Episode 17: Vegan Banh Bao (Steamed Buns)

Special equipment:

  • Steamer
  • Wax paper
Ingredients for dough:
  • 1 package steamed bun flour (bot banh bao at local Asian market)
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 2 tablespoonsful sugar
  • 1 tablespoonful vegetable oil
Ingredients for filling:
  • 2 1/2 cups pureed zucchini
  • 1 cup peas and carrots
  • 1 cup black fungus, soaked for 15 minutes in water then chopped
  • 1/2 cup wheat gluten
  • 2 tablespoonsful sesame oil
Directions to make dough:
  • Pour dry ingredients into a large bowl
  • Slowly stir in almond milk
  • Knead the dough with your hands
  • Let the dough sit for 20 minutes
  • Add vegetable oil and knead for a few more minutes
  • Set aside
Directions to make filling:
  • Add zucchini and wheat gluten to a large bowl
  • Stir until mixture becomes a little thick (may add more wheat gluten as needed)
  • Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well
Directions to make banh bao:
  • Pinch off a small handful of dough and knead it into a small thin circle in your hand
  • Add a spoonful of filling onto the dough circle
  • Use your index finger and thumb to pinch the dough together to make a cross shape
  • Then fold the invaginations together to make a ball (see video below)
  • Place the bun on a small square of wax paper
  • Steam the buns in a steamer for 10-15 minutes
Video: