Gluten-Free Steamed Bao Buns

Soft, pillowy, and completely gluten-free, these Gluten-Free Steamed Bao Buns are a delightful twist on a classic favorite! Made with a blend of gluten-free all-purpose flour, tapioca starch, and sweet rice flour, these buns are light and fluffy while catering to dietary restrictions. Enhanced with coconut milk for a subtle richness and sweetened with just a touch of sugar, they're steamed to perfection, creating an irresistible, tender texture. Perfect for stuffing with savory fillings like pulled jackfruit or crispy tofu, these bao buns are a versatile addition to your gluten-free repertoire. Whether for a weekday dinner or a special occasion, this recipe proves that gluten-free doesn't have to compromise on flavor or texture.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:90 mins

Cook Time:12 mins

Total Time:102 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 200 grams Gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
• 50 grams Tapioca starch
• 30 grams Sweet rice flour
• 1 teaspoon Xanthan gum
• 2 teaspoons Baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 120 milliliters Coconut milk
• 100 milliliters Water
• 2 tablespoons Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Instant yeast
• 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1

In a small bowl, combine warm water (about 38°C or 100°F) with the sugar and instant yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, tapioca starch, sweet rice flour, xanthan gum, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3

Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add the coconut milk and vegetable oil to it. Stir to combine.

Step 4

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until a rough dough forms.

Step 5

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface (using extra tapioca starch to dust) and knead gently for 2-3 minutes until the dough is smooth and pliable. If the dough is sticky, add a small amount of tapioca starch as needed.

Step 6

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 7

After the dough has risen, punch it down lightly and divide it into 6-8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball, then flatten it into a disc about 3 inches in diameter.

Step 8

For classic bao buns, fold each disc in half gently and place a small piece of parchment paper between the folds to prevent sticking.

Step 9

Place the formed buns on separate squares of parchment paper and put them on a baking sheet or platter. Cover them loosely with a damp towel and let rise for another 20-30 minutes.

Step 10

Set up a steamer and bring water to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium to maintain a gentle steam.

Step 11

Place the buns (with the parchment paper underneath) into the steamer basket, leaving some space between each bun as they will expand. Steam for 10-12 minutes, or until the buns are fluffy and fully cooked.

Step 12

Turn off the heat and let the buns sit in the steamer for 2 minutes before removing them. Serve warm with your favorite fillings.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	558.5 grams (558.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1304

Total Fat 15.70g	20%
Saturated Fat 2.00g	10%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.40g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2136mg	93%
Total Carbohydrate 287.60g	105%
Dietary Fiber 9.70g	35%
Total Sugars 35.30g
Protein 7.40g	15%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 48mg	4%
Iron 2mg	12%
Potassium 180mg	4%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 10.7%

Protein: 2.2%

Carbs: 87.1%