method for preserving the texture and flavor.

Can I make baozi steamed buns without a steamer?

Yes, you can make baozi steamed buns without a steamer by using a metal colander or a heatproof bowl with a plate or tray. Simply place the baozi in the colander or bowl, cover with a lid or plastic wrap, and steam over boiling water for 10-15 minutes, until they are cooked through and fluffy.

The Full Recipe

Recipe Card