Easy Bao Bun Recipe: Soft, Fluffy Homemade Buns

Have you ever wondered how to make those irresistible, pillow-soft bao buns you see at modern Asian restaurants? The good news is — you can create these delicious, cloud-like steamed buns at home with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.

Bao buns, also known as “gua bao” or “baozi,” have roots in Chinese cuisine dating back centuries. Traditionally, they’re filled with savory pork belly, but homemade bao buns can be filled with anything you love: from spiced chicken to crispy tofu or sweet custard.

Aside from their heavenly texture, bao buns are incredibly versatile. They are naturally dairy-free and can easily be adapted for vegan, vegetarian, or dairy-free diets. Because bao are steamed rather than baked, they’re lighter and lower in fat compared to fried bread or pastries. The mild flavor perfectly complements rich fillings — making them a family favorite and a must-try for any foodie.

Let’s unlock the secrets to making soft, fluffy bao buns from scratch. Even if you’re a bread-making beginner, this guide will help you achieve delightful results your first time.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Bao Bun Recipe

• Beginner-friendly with step-by-step instructions
• No fancy equipment needed
• Customizable with your favorite fillings
• Perfect for special dinners, meal prepping, or weekend fun
• Lower in calories than most fried snacks
• Can be made vegan or vegetarian

What Are Bao Buns? A Quick History

Bao buns originated in China and have been enjoyed across East Asia for hundreds of years. They’re traditionally steamed, yielding a soft, slightly sweet dough with a light chew. Gua bao (folded buns) are usually stuffed with juicy meat or tender vegetables and topped with crunchy pickles and sauces.

Thanks to their soft texture and endless filling options, bao buns are now a street food sensation worldwide — as popular at trendy cafes as they are at family dinner tables.

Are Homemade Bao Buns Healthy?

Steamed bao buns are lighter than baked or fried breads, with less oil and fat. Each bun is portion-sized, helping you enjoy your favorite fillings in a balanced way. Using whole wheat flour or adding seeds can boost fiber, and you control the salt and sugar in your recipe. Bao buns are naturally dairy-free and nut-free and can be adapted to suit plant-based diets.

Easy Bao Bun Recipe: Soft, Fluffy Homemade Buns

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 standard packet)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ¾ cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (plus extra for brushing)
• 2 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy), warmed
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• ½ teaspoon fine salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder

Optional Ingredient Swaps

Ingredient	Swap Option	Notes
All-purpose flour	50% whole wheat flour	Makes buns denser, adds fiber
Vegetable oil	Light olive or avocado oil	Mild flavor works best
Milk	Oat, almond, or soy milk	Keeps recipe dairy-free
Sugar	Coconut sugar or honey	Alters flavor slightly

Cooking Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour rise)
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
• Yield: About 10 bao buns

Instructions: How to Make Soft, Fluffy Bao Buns

1. Activate the Yeast:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the Dough:
   Add in warmed milk and vegetable oil. Stir in flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix until a rough dough forms.
3. Knead:
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. (You can use a stand mixer if you have one.)
4. First Rise:
   Put the dough in a clean, lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape:
   Deflate the dough gently and roll out to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a round cutter (about 3 to 4 inches wide) to cut circles from the dough.
6. Fold:
   Lightly brush one side of each circle with oil. Fold each circle in half (oil-side in) and place onto small squares of parchment paper.
7. Second Rise:
   Cover the buns with a towel and let rise again for 25–30 minutes. They should puff up noticeably.
8. Steam:
   Bring a large pot or wok of water to boil and set up your steamer basket. Place buns (on their parchment paper) into the steamer, leaving space around each bun. Cover and steam for 10–12 minutes. Do not open the lid while steaming.
9. Cool and Serve:
   Remove steamed buns and let cool slightly before filling with your favorite ingredients.

Nutrition Information (Per Bao Bun)

Calories	Carbs (g)	Fat (g)	Protein (g)	Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Diet	Category	Yield
130	25	2	3	20 min (+1h rise)	12 min	1h 32m	Vegetarian | Dairy-Free optional	Breads	10 buns

Tips for Perfect, Fluffy Bao Every Time

• Use warm water (not hot) to activate yeast for the best rise.
• Knead the dough well. The smoother the dough, the fluffier your buns!
• Allow enough rising time — patience makes perfect bao buns.
• Use parchment paper squares to prevent sticking in the steamer.
• Do not lift the steamer lid while cooking (this can collapse the buns).
• Freeze leftover bao buns for quick meals — just re-steam for a few minutes to revive!

Don’ts for Bao Bun Success

• Don’t rush the rising steps. Bao needs time to get light and puffy.
• Don’t skip the oil brush — it keeps buns from sticking together after folding.
• Don’t overcrowd the steamer. Space equals fluff!

Serving Suggestions and Filling Ideas

Give your bao buns a personal twist with creative fillings! Here are some easy crowd-pleasers:

• Pulled hoisin chicken with pickled carrots and cucumber
• Crispy tofu, spicy mayo, and fresh herbs (vegan/vegetarian friendly!)
• Slow-cooked pork belly, crunchy peanuts, and cilantro
• Sauteed mushrooms with scallion and sesame
• Scrambled eggs and sriracha for a breakfast bao

Serve with a side of Asian slaw or fresh fruit for a balanced meal.

FAQ: Easy Bao Bun Recipe

Can I make bao buns ahead of time?

Yes! You can steam the buns, let them cool, and freeze them in an airtight bag. To reheat, simply steam from frozen for 3–5 minutes.

Can I make bao dough without a stand mixer?

Absolutely. This bao bun recipe is designed for hand-kneading on a clean countertop. Just be patient as you knead until the dough is smooth and springy.

What if I don’t have a bamboo steamer?

No problem! Use a metal steamer basket or even a colander set over a pot of simmering water. Just be sure to line it with parchment to prevent sticking.

Final Thoughts: Soft, Fluffy Bao at Home

Making homemade bao buns is much easier than you think, and the results are always rewarding. With this easy bao bun recipe, you’ll turn out pillowy, restaurant-style buns every time — perfect for filling with anything your heart desires.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with fillings, swap ingredients for your dietary needs, or get creative with shapes and sizes. Share your delicious bao creations with family and friends, and watch these soft, fluffy buns disappear in minutes.

Ready to impress at your next dinner or add some fun to your weekend cooking? This is the soft, fluffy bao bun recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments! Pin it for later so you can enjoy homemade bao buns any time.