Description
Homemade tempeh bao buns combine traditional Chinese steaming techniques with plant-based protein for a delightful meal. Crisp vegetables, savory tempeh, and pillowy buns create a simple yet satisfying culinary experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (226 g) tempeh, sliced into 12 strips and steamed
- 6 tbsps (90 mL) hoisin sauce
- 3 tbsps (45 mL) sriracha
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp lime zest
- lime wedges, for squeezing and serving
- avocado slices
- cucumber
- carrot
- fresh cilantro
- mint
- diced Thai chiles
Instructions
- Yeast Activation: Dissolve yeast with sugar in lukewarm water, allowing the mixture to bloom for 5 minutes until frothy and aromatic.
- Dry Ingredients Preparation: Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry base.
- Dough Formation: Blend avocado oil and activated yeast mixture into flour, kneading methodically for 5-6 minutes until a smooth, elastic dough develops.
- Dough Proofing: Cover and let dough rise in a draft-free space for 45-50 minutes until doubled in volume.
- Tempeh Preparation: Slice tempeh and marinate in hoisin sauce, sriracha, minced ginger, and lime zest for 20-25 minutes.
- Tempeh Roasting: Spread marinated tempeh on a parchment-lined baking sheet, roast at 425°F (218°C) for 10-12 minutes until edges caramelize.
- Bun Shaping: Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness, cut into circles, fold in half, and brush interior with oil to create classic bao bun shape.
- Bun Steaming: Allow shaped buns to rest 10 minutes, then steam over simmering water for 9-11 minutes until pillowy and translucent.
- Filling Assembly: Combine diced avocado, mixed vegetables, and lime juice to create a fresh, vibrant filling.
- Final Composition: Stuff steamed buns with roasted tempeh, dressed vegetables, and fresh herbs. Serve immediately with additional sauce and lime wedges for personalized garnishing.
Notes
- Yeast Activation Tip: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to activate yeast properly without killing it, creating a perfect rise.
- Dough Kneading Technique: Develop gluten by kneading consistently, which creates the signature soft and fluffy texture of authentic bao buns.
- Marinating Magic: Allow tempeh to absorb flavors fully by letting it rest in the marinade, ensuring deep, rich taste throughout the protein.
- Steaming Success: Keep water at a gentle simmer during steaming to prevent buns from becoming soggy or developing uneven texture.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg