Thai Style Steamed Buns Recipe
Discover the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine with these delicate, homemade steamed buns. Light, fluffy, and made with a combination of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour, these buns are a true delight. The dough is gently fermented with yeast, creating a pillowy texture that perfectly complements the tangy, crunchy filling. Filled with pickled cucumber, carrot, cabbage, and pickled jalapenos, this appetizer is a refreshing and healthy choice. The best part? You can easily customize the filling to your liking, whether you prefer a vegetarian version or a non-vegetarian twist.
Cuisine
Thai
Course
Appetizer
Diet
Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Steamed Buns
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1/4 cup |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1 1/2 cups |
| Active Dry Yeast | 1 tablespoon |
| Sugar | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
For the Stuffing
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| English Cucumber | 1, sliced |
| Carrot (Gajjar) | 1, sliced into roundels |
| Cabbage (Patta Gobi/ Muttaikose) | 1 cup |
| Pickled Jalapenos | 1 cup, sliced |
| Soy Sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Chilli Vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Sauce | As needed |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time
60 minutes
Cooking Time
30 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour (maida), sugar, and active dry yeast. Add 1/4 cup of lukewarm water to the mixture, stirring well. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to activate the yeast and allow it to ferment. -
Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, add the whole wheat flour, the fermented yeast mixture, and salt. Gradually add a little water to the flour mixture, combining until it forms a soft dough. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. -
Let the Dough Rise:
Once kneaded, cover the dough with a damp cloth and place it in a warm area to rise for 30 minutes. This allows the dough to become light and airy. -
Prepare the Stuffing:
While the dough is rising, prepare the vegetable stuffing. Slice the cucumber, carrot, and cabbage into thin pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced vegetables with pickled jalapenos, soy sauce, chili vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and set aside to marinate. -
Shape the Buns:
After the dough has risen, punch it down and pinch out small portions of the dough. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten it into an oval shape about 1 centimeter thick. Apply a small amount of oil on each piece and fold the dough over into a semi-circle shape. Let the shaped buns rise for another 10 minutes. -
Steam the Buns:
In the meantime, heat a vegetable steamer with water. Place parchment paper over the steamer to prevent the buns from sticking. Arrange the risen semi-circle dough pieces onto the parchment paper and steam them for about 10 minutes, or until they are soft and fluffy. -
Assemble the Buns:
Once the buns are steamed, carefully remove them from the steamer. Open the steamed buns gently and stuff them with the pickled vegetable mixture. -
Serve:
Serve the Thai Style Steamed Buns hot, with a side of Thai Green Papaya Salad or an appetizer like Asian Style Baby Corn with Sesame Seeds and Peanut Sauce for a well-rounded Thai meal.
Tips and Variations
- For a non-vegetarian version, feel free to add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu as a filling.
- You can also experiment with different pickled vegetables such as radish or daikon to add variety to the filling.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of red chili sauce or add a few more pickled jalapenos to the stuffing.
These Thai Style Steamed Buns make a perfect, healthy appetizer for any occasion, combining the perfect balance of texture and flavor in every bite!
