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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Sift all-purpose flour with baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt in a spacious mixing vessel, creating a uniform dry ingredient base.
- Incorporate avocado oil and the activated yeast mixture into the flour blend, gently combining until a soft, cohesive dough emerges.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly dusted work surface, kneading methodically for 5-6 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 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.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- 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.
- Arrange marinated tempeh on the prepared baking sheet, roasting for 10-12 minutes until edges become crisp and caramelized.
- Roll the rested dough to approximately 1/4 inch (6 millimeters) thickness, cutting into uniform circular shapes.
- Fold each circle in half, brushing the interior with a light layer of oil, creating a classic bao bun silhouette.
- Allow shaped buns to rest for an additional 10 minutes before steaming.
- Steam buns over simmering water for 9-11 minutes until they become pillowy and translucent.
- Prepare a refreshing filling by combining diced avocado, assorted vegetables, and a splash of lime juice.
- Carefully stuff each steamed bun with roasted tempeh, dressed vegetables, and fresh herbs.
- 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