Yum! Shrimp bao buns are soft, fluffy steamed buns filled with flavorful shrimp — perfect for a fun appetizer or main dish. Here’s a straightforward way to make them at home:
Shrimp Bao Buns
Servings: 4–6 (makes ~8 buns)
Prep: 30 min (plus dough rising) | Cook: 15–20 min
Ingredients
For the buns:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup warm water
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the shrimp filling:
- 12–16 large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 green onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional toppings:
- Hoisin sauce
- Cucumber slices
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
1. Make the buns
- In a bowl, combine yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
- Mix in flour, salt, and oil. Knead until smooth and elastic (~8 minutes).
- Cover and let rise in a warm place 1–1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
- Punch down dough, divide into 8 pieces, and shape into balls. Roll each into an oval shape.
- Fold each oval in half (use parchment paper between folds to prevent sticking) for steaming.
2. Prepare the shrimp filling
- In a skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds.
- Add chopped shrimp, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes until shrimp turn pink.
- Stir in green onions and remove from heat. Let cool slightly.
3. Steam the buns
- Set up a steamer or a pot with a steaming rack and water.
- Steam buns for 10–12 minutes until puffed and cooked through.
4. Assemble
- Carefully open each steamed bun.
- Fill with shrimp mixture.
- Add optional toppings like hoisin sauce, cucumber, or cilantro.
Tips / Variations:
- You can use pre-cooked shrimp to save time; just sauté quickly with sauce.
- For extra flavor, add a dash of chili sauce or Sriracha.
- Bao dough can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight; just let it come to room temp before steaming.
If you want, I can also give a super quick version using store-bought bao buns, so you only have to make the shrimp filling — ready in 15 minutes.
Do you want me to show that quick version?
