Steamed Banh Bao with Pork and Mushrooms

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft, fluffy steamed buns filled with savory ground pork and earthy shiitake mushrooms, a beloved Vietnamese dim sum-style snack. This vietnamese-inspired pork ready in about 110 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, (1 packet) active dry yeast, (110°F) warm water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 12, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 90 min Cook: 20 min Serves 12 Vietnamese cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast and 1 tbsp sugar in 1 cup warm water (110°F). Let sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 tsp baking powder, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and knead for 8-10 minutes until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled.
  3. Step 3: For the filling, heat 1 tsp sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent. Add 1 lb ground pork and 1 cup chopped shiitake mushrooms, cooking for 6-7 minutes until pork is cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp fish sauce and 1/2 tsp ground black pepper. Remove from heat and let cool.
  5. Step 5: Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a 4-inch circle. Spoon about 2 tbsp filling into the center of each and carefully fold and pinch edges to seal.
  6. Step 6: Place buns on parchment paper squares and steam over boiling water for 15 minutes until fluffy and cooked through.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Steamed Banh Bao with Pork and Mushrooms take to make?

Total time is about 110 minutes (90 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Steamed Banh Bao with Pork and Mushrooms?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Steamed Banh Bao with Pork and Mushrooms?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Steamed Banh Bao with Pork and Mushrooms for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Steamed Banh Bao with Pork and Mushrooms?

Vietnamese pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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