5.0 from 1 vote

“Gluten-Free Bao Buns: Pillowy Perfection for All“

Bao buns, those soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet steamed buns, have long been a favorite in Asian cuisine. But what about those who follow a gluten-free diet? Thankfully, you don’t have to miss out on this delectable delight because Gluten-Free Bao Buns are here to the rescue! These pillowy, gluten-free alternatives are perfect for everyone, offering a mouthwatering experience without the worry of gluten-related issues.

The Ingredients for Gluten-Free Bao Buns:

Creating exceptional Gluten-Free Bao Buns involves choosing the right ingredients. Some of the key components include gluten-free all-purpose flour, xanthan gum (if not already in the flour blend), yeast, sugar, milk, or a dairy-free alternative, and a touch of oil. The gluten-free all-purpose flour you select can significantly impact the final texture and taste, so some experimentation may be needed to find your preferred blend.

The Process:

Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free all-purpose flour, xanthan gum (if necessary), yeast, and sugar. Gradually add warm milk or a dairy-free alternative and a small amount of oil, kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Let It Rise: Allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size. The rising time can vary but is usually around 1-2 hours.
Shape and Rest: After the dough has risen, punch it down to remove excess air. Shape it into small rounds or any desired shape for your buns. Let these shaped portions rest for a short period to relax the dough.
Steam to Fluffy Perfection: Place the shaped buns into a steamer and allow them to steam until they expand and become soft, typically taking about 15-20 minutes.
Serve and Savor: Gluten-Free Bao Buns are now ready to enjoy. Fill them with your favorite ingredients—whether it’s savory, sweet, or a combination of both—for a culinary adventure your taste buds will adore.

In Conclusion:

Gluten-Free Bao Buns offer a delightful, gluten-free twist on a classic Asian treat. With the right selection of gluten-free flour and the appropriate ingredients, these buns turn into mouthwatering, soft pillows that everyone can relish. Versatile and accommodating, you can stuff them with a variety of fillings to suit your culinary preferences. Whether you have gluten sensitivities or simply want to explore new tastes, Gluten-Free Bao Buns are your ticket to a world of fluffy, gluten-free deliciousness.

Gluten Free Bao Buns

Recipe by Che

Gluten-free bao buns, those soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet steamed buns, have long been a favorite in Asian cuisine. But what about those who follow a gluten-free diet?

Course: MainCuisine: ChineseDifficulty: Medium

5.0 from 1 vote

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

hours

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

Metric US

Ingredients Gluten-Free Bao Buns:
250 g 250 Gluten-free Self-raising flour
50 g 50 Gluten-free plain flour
14 g 14 fast action yeast
70 g 70 caster sugar (keep 1 tsp separate for the yeast)
30 g 30 veg oil
1 tsp 1 salt
2 tsp 2 baking powder
250 g 250 warm full cream milk at 40C
1 1 egg white
20 g 20 rice vinegar
Equipment Required:
steamer attachment for a medium – large saucepan
baking paper
mixer with dough attachment

Directions

How to Make Fluffy Bao Buns: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by activating the yeast. Take a cup and mix the yeast with a teaspoon of sugar and a splash of lukewarm water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. Set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flours, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly.
Step 3: Warm the Liquid Ingredients
In a small pan, warm up the milk until it reaches around 40°C (104°F).
Add vinegar and oil to the lukewarm water.
Step 4: Prepare the Egg Whites
Using a hand mixer, beat the egg whites until they become fluffy.
Step 5: Mix the Dough
Now, it’s time to bring the dough together. Use your mixer with the dough attachment.
Place the flour mixture into the mixer and create a well in the center of the flour.
Add the water mixture and begin combining to form a dough.
Just before the mixture is fully mixed, add the frothy yeast and egg whites to the mix.
Let the mixer work its magic. Run it on speed setting 4.
Once the dough is well combined, transfer it to a large bowl with a sprinkle of flour. Knead the dough a couple of times. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour until you have a soft, supple, and smooth ball of dough.
Step 6: Proof the Dough
Place the dough in a clean, lightly oiled bowl.
Loosely cover it with cling film and allow it to prove for 2 hours. For a more flavorsome dough, you can also let it prove overnight in the fridge. Remember to take it out a couple of hours before shaping and cooking to bring it to room temperature.
Step 7: Shape the Bao Buns
Once the dough has proved, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
Divide it into equal-sized portions and roll each piece into a ball.
Take each ball and flatten it into a slightly elongated oval shape. Lightly spray within the fold with a little oil.
Fold each flattened piece over itself to resemble the classic Bao Bun shape.
Step 8: Final Proof and Steam
Place the shaped buns aside with a warm tea towel over them, making sure to place baking paper between them.
Allow them to prove for an additional 40 minutes before steaming.
Transfer each bun to a small square of baking paper and place them in the steamer tray. Depending on your steamer’s size, you may need to do this in batches.
Step 9: Steam the Bao Buns
Time to steam the buns. It will take approximately 14 minutes to cook them.
Once the 14 minutes are up, remove them from the heat and let them sit for another 2-3 minutes.
Carefully remove the buns from the steamer pan, keeping in mind that the steam can cause burns.
With these steps, you’ll be crafting fresh, fluffy bao buns that are ready to be filled with your favorite ingredients. Enjoy your homemade bao buns – they’re bound to be a hit!