home-cooked steamed buns

How to Make Homemade Chinese Buns: A Simple Guide

Making Chinese buns at home is easier than you think! Follow this basic guide to create fluffy, delicious buns with endless fillings.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Mix 500g all-purpose flour, 7g yeast, and 10g sugar. Gradually add 250ml warm water (≈40°C) and knead into a smooth dough. Let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Filling

For classic pork buns, mix 300g ground pork with 2 chopped shiitake mushrooms, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, salt, and pepper. For a vegetarian option, use diced tofu, cabbage, and carrots.

Step 3: Shape the Buns

Punch down the risen dough and divide into small balls. Roll each into a 15cm circle, place a spoonful of filling in the center, and pleat the edges to seal. Pinch the top tightly to prevent leakage.

Step 4: Steam the Buns

Line a steamer with parchment paper. Place the buns inside, leaving space for expansion. Steam over high heat for 15–20 minutes. Turn off the heat and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips: For softer buns, add a tsp of milk to the dough. Experiment with fillings like red bean paste or custard for sweet varieties. Enjoy your homemade buns fresh from the steamer!