Fluffy Tempeh Bao Buns Recipe: A Tasty Asian-Inspired Treat

Tempeh bao buns represent a delightful fusion of traditional Asian street food with plant-based innovation.

These soft, pillowy pockets change humble ingredients into a culinary adventure that tantalizes taste buds.

Steamed to perfection, the pillowy dough envelops marinated tempeh with an irresistible blend of textures and flavors.

Fermented soybean protein brings a hearty, satisfying element that challenges conventional sandwich expectations.

Each bun offers a harmonious balance between tender dough and savory filling, creating a memorable eating experience.

The recipe celebrates plant-based creativity while honoring cultural cooking techniques.

Crisp vegetables and aromatic seasonings elevate this dish from simple sustenance to a gourmet delight.

Tempeh Bao Buns That Are Packed with Plant-Based Flavor

• Craft Flavor-Packed Pleasure: These tempeh bao buns burst with vibrant Asian-inspired tastes that dance across your palate, blending sweet hoisin, spicy sriracha, and zesty lime for an explosion of deliciousness.
• Master Easy Homemade Magic: Creating these buns feels surprisingly simple, with straightforward steps that transform basic ingredients into restaurant-quality delights without requiring professional chef skills.
• Quick Weeknight Wellness Meal: Packed with plant-based protein from tempeh and loaded with fresh vegetables, this recipe delivers a nutritious meal in under an hour, perfect for busy individuals craving something both healthy and exciting.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: The flexible recipe allows endless variations, letting home cooks swap ingredients, adjust spice levels, and experiment with different vegetable combinations to match personal preferences and pantry contents.

Ingredients That Bring These Bao Buns to Life

• Active Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness to the bao buns.
• Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps create the dough's consistency.
• All-Purpose Flour: Basic foundation for the bao bun dough, providing structure.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Helps the dough become lighter and rise evenly.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the bao bun dough.
• Avocado Oil: Adds moisture and helps bind the dough ingredients together.

• Tempeh: Plant-based protein with a firm texture, perfect for marinating.
• Hoisin Sauce: Sweet and savory sauce that adds rich flavor to the tempeh.
• Sriracha: Provides a spicy kick to the tempeh marinade.
• Fresh Ginger: Adds warm, aromatic flavor to the tempeh filling.
• Lime Zest: Brings bright, citrusy notes to the marinade.

• Avocado: Creamy element that adds richness to the bao buns.
• Fresh Vegetables: Provides crunch and freshness to the filling.
• Fresh Herbs: Adds brightness and additional flavor complexity.
• Lime Juice: Adds acidity and helps balance the flavors.
• Sauce: Complements the tempeh and vegetables with additional flavor.

Instructions for Steaming and Filling Like a Pro

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Combine yeast, sugar, and warm water in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly.

Step 2: Create the Dough Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Pour in avocado oil and the activated yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly to form a smooth dough.

Step 3: Knead and Rest the Dough

Transfer dough to a floured surface. Knead for 5 minutes until elastic and smooth. Place in a warm spot and let rise for 45 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare Tempeh Marinade

• Hoisin sauce
• Sriracha
• Ginger
• Lime zest

Coat steamed tempeh in the marinade mixture. Let it soak for 20 minutes to absorb flavors.

Step 5: Roast the Tempeh

Preheat oven to 425°F. Spread marinated tempeh on a lined baking sheet. Roast for 10-12 minutes until edges are crispy.

Step 6: Shape the Bao Buns

Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into circular shapes. Fold each circle in half, brushing tops with oil.

Step 7: Steam the Buns

Allow shaped buns to rest briefly. Steam over simmering water for 9-11 minutes until puffy and soft.

Step 8: Assemble the Bao

Prepare avocado and vegetable mix with a splash of lime juice. Fill each steamed bun with roasted tempeh, fresh vegetables, and herbs.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the bao buns with additional sauce and lime wedges. Serve immediately while warm and fresh.

Tips for Fluffy Buns and Tasty Tempeh

• Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure water is warm (not hot) to help yeast bloom without killing it, creating soft and fluffy bao buns.
• Knead with Confidence: Use steady, rhythmic motions when kneading dough to develop gluten and achieve a smooth, elastic texture.
• Steam Strategically: Keep water at a gentle simmer and avoid lifting lid during steaming to maintain consistent heat and prevent buns from deflating.
• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let tempeh soak in marinade for full 20 minutes to ensure deep, rich flavor penetration throughout the protein.
• Fold Finesse: Brush dough with oil before folding to help buns separate easily and create a beautiful, smooth surface when steamed.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Bao Lovers

• Refrigeration: Store leftover tempeh bao buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate buns with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their soft texture.
• Reheating Steamer Method: Restore the buns' original softness by steaming them for 3-4 minutes over simmering water. This technique helps revive the fluffy texture and prevents drying out.
• Microwave Alternative: When time is short, wrap buns in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-45 seconds. Check halfway through to ensure even heating and prevent rubbery texture.

Side Dishes That Pair Well with Tempeh Bao

• Craft a Zesty Beverage Companion: Pair these tempeh bao buns with a crisp, citrusy ginger beer that complements the lime and sriracha flavors, cutting through the richness of the tempeh.
• Match with Fresh Asian-Inspired Slaw: Create a light, tangy cucumber and cabbage slaw dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil to provide a refreshing contrast to the savory buns.
• Select a Bright White Wine Partner: Choose a slightly chilled Riesling with its subtle sweetness and acidity, which beautifully balances the spicy and umami notes of the hoisin-marinated tempeh.
• Enhance with Pickled Vegetable Side: Prepare quick-pickled carrots and radishes to add a zesty, crunchy element that brightens the overall meal and provides a palate-cleansing accompaniment.

Twists for Tempeh Bao Buns

• Spicy Korean Tempeh Fusion: Replace hoisin and sriracha with gochujang and Korean chili paste for a bold, fiery flavor profile. Add kimchi and pickled daikon for authentic Korean-inspired crunch.
• Mediterranean Herb Tempeh Bao: Marinate tempeh in oregano, lemon zest, and olive oil. Fill buns with tzatziki, roasted red peppers, and fresh mint for a Mediterranean-style experience.
• Thai-Inspired Coconut Tempeh Bao: Infuse tempeh marinade with green curry paste, coconut milk, and kaffir lime leaves. Add fresh Thai basil, cucumber, and a drizzle of peanut sauce for Southeast Asian flair.
• Japanese Umami Tempeh Wrap: Season tempeh with miso, soy sauce, and mirin. Include quick-pickled vegetables, wasabi mayo, and nori strips for a Japanese-inspired interpretation.

Tempeh Bao Buns Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Tempting Tempeh Bao Buns offer a delightful fusion of Chinese street cuisine and plant-based innovation. Pillowy steamed bread embraces savory marinated tempeh, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will transport you to culinary bliss.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) tempeh, sliced into 12 strips and steamed

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 6 tablespoons (90 milliliters) hoisin sauce
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) sriracha
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon lime zest

Garnishes and Fresh Ingredients:

• Lime wedges, for squeezing and serving
• Avocado slices
• Cucumber
• Carrot
• Fresh cilantro
• Mint
• Diced Thai chiles

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by dissolving it with granulated sugar in of lukewarm water, allowing the mixture to bloom for approximately 5 minutes until frothy and aromatic.
2. Sift all-purpose flour with baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt in a spacious mixing vessel, creating a uniform dry ingredient base.
3. Incorporate avocado oil and the activated yeast mixture into the flour blend, gently combining until a soft, cohesive dough emerges.
4. Transfer the dough onto a lightly dusted work surface, kneading methodically for 5-6 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a covered container, allowing it to rise in a draft-free environment for 45-50 minutes until it doubles in volume.
6. Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Slice tempeh into thin strips and marinate in a vibrant mixture of hoisin sauce, sriracha, minced ginger, and freshly grated lime zest for 20-25 minutes.
8. Arrange marinated tempeh on the prepared baking sheet, roasting for 10-12 minutes until edges become crisp and caramelized.
9. Roll the rested dough to approximately 1/4 inch (6 millimeters) thickness, cutting into uniform circular shapes.
10. Fold each circle in half, brushing the interior with a light layer of oil, creating a classic bao bun silhouette.
11. Allow shaped buns to rest for an additional 10 minutes before steaming.
12. Steam buns over simmering water for 9-11 minutes until they become pillowy and translucent.
13. Prepare a refreshing filling by combining diced avocado, assorted vegetables, and a splash of lime juice.
14. Carefully stuff each steamed bun with roasted tempeh, dressed vegetables, and fresh herbs.
15. Serve immediately, accompanied by additional sauce and lime wedges for personalized garnishing.

Notes

• Master the dough’s rise by finding a warm, draft-free spot like near a preheated oven or sunny window for optimal yeast activation.
• Steam buns precisely to achieve that pillowy, soft texture – watch carefully to prevent over or under-steaming which can ruin their delicate consistency.
• Marinating tempeh allows deep flavor penetration, transforming the protein from bland to boldly delicious with minimal extra effort.
• Create perfect bun pockets by gently folding dough and brushing with oil, ensuring they’re sealed but not too tight for stuffing.
• Balance flavors by adding fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime juice, which cuts through the richness and adds bright, zesty notes.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and make assembling these gourmet bao buns stress-free and enjoyable.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Steaming
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg