Taiwanese Style Gua Bao Recipe – Steamed Bao Buns with Sweet and Spicy Mushroom & Tofu
Gua Bao, often referred to as the “Taiwanese hamburger,” is a delightful and satisfying treat typically served as a street food snack in Taiwan. These soft and fluffy steamed buns are filled with savory, sweet, and spicy mushroom and tofu stuffing, complemented by pickled vegetables. This vegetarian version is perfect for those looking for a hearty, high-protein meal that’s packed with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party, having a casual get-together, or simply want to treat yourself to something delicious, this recipe will leave your taste buds singing!
Ingredients:
For the Bao Buns:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (Maida) | 150 grams |
| Whole wheat flour | 150 grams |
| Active dry yeast | 2 tablespoons |
| Sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
For the Stuffing:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Button mushrooms | 5, quartered |
| Tofu | 100 grams, cubed |
| Soy sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Homemade Hoisin Sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Red chili sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Honey | 1/2 teaspoon |
For the Pickled Vegetables:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cucumber | 1/2, thinly sliced |
| Tomato | 1, pulp removed |
| Red bell pepper (Capsicum) | 1, sliced |
| Soy sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Chili flakes | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time:
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Prep Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Cuisine: Taiwanese, Asian Fusion
- Course: Snack, Appetizer
- Diet: High Protein, Vegetarian
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Bao Dough
- Activate the yeast: Begin by blooming the active dry yeast in lukewarm water along with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour. Add the bloomed yeast mixture and knead the ingredients together, gradually adding lukewarm water to form a soft dough.
- Resting the dough: Once the dough comes together, cover the bowl with a damp cloth and set it aside in a warm place for about 2 hours, allowing it to rise and double in size.
Step 2: Preparing the Pickled Vegetables
- Pickling the vegetables: While the dough is rising, prepare the pickled vegetables. In a small mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumber, tomato (with the pulp removed), and red bell pepper. Add the soy sauce, vinegar, chili flakes, sugar, and salt. Mix well and set it aside for about 30 minutes to allow the vegetables to pickle and absorb the flavors.
Step 3: Making the Stuffing
- Sauté the mushrooms: Heat a pan over medium heat. Add the quartered button mushrooms and sauté them until all the moisture evaporates, leaving the mushrooms browned and caramelized.
- Add the tofu: Add the cubed tofu to the pan with the mushrooms. Continue to toast them together for a few minutes until the tofu is lightly browned.
- Season the filling: Pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, red chili sauce, and honey. Stir the mixture well, coating the mushrooms and tofu evenly with the sauce. Season with salt to taste and set the stuffing aside to cool.
Step 4: Shaping the Bao Buns
- Divide the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions (or 4 if you want larger bao buns).
- Shape the buns: Roll each portion into a smooth ball, then flatten it into a circle about 1/2 inch thick. Brush a thin layer of oil on the top of each circle and fold it in half, creating a half-moon shape.
- Rest the buns: Place each folded bun on a piece of parchment paper and let them rest for another 5 minutes to ensure they rise slightly before steaming.
Step 5: Steaming the Bao Buns
- Steam the buns: Prepare a steamer by bringing water to a boil. Place the buns, along with their parchment paper, in the steamer, ensuring they are not crowded. Steam the buns for about 10 minutes, or until they are puffed up and fully cooked.
Step 6: Assembling the Gua Bao
- Assemble the Gua Bao: Once the bao buns are steamed, gently open each one. Begin by layering the pickled vegetables inside, followed by the sautéed mushroom and tofu mixture.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the filled buns with fresh coriander leaves for an extra burst of flavor. Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions:
These Taiwanese Style Gua Bao are perfect as an appetizer or snack for any occasion. Serve them alongside a warm bowl of vegetarian wonton soup for a comforting and satisfying meal. The combination of soft, fluffy bao buns with the sweet and spicy mushroom and tofu stuffing is sure to impress your guests or satisfy your own cravings.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 10g
Tips for Success:
- Dough consistency: Ensure that the dough is soft but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour; if too dry, add a bit more water.
- Steaming tip: If you don’t have a traditional steamer, you can also use a colander or a metal sieve placed over a pot of boiling water. Just make sure the buns are not touching the water.
- Flavor variations: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or add chili oil for extra spice in the stuffing.
Enjoy these Taiwanese-style Gua Bao buns with their irresistible sweet, spicy, and savory flavors – a true taste of Taiwan in every bite!
This recipe will be a hit with anyone who loves bold flavors, soft steamed buns, and vegetarian dishes. Whether you are preparing for a cozy meal at home or impressing your guests at a party, these Taiwanese Gua Bao with Sweet and Spicy Mushroom & Tofu will elevate any occasion. Happy cooking!
