Crispy Mushroom Bao

Crispy Mushroom Bao is a delightful vegetarian Chinese burger featuring a savory, crispy mushroom patty nestled in a soft, fluffy bao bun. This dish combines umami flavors with a touch of sweetness, making it a perfect indulgence for any meal.

Ingredients

• Button mushrooms - 200 grams, finely chopped
• Shiitake mushrooms - 100 grams, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 1 teaspoon, grated
• Green onion - 2 stalks, finely chopped
• Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
• Sesame oil - 1 tablespoon
• Cornstarch - 2 tablespoons
• All-purpose flour - 100 grams
• Baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Water - 60 milliliters (for dough)
• Sugar - 1 teaspoon (for dough)
• Salt - 1/4 teaspoon (for dough)
• Vegetable oil - for frying
• Cucumber - 1/2, thinly sliced (for garnish)
• Fresh cilantro - a handful (for garnish)

Steps

1. In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of vegetable oil, then sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger until fragrant.
2. Add the finely chopped button and shiitake mushrooms to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they release their moisture and become slightly golden.
3. Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onion, then cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool.
4. In a bowl, combine the cooled mushroom mixture with cornstarch. Mix well to form a patty mixture.
5. Form the mushroom mixture into 2 equal-sized patties and set aside.
6. In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Gradually add water, mixing until a soft dough forms.
7. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15 minutes.
8. Divide the dough into 2 equal pieces and roll each piece into a circle about 10 cm in diameter. Place a mushroom patty in the center of each circle.
9. Fold the dough over the patty and pinch to seal. Ensure it is well sealed to prevent leaking during cooking.
10. Steam the bao in a steamer basket over boiling water for about 15 minutes until they are fluffy.
11. In a frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the steamed bao and fry each side for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.
12. Serve the crispy mushroom bao hot, garnished with cucumber slices and fresh cilantro.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 8 g
• Carbs: 50 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from mushrooms, which may help boost the immune system.
• Contains dietary fiber that aids in digestion and promotes gut health.

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