Description

Crispy on the outside and packed with a savory mix of cabbage, carrots, and noodles, these pan-fried cabbage and noodle buns offer a comforting, plant-based twist on classic Chinese bao. Perfect as a snack or light meal, they’re flavorful, fun to make, and highly customizable.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

2/3 cup warm water (plus more if needed)

1 tablespoon oil

2 cups shredded green cabbage

1/2 cup shredded carrots

1/2 cup cooked noodles (e.g., ramen or rice noodles)

1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon white pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

1 green onion, finely chopped

1 tablespoon neutral oil (for pan-frying)

1/4 cup water (for steaming)

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Instructions

In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Gradually add warm water and knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
While the dough rests, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté cabbage and carrots for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
Stir in the noodles, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, white pepper, salt, and green onion. Cook for another 2 minutes. Let the filling cool.
Divide the rested dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a small circle.
Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Gather and pinch the edges to seal into a bun.
Heat neutral oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place buns seam-side down and cook for 2–3 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown.
Pour in 1/4 cup water, cover the skillet, and steam the buns for 6–8 minutes until the water evaporates and buns are fully cooked.
Remove the lid and let the buns crisp up again for 1–2 minutes. Serve warm.

Notes

Swap green cabbage with Napa cabbage for a softer texture.

Add chili flakes or chili oil for a spicy version.

Try different noodles like soba or udon for varied texture.

Add tofu or tempeh for extra protein.

Whole wheat flour can be used for a nuttier flavor.

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Pan-Fried
Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bun
Calories: 190
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 290mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg