Steamed Pork and Cabbage Buns

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

Soft, pillowy buns filled with savory minced pork and fresh cabbage, steamed to perfection for a comforting handheld meal. This chinese ready in about 60 minutes pairs baking powder, sugar, flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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: 45 min Cook: 15 min Serves 12 Chinese cuisine 220 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Mix 2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp sugar; gradually add 3/4 cup water while mixing until soft dough forms.
  2. Step 2: Knead dough 5 minutes until smooth, cover, and rest 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Combine 12 oz minced pork shoulder, 1 cup chopped Napa cabbage, 2 chopped green onions, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp minced ginger, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tbsp cornstarch in a bowl; mix well.
  4. Step 4: Divide dough into 12 equal portions; roll each into 3-inch circles.
  5. Step 5: Place 2 tbsp filling in center of each circle, fold edges to meet center, pinching seams closed.
  6. Step 6: Place buns seam-side down on parchment-lined steamer tray.
  7. Step 7: Steam over boiling water 12-15 minutes until puffed and cooked through.
  8. Step 8: Serve immediately while hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Steamed Pork and Cabbage Buns take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (45 min prep + 15 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 Pork and Cabbage Buns?

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 baking powder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Steamed Pork and Cabbage Buns?

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 Pork and Cabbage Buns 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 Pork and Cabbage Buns?

Chinese chinese 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes