Vegan Bao Buns

ByTanya

There’s something magical about biting into a pillowy-soft Bao Bun. These vegan bao buns with hoisin slow-braised mushrooms are the kind of dish that makes you forget you’re eating plant-based!

Three steamed bao buns filled with shredded meat, julienned carrots, fresh cilantro, and drizzled with an orange sauce are arranged on a wooden board, with a pair of chopsticks placed beside them.

Bao buns are steamed bread buns that originated in China and are now enjoyed all over East and Southeast Asia. They’re soft, slightly sweet, and typically folded in half to form a pocket you can fill with yummy vegan fillings! This recipe pairs these soft, steamed buns with slow-braised mushrooms (by Fable foods) — an amazing meat alternative made from shiitake mushrooms. Tossed in sticky hoisin sauce and topped with crunchy veg and sriracha mayo, this dish is a flavour-packed showstopper that is a must try!

Ingredients

Bao buns on a wooden board surrounded by sauces, salad, spring onions, coriander, and a Fable pulled shiitake mushroom package, all arranged on a dark textured surface.
  • Bao buns-In this recipe I used ‘King of Kings’ plain Bao buns which are vegan. Some bao buns contain milk so check the ingredients. I steamed the buns in Ninja ‘Foodi’ air fryer for a few mins, but they can also be microwaved.
  • ‘Fable’ slow-braised mushrooms– Made from shiitake mushrooms, this is a slow-braised, ready-to-cook plant-based ‘meat’ by ‘Fable foods’. Available in some grocery stores, speciality food shops, or online. If unavailable, you can use pulled oyster or shiitake mushrooms sautéed and simmered until soft, or alternatively plant-based mince.
Four steamed bao buns filled with shredded, savory meat are arranged in a row on a wooden serving board.
  • Hoisin sauce-Hoisin is a sweet-salty Chinese BBQ-style sauce made from fermented soybeans, garlic, vinegar, and sugar. It brings a sticky, rich glaze to the mushrooms. Note: some hoisin sauces contain animal products — double-check the label or use a certified vegan brand.
  • Sriracha mayo– ‘Flying Goose’ Sriracha Mayo is perfect for garnishing these buns and just happens to be vegan!
A hand holding a steamed bao bun filled with shredded meat, vegetables, and a drizzle of orange sauce, with more buns and greens on a wooden surface in the background.

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Three steamed bao buns filled with shredded meat, julienned carrots, fresh cilantro, and drizzled with orange sauce, are arranged on a wooden board with a pair of chopsticks beside them.

Vegan Bao Buns

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Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon oil For frying
  • 6 spring onions (white part) diced
  • 250g Fable slow-briased mushrooms
  • 3-4 tablespoon water
  • 1 tablespoon garlic paste
  • 1 tablespoon ginger paste
  • 3 tablespoon hoisin sauce 
  • 6-8 bao buns  
  • Fresh coriander, Grated coleslaw salad, Sriracha vegan mayo, Black sesame seeds To serve

Instructions

  • If using frozen bao buns, steam according to packet instructions (usually 6-8 minutes). Keep warm.
  • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped spring onions. Sauté for 2-3 mins until softened.
  • Add the slow-braised mushrooms and water. Slowly 'prize open' the mushrooms using spatula. Cook for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
  • Add garlic paste, ginger paste and hoisin sauce. Stir well. Cook for a further 2-3 mins. Remove from heat.
  • Carefully open each steamed bao bun. Spoon in a generous portion of the mushroom mixture.
  • Add fresh coriander leaves, grated salad, sriracha mayo and a sprinkle of black sesame seeds (optional).

Video

Tried this recipe?Mention @thecozyvegankitchen or tag #thecozyvegankitchen!

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