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Easy easy Gluten-Free Bao Buns recipe

easy Gluten-Free Bao Buns


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  • Author: Helen Lois
  • Total Time: 100
  • Yield: 8 buns 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These Easy Gluten Free Bao Buns are pillowy, soft, and slightly sweet—just like the ones from your favorite dim sum spot, but safe for a gluten-free diet. Made with a simple yeast dough using standard gluten-free flour, they are surprisingly easy to shape and steam. Fill them with sticky pork, glazed tofu, or crispy chicken for an impressive homemade meal.


Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup warm water (approx. 100-110°F)

1/4 cup warm milk (approx. 100-110°F)

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

2 teaspoons active dry yeast (or 1 packet)

1 1/2 cups gluten free all-purpose flour (ensure it contains xanthan gum, e.g., Cup4Cup)

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for brushing)

Filling of choice (e.g., BBQ pork, pickled vegetables, glazed chicken)


Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the warm water, warm milk, and granulated sugar. Stir in the yeast and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture is frothy and activated.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a large bowl), whisk together the gluten free flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. Make Dough: Pour the activated yeast mixture and the 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil into the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until combined, then increase to medium speed and mix for 3 minutes. The dough should be smooth and sticky.

4. First Rise: Lightly oil a medium bowl. Transfer the dough to the oiled bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a warm towel and place in a warm spot to rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

5. Divide & Shape: Gently punch down the dough. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball.

6. Form Buns: Roll each ball into an oval shape (about 4 inches long and 1/4 inch thick). Lightly brush the surface with oil (this prevents the bun from sticking to itself). Place a chopstick across the center of the oval and fold the dough over the chopstick. Gently slide the chopstick out.

7. Second Rise: Place the folded buns on small squares of parchment paper. Arrange them in your steamer basket (spacing them apart as they will expand). Cover and let rise for another 20 minutes.

8. Steam: Bring water to a boil in your steamer pot (ensure water level is below the basket). Place the basket over the boiling water, cover with the lid, and steam for 12 minutes. *Do not open the lid during steaming.*

9. Serve: Remove the buns from the steamer carefully. Serve warm, opened up and stuffed with your favorite savory fillings.

Notes

Flour Blend: A high-quality ‘cup for cup’ blend works best here. The baking powder gives the gluten-free flour the extra lift it needs to be fluffy rather than dense.

Preventing Collapse: After turning off the heat, you can let the buns sit in the covered steamer for 2-3 minutes to prevent them from deflating due to the sudden temperature change.

Freezing: These buns freeze beautifully. Steam them first, let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight bag. Reheat by steaming for 2-3 minutes directly from frozen.

  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 12
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Steaming
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bun
  • Calories: 125
  • Sugar: 4
  • Sodium: 85
  • Fat: 1.5
  • Saturated Fat: 0.2
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 26
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 2
  • Cholesterol: 1