Description
These gluten-free bao buns are soft, fluffy, and perfectly tender, making them ideal for holding your favorite savory fillings. They offer the classic pillowy texture of steamed buns without any gluten.
Ingredients
2 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon instant yeast
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
¾ cup warm milk
¼ cup warm water
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, sugar, baking powder, instant yeast, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, warm water, vegetable oil, and apple cider vinegar until fully combined.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead gently for 3 to 4 minutes until smooth.
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, until slightly puffy.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and divide into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball.
- Flatten each ball into an oval about ¼ inch thick. Lightly brush the surface with oil, fold each oval in half, and place on a small piece of parchment paper.
- Cover loosely and let rest for 20 minutes.
- Prepare a steamer over medium heat. Once simmering, place the buns in the steamer basket, leaving space between each bun.
- Steam for 10 to 12 minutes until puffed and cooked through.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before filling and serving.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, replace milk with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk.
Add an extra teaspoon of sugar for a slightly sweeter dough.
Mix in a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for a savory variation.
Use a gluten-free whole-grain flour blend for a heartier texture.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze steamed buns for up to 2 months, separating with parchment paper.
Reheat by steaming for 5 minutes or microwaving for 20–30 seconds with a damp paper towel.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
