Gluten-Free Steamed Buns

With this quick and easy recipe, you can make gluten-free Chinese-style buns from scratch. They're vegan and sugar-free, perfect with sweet or savoury fillings.

Gluten-Free Steamed Buns Recipe

Info

Nutrition per serving
NutrientAmountRDA
Net Carbs33.9 g12.3%
of which Sugars1.2 g1.3%
Fibers1.9 g6.9%
Fats3.2 g5%
of which Saturates0.3 g1.7%
of which Omega 30.2 g20.8%
Proteins2.8 g6%
Calcium64 mg6.4%
Vitamin A5 mcg0.7%
Vitamin C0 mg0%
Iron1.3 mg9%
Potassium103 mg2.9%
Sodium95 mg4.1%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Kcal176 8.8%
Macro split
  • net carbs 81%
  • sugars 3%
  • fats 8%
  • saturates 1%
  • proteins 7%
  • fibers 5%
*RDA based on a 2000 kcal diet;
**Nutritional data sources: USDA, food labels.
KCAL
176 per serving
TIME
3h
HEALTH

Today we'll show you how to make those soft and fluffy steamed buns that feature in so many Chinese and Korean recipes, and we will make them gluten-free.

The steamed bun, known depending on region or filling used as either mantou, baozi, or bao bun, is original of the Northern regions of China. In this area, wheat is grown more prominently than rice. So the traditional mantou is prepared with wheat, which makes it not suitable for celiacs or people with gluten intolerance.

To make our steamed buns gluten-free, we have used a mix of rice flour, potato starch and maize flour. You can prepare this mix yourself, or buy a ready-made gluten-free flour at your local store. We have also added a bit of xanthan gum, which makes gluten-free doughs stretchier and less crumbly.

Steam buns are at their best when filled with delicious ingredients. In this recipe, we will focus on making the bun, so feel free to use whatever stuffing you fancy. If you aren't sure, here are a few filling ideas you can roll with:

  • Bao bun with crispy tempeh, pickled carrots, and spring onions [vegan]

  • Bao bun with pulled pork, honey, grilled onions and coriander

  • Bao bun with grilled tofu, cucumber strips, and spring onions.

Apart for a little proving time, this recipe doesn't take much work or effort at all, and you can have buns on your plate in around 3 hours from start to finish. Just follow our easy steps below and enjoy!

Ingredients

Adjustments
Serves
Measuring System
Lukewarm Water100 mL
Soy Milk50 mL
Instant Dry Yeast2 tsp
Rapeseed Oil1 tbsp
Maple Syrup1/2 tbsp
Gluten-Free Flour250 g
Xanthan Gum1 tsp
Baking Powder5 g

Step 1

In a bowl, combine water, milk, yeast, oil, and maple syrup.

Leave the mixture to stand for 5 minutes or until bubbly in order to activate the yeast.

Activated yeast with milk and maple

Step 2

Meanwhile, mix the gluten-free flour with xanthan gum, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.

Then, incorporate the yeast mixture, and work the ingredients until they come together into a smooth, pliable, and slightly sticky dough.

You can knead by hand on a floured surface or with a mixer fitted with a dough hook.

If needed, add more flour or lukewarm water to reach the right consistency.

Gluten-free bun dough

Step 3

Leave the dough to rest for a few minutes before rolling it out on a floured worktop to a 1 cm (1/2 inch) thickness.

Using a cookie cutter or sharp-edged glass, cut out rounded shapes, about 9 cm (3.5 inches) in diameter.

Then, rub the surface of each circle with a bit of oil and fold one half of the dough over the other half, like a half-moon shape.

Cut out and folded bun dough

Step 4

Transfer each shaped bun onto a square of parchment paper and then over onto a baking tray.

Cover the buns with a tea towel or cling film, and leave them to prove for two hours at room temperature.

Proved buns

Step 5

Set up your steamer - you can use a classic bamboo steamer or a steel steamer pot.

Make sure the steaming basket is dry and then place the proved buns on it along with their square of baking paper.

We recommend you cook two or three buns at a time, leaving some space in between them to rise nicely.

Steam the buns for 8 minutes, transfer them onto a serving dish and enjoy them warm with sweet or savoury fillings.

We love stuffing them with grilled tofu, spring onions, cucumber, chillies, and onions.

Steamed buns in steamer

Tips

  • The water and milk should be lukewarm, not hot, as that's the optimal temperature for yeast fermentation.

  • The dough should always feel soft and pliable. If it starts cracking when your shape the buns, then incorporate a splash of warm water and briefly knead it again.