Steamed Pork and Mushroom Bánh Bao Buns

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

Soft, fluffy steamed buns filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, shiitake mushrooms, and aromatic spices inspired by traditional Vietnamese bánh bao. This vietnamese ready in about 105 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 170 calories and feeds 8, 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: 15 min Serves 8 Vietnamese cuisine 170 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve 2 tsp active dry yeast and 1 tsp sugar in 3/4 cup warm water (about 105°F). Let sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, remaining 2 tbsp sugar, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, and the yeast mixture. Knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
  3. Step 3: While dough rises, mix 10 oz ground pork, 1/2 cup chopped soaked shiitake mushrooms, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1/4 tsp white pepper, 2 tbsp finely chopped green onions, and 1 tsp grated ginger in a bowl until well combined.
  4. Step 4: Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal portions. Flatten each into a 4-inch circle. Place 2 tbsp pork filling in the center of each circle, then gather edges and pinch to seal tightly.
  5. Step 5: Place buns on parchment paper squares inside a steamer basket. Steam over boiling water for 15 minutes until buns are puffed and cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Serve warm with chili sauce or soy dipping sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Steamed Pork and Mushroom Bánh Bao Buns take to make?

Total time is about 105 minutes (90 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 Mushroom Bánh Bao 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 all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Steamed Pork and Mushroom Bánh Bao 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 Mushroom Bánh Bao Buns for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Mushroom Bánh Bao Buns?

Vietnamese vietnamese 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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