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
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Slowly add warm water while stirring to form a rough dough.
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Add vegetable oil and knead for another 2 minutes to incorporate.
- 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
- Place chopped napa cabbage in a bowl with a pinch of salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze out the excess moisture.
- In a pan, heat 1 teaspoon sesame oil and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- Add the carrots, cabbage, tofu, and scallions, stirring for 2 minutes.
- Season with soy sauce, white pepper, and cornstarch. Mix well and remove from heat.
- Let the filling cool completely before using.
Step 3: Assembling the Buns
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and knead for 2 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 10-12 equal pieces and roll each into a ball.
- Roll out each piece into a small circle (about 3-4 inches in diameter).
- Place a spoonful of filling in the center.
- Gather the edges of the dough and pinch them together to seal the bun.
Step 4: Cooking the Buns (Pan-Frying for Crispy Bottoms)
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Place the buns seam-side down in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms turn golden brown.
- Mix ½ cup water with 1 teaspoon flour or cornstarch and pour it into the pan.
- Cover the pan and steam the buns for 8-10 minutes, until the water evaporates.
- 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! 🍽️🥟✨