13 Steamed Bun Recipes You Need to Try Tonight

Try these easy and tasty Steamed Bun Recipes. From classic BBQ pork bao to Hawaiian beef manapua, there are flavorful options for every taste.

If you want to vary your steamed bun fillings, this collection gathers a range of favorites in one place. You’ll find savory meat fillings like pork and chicken alongside sweet treats such as black sesame and custard.

The dough method is consistent across these recipes: combine all-purpose flour, warm water, sugar, and instant yeast; knead until smooth; wrap and let rise. From there, shape and fill according to each recipe’s instructions.

Homemade BBQ pork buns are a classic. The buns are filled with Chinese BBQ pork (char siu) tossed in a sweet-savory sauce, then steamed until the dough becomes light and fluffy. The contrast of the airy bun and rich pork filling is irresistible.

Expert tip: Bring the steaming water to a boil before adding the buns. The sudden steam encourages a rapid rise and the characteristic cracked top.

These savory buns work well fresh or steamed from frozen, making them a convenient option for lunches or quick dinners. The filling combines juicy pork with napa cabbage and aromatic sauces like hoisin and oyster sauce for depth of flavor.

For a soft, smooth bun texture, knead the dough until it feels elastic and not sticky. Proper kneading makes a big difference in the final bite.

These vegan steamed buns are filled with baby bok choy, shiitake mushrooms, dried bean curd, light soy, sesame oil, a pinch of sugar, white pepper, and salt. The combination yields a savory, umami-rich filling perfect for vegetarians and vegans.

Enjoy them fresh from a bamboo steamer or freeze for later—both ways taste excellent.

Soft, fluffy buns filled with nutty black sesame paste make a wonderful dessert or breakfast. Toast sesame seeds, grind them with sugar into a paste, then mix with coconut oil for a silky, molten filling.

Serve warm with tea or hot soy milk for a comforting treat.

Molten salted egg buns feature a rich, flowing salted egg custard inside a pillowy bao. They’re decadent and addictive, ideal as a dessert or snack.

Be sure the custard filling is fully cooled and slightly set before wrapping; otherwise it will be too runny to enclose. Refrigerating the filling for at least 30 minutes helps.

These kimchi-filled buns take a bit more time but deliver a satisfying, tangy filling. The mixture typically includes sautéed vegetables, kimchi, vermicelli, and pressed tofu, making a flavorful vegan-friendly option.

The kimchi adds a pleasant spice and brightness that pairs well with the soft steamed dough.

These Dim Sum-style chicken buns use diced or ground chicken combined with napa cabbage, shiitake mushrooms, and seasonings. After wrapping the prepared filling in dough, steam for about 10 minutes until cooked through and tender.

They make a familiar, comforting choice for anyone who prefers poultry fillings.

This more traditional Northern Chinese-style bun combines ground pork with Chinese chives and a hint of ginger. The flavor is straightforward and satisfying—serve hot with a dipping sauce of soy sauce, black vinegar, and chili oil for balance.

These were a childhood staple in many households and remain a beloved classic.

Steamed custard buns are a dim sum favorite and great for gatherings. The custard filling is creamy and fragrant, typically made from cornstarch, flour, sugar, egg yolks, milk, butter, and vanilla. Steamed just right, the interior is silky and melts on the tongue.

These bao are filled with sweet red bean paste made from cooked adzuki beans blended with sugar and butter, then cooked down to a soft paste. Homemade paste has the best texture and flavor, but store-bought options are available if you prefer convenience.

Siopao Asado features stewed pork flavored with garlic, onions, soy sauce, and warming spices. It’s similar to the Chinese version but often uses braised rather than roasted pork and tends to be a bit more peppery. The hands-off rising time means much of the total time is inactive, but the result is worth the wait.

Manapua are Hawaiian steamed beef buns influenced by Chinese immigrants. The filling usually combines ground beef with onions, garlic, soy sauce, and hoisin for a sweet-savory profile. These buns offer a comforting, slightly different take on the classic bao using ground beef.

Shanghai-style vegetarian buns are spongy and moist, filled with a flavorful mix of blanched bok choy and rehydrated shiitake mushrooms seasoned with sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, and white pepper. They’re a tasty vegetarian snack and best served fresh.

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Did you enjoy these Steamed Bun Recipes? Be sure to explore other recipes in our Recipe Index for more inspiration.

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