Golden Veggie Buns with Crispy Bottoms

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If you love dumplings, bao, or any kind of stuffed bread, then you’ll absolutely adore these Golden Veggie Buns with Crispy Bottoms! These buns have a perfectly soft and fluffy dough, filled with a savory vegetable filling, and are pan-fried to create a beautiful golden, crispy bottom.

These buns are a great vegan or vegetarian-friendly option, perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a main dish. They are inspired by Chinese Sheng Jian Bao, but made with a vegetable-packed filling instead of the traditional pork.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make these delicious buns from scratch—including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips, calorie count, and preparation time.

Ingredients for Golden Veggie Buns

For the Dough:

  • 2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup (180ml) warm water
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Filling:

  • 1 cup firm tofu, crumbled
  • 1 ½ cups chopped napa cabbage
  • ½ cup chopped scallions (green onions)
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon white pepper (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to absorb excess moisture)

For Cooking (Crispy Bottoms):

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 teaspoon flour or cornstarch (for crispy texture)
  • Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Preparation Time

  • Dough Preparation: 1 hour (includes resting time)
  • Filling Preparation: 15 minutes
  • Assembly: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

How to Prepare Golden Veggie Buns

Step 1: Making the Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
  2. Slowly add warm water while stirring to form a rough dough.
  3. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  4. Add vegetable oil and knead for another 2 minutes to incorporate.
  5. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise for 1 hour until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Preparing the Filling

  1. Place chopped napa cabbage in a bowl with a pinch of salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze out the excess moisture.
  2. In a pan, heat 1 teaspoon sesame oil and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
  3. Add the carrots, cabbage, tofu, and scallions, stirring for 2 minutes.
  4. Season with soy sauce, white pepper, and cornstarch. Mix well and remove from heat.
  5. Let the filling cool completely before using.

Step 3: Assembling the Buns

  1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and knead for 2 minutes.
  2. Divide the dough into 10-12 equal pieces and roll each into a ball.
  3. Roll out each piece into a small circle (about 3-4 inches in diameter).
  4. Place a spoonful of filling in the center.
  5. Gather the edges of the dough and pinch them together to seal the bun.

Step 4: Cooking the Buns (Pan-Frying for Crispy Bottoms)

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Place the buns seam-side down in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms turn golden brown.
  3. Mix ½ cup water with 1 teaspoon flour or cornstarch and pour it into the pan.
  4. Cover the pan and steam the buns for 8-10 minutes, until the water evaporates.
  5. Remove the lid and cook for another 2 minutes to crisp up the bottoms.

Serving Suggestions

  • Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped scallions for extra flavor.
  • Serve with a soy dipping sauce (soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili flakes, and scallions).
  • Pair with a side of hot soup or congee for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Golden Veggie Buns

Use warm water for the dough: This helps activate the yeast and makes the dough rise properly.

Don’t overfill the buns: Too much filling can make them hard to seal and may cause them to break.

Make sure to seal well: Pinch the edges tightly so they don’t open while cooking.

Let the dough rise fully: A properly risen dough gives a soft, fluffy texture to the buns.

Crispy bottom tip: Adding a flour-water slurry to the pan creates a beautiful golden crust.

Use a non-stick pan or cast iron skillet to prevent the buns from sticking.

Calories and Nutritional Information (Per Bun)

  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Protein: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fat: 5g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sodium: 220mg

(Note: Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.)

Why You’ll Love These Golden Veggie Buns

Crispy and soft texture – The perfect balance of crunchy and fluffy!

Healthy and nutritious – Packed with plant-based protein and fiber.

Easy to make at home – No need to buy from restaurants.

Customizable – You can adjust the filling to your taste!

Conclusion

These Golden Veggie Buns with Crispy Bottoms are flavorful, satisfying, and fun to make! With a perfectly soft dough, a well-seasoned vegetable filling, and a crispy bottom, they’re an absolute delight for any time of the day.

Now that you have this detailed step-by-step recipe, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start cooking! Try making these buns at home, and don’t forget to experiment with different fillings.

Enjoy and happy cooking! 🍽️🥟✨

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