These Tender Beef Bao Buns are the perfect combination of light and fluffy steamed dough filled with a savory, rich beef filling.
The buns are soft, pillowy, and melt in your mouth with each bite. These are a fantastic appetizer, snack, or main dish that will surely impress your family and friends with their authentic flavor and homemade goodness. Perfect for weekend cooking or special occasions!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Tender Beef Bao Buns offer a delightful balance of soft, fluffy dough and a savory beef filling that’s packed with umami.
The dough is incredibly soft and pillowy, thanks to the combination of all-purpose flour, cake flour, and instant yeast. The beef filling is rich and flavorful, with a touch of soy sauce, hoisin, and fresh ginger.
These buns are not only delicious but also a fun dish to make and share, making them a perfect choice for family dinners, parties, or special occasions.

Ingredient Highlights

For the Dough: The combination of all-purpose flour and cake flour creates a light, soft dough that’s perfect for bao buns. The instant yeast ensures the dough rises quickly, while the baking powder helps create the airy texture.
For the Beef Filling: The beef chuck or short rib is finely chopped to ensure a tender filling. The sesame oil, garlic, and ginger provide a fragrant base, while the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar infuse the filling with deep, savory flavors.
For Garnish: Green onions add freshness and a slight crunch, complementing the rich beef filling perfectly.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Use Cake Flour for Fluffier Buns: If you want your bao buns to be extra fluffy, substitute 1 cup of all-purpose flour with cake flour. This will result in an even lighter texture.
Knead the Dough Well: Be sure to knead the dough for 8-10 minutes to develop the gluten, which will help create the soft, pillowy texture.
Let the Dough Rise Properly: Allow the dough to rise in a warm, covered space for at least 1 hour until doubled in size. This is crucial for achieving soft and airy buns.
Cool the Filling: After cooking the beef filling, let it cool completely before placing it in the buns. This prevents the dough from getting soggy and helps the filling stay intact.

How to Make Tender Beef Bao Buns

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and instant yeast. Gradually stir in the warm milk to form a shaggy dough.
Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth, then add vegetable oil and knead until absorbed.
Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it’s doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling

Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the beef, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar.
Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the beef mixture and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Stir in the green onions and remove from heat. Let the mixture cool completely.

Step 3: Shape the Bao Buns

Once the dough has risen, knead it for a few more minutes and then fold in the baking powder.
Divide the dough into 14-16 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball.
Flatten each ball into a 4-5 inch disc, ensuring the center is thicker than the edges.

Step 4: Assemble the Bao Buns

Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each dough disc.
Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pleat the edges to seal the bun.
Place the assembled bao buns on small pieces of parchment paper for easy transfer to the steamer.

Step 5: Steam the Bao Buns

Fill a steamer with water and bring it to a boil. Arrange the bao buns, parchment paper and all, in the steamer.
Cover and steam the buns for 12-15 minutes, or until the buns are puffed up and cooked through.
Once done, turn off the heat and let the buns rest in the steamer for 2 minutes before serving.

Serving Ideas

Serve these Tender Beef Bao Buns as a fun appetizer or main dish. They pair wonderfully with a side of pickled vegetables or a simple Asian-style salad.
For a complete meal, serve them with steamed rice and roasted vegetables.
These bao buns are perfect for a family dinner, party, or as a special treat for a weekend gathering.

Storage

Store leftover bao buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
To reheat, simply steam them for a few minutes to restore their soft texture.
You can also refrigerate the cooked bao buns for up to 1 week, and reheat them as needed.

FAQs

Can I use a different meat for the filling?
Yes, you can substitute the beef with pork, chicken, or tofu for a vegetarian version. The cooking times may vary depending on the protein used.
Can I freeze the bao buns?
Absolutely! Once the buns are steamed and cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, steam the frozen buns for 5-7 minutes.

Final Thoughts

These Tender Beef Bao Buns are a flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. The combination of fluffy dough and savory beef filling is a winning one, making these buns a perfect choice for any occasion.
With a few simple steps, you’ll have homemade bao buns that are both authentic and delicious.