Vegan Char Siu Buns

Vegan Char Siu Buns are a delightful plant-based twist on the traditional Chinese steamed buns, filled with a sweet and savory marinated mushroom mixture. These fluffy buns are perfect for a cozy meal or as a shareable appetizer.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour - 250 grams
• Active dry yeast - 5 grams
• Sugar - 15 grams
• Warm water - 150 ml
• Vegetable oil - 15 ml
• Salt - 5 grams
• Mushrooms (shiitake or button) - 150 grams, finely chopped
• Soy sauce - 30 ml
• Hoisin sauce - 15 ml
• Chinese five-spice powder - 1 teaspoon
• Cornstarch - 1 tablespoon
• Spring onions - 2, finely sliced
• Sesame oil - 5 ml

Steps

1. In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil.
3. Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Heat a pan over medium heat and add a splash of oil.
5. Add the chopped mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, five-spice powder, cornstarch, and spring onions. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until well combined. Remove from heat and let cool.
6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle about 10 cm in diameter.
7. Place a spoonful of the mushroom filling in the center of each circle. Gather the edges of the dough and pinch to seal, forming a bun.
8. Place the buns on parchment paper squares in a steamer basket, leaving space for expansion. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
9. Steam the buns over boiling water for 15-20 minutes until fluffy and cooked through.
10. Remove the buns from the steamer and brush with a little sesame oil before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 8 g
• Carbs: 62 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Water: 0.15 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in fiber from mushrooms and spring onions, promoting digestive health.
• Low in saturated fat, making it heart-healthy and suitable for a balanced diet.

Tags