(Chinese Bao-Inspired Comfort Food!)
Why You’ll Love These Buns
✔️ Pillowy soft dough with a golden crust
✔️ Savory, juicy meat filling – customize to your taste
✔️ Perfect for meal prep – freeze & reheat easily
✔️ Great for parties or snacks – handheld & delicious
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- ¼ cup (50g) sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- ¼ cup (60ml) warm water
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup (60g) melted butter
For the Filling
- ½ lb (225g) ground beef or pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp each: salt, black pepper, paprika
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp dried thyme or oregano
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For Finishing
- 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (egg wash)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Dough (10 mins + 1 hr rise)
- Mix flour, yeast, sugar & salt in a bowl.
- Add warm milk, water, egg & melted butter.
- Knead 8-10 mins until smooth & elastic.
- Cover & let rise 1 hour (until doubled).
2️⃣ Prepare the Filling (15 mins)
- Sauté onion & garlic in oil until soft.
- Brown ground meat, then add seasonings.
- Cool completely before filling.
3️⃣ Shape the Buns (15 mins + 30 min rise)
- Divide dough into 10-12 balls.
- Flatten each, add 1 tbsp filling, pinch closed.
- Place seam-side down on parchment paper.
- Let rise 30 mins (covered).
4️⃣ Bake to Golden Perfection (20 mins)
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush with egg wash for shine.
- Bake 18-20 mins until golden brown.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Best served warm – the filling stays juicy!
- Optional: Dip in chili oil or soy sauce.
Pro Tips for Success
🍞 Dough Too Sticky? Add 1-2 tbsp flour while kneading.
🥩 Filling Variations:
- BBQ Chicken: Shredded chicken + BBQ sauce
- Cheesy: Add cheddar to the meat
- Veggie: Mushrooms + tofu
❄️ Freeze for Later: - Freeze unbaked buns, then bake from frozen (+5 mins).
- Or freeze baked buns – reheat in microwave or oven.
FAQs
Q: Can I use bread flour?
A: Yes! It makes the buns even fluffier.
Q: How to store leftovers?
A: Keep in fridge 3 days – reheat in oven or air fryer.
Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: Yes! Assemble & refrigerate overnight (let rise before baking).
Nutrition (Per Bun)
| Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 230 | 30g | 10g | 8g |
These buns are the ultimate comfort food – soft, savory & satisfying!
👉 Tag your creations #MeatBunMagic 🥢💛
