Are you craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that combines the softness of steamed bao buns with the savory goodness of teriyaki chicken? Look no further! In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of creating mouthwatering teriyaki chicken bao buns that will surely impress your family and friends.
These steamed buns are not only delicious but also easy to make, making them a perfect option for a quick lunch or dinner. So, let’s dive in and learn how to make these delectable teriyaki chicken bao buns!
Ingredients
To make 16 steamed bao buns, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Dry:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup arrowroot flour (or cornstarch)
- 2 teaspoons active yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 4 tablespoons (coconut) sugar
- Wet:
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup avocado oil (or olive oil)
- Spray avocado oil (or olive oil)
For the teriyaki chicken filling, you’ll need:
- 1 lb Rotisserie chicken meat, pulled apart and skinless (or substitute with shiitake mushrooms)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium teriyaki sauce
Garnish:
- Shredded carrots
- Cucumber slices
- Fresh cilantro
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, mix together the dry ingredients – all-purpose flour, arrowroot flour (or cornstarch), active yeast, baking powder, and (coconut) sugar. In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients – warm water and avocado oil (or olive oil). Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix until the dough is no longer sticky. This process should take about 5 minutes.
If you have an electric mixer with a dough hook, you can use it to knead the dough for 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can knead the dough by hand for 10 minutes or use an electric mixer at medium speed. Once the dough is well-kneaded, form it into a large ball.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough ball in a bowl, cover it, and store it in a warm, but not hot, place to rise for at least 1 hour. During this time, the dough will nearly double in size, becoming light and fluffy.
Step 3: Shape the Bao Buns
After the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly dusted surface until it reaches a thickness of about 1 cm. Use the top of a glass or a circular cutter (approximately 4 inches in diameter) to cut out circles from the dough. Gather the remaining dough and roll it out again until all the dough is used, resulting in approximately 16 circles.
Gently roll out each circle to make it slightly wider. Spray the top of each circle with avocado oil (or olive oil) to prevent sticking. Fold each circle in half and use a rolling pin to gently press down on the fold to seal it.
Step 4: Steam the Bao Buns
To steam the bao buns, fill a skillet with water, filling it about 1/3 to 1/2 of the way. Bring the water to a gentle simmer. Place a steamer basket on top of the skillet and arrange the bao buns with the wrappers or parchment paper in the basket. Cover the skillet and cook the buns for approximately 10 minutes, or until they are cooked through and plump. Repeat this process for the remaining bao buns.
Step 5: Prepare the Teriyaki Chicken Filling
While the bao buns are steaming, you can prepare the teriyaki chicken filling. If using rotisserie chicken, tear the meat apart and place it in a bowl. Add the low-sodium teriyaki sauce and mix until the chicken is well-coated. For a plant-based option, sauté shiitake mushrooms in a nonstick skillet with spray olive oil. Once the mushrooms have reduced in size (about 3 minutes), add the teriyaki sauce and mix well.
Step 6: Assemble the Teriyaki Chicken Bao Buns
Once the bao buns are cooked and slightly cooled, it’s time to assemble them. Gently open each bun and fill it with the teriyaki chicken filling. Garnish with shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and fresh cilantro to add extra flavor and texture.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Your homemade teriyaki chicken bao buns are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them as a snack, appetizer, or a main course. The combination of the soft and fluffy bao buns with the flavorful teriyaki chicken filling creates a delightful culinary experience.
