Vegan Pan-Fried Buns (Sheng Jian Bao, 生煎包)

Vegan Pan-Fried Buns (Sheng Jian Bao, 生煎包) are a delightful treat that brings the authentic flavors of Taiwanese street food right to your kitchen. These buns are not just delicious; they’re also versatile and perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a family dinner, or simply indulging in a snack, these buns deliver on taste and satisfaction. Their crispy exterior and chewy filling make them irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cabbage, vermicelli noodles, and spices creates a savory filling that’s bursting with flavor.
• Versatile Meal Option: Serve these buns as an appetizer, side dish, or snack – they fit seamlessly into any meal.
• Easy to Freeze: Make a large batch and freeze them for quick meals later. Just reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!
• Customizable Filling: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or proteins to the filling for a personal touch.
• Fun Cooking Experience: Making these buns is a fun activity that can be shared with family or friends!

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Tools and Preparation

To make Vegan Pan-Fried Buns easily, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will ensure your cooking process goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Rolling pin
• Large mixing bowl
• Frying pan with lid
• Strainer
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Rolling pin: Essential for shaping the dough into thin wrappers, ensuring even cooking.
• Frying pan with lid: Allows for both frying and steaming the buns, crucial for achieving that perfect texture.
• Strainer: Helps remove excess liquid from the filling, preventing soggy buns.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (375 g)
• 2 tsp instant dry yeast
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp roasted sesame seeds
• 1 cup warm soy milk (or other non-dairy milk)
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil (or neutral oil)
• 1 tbsp neutral oil (for cooking)
• 6 cups raw shredded cabbage (from 1/2 large head of cabbage)
• 3.5 oz uncooked bundles of vermicelli noodles (100g total)
• 1 cup finely shredded or grated carrot (150g)
• 1/2 cup chopped scallions or chives (25g)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1 tbsp roasted sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil

How to Make Vegan Pan-Fried Buns (Sheng Jian Bao, 生煎包)

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

1. You can watch the video below for a step-by-step on how to make these buns.
2. In a large bowl, mix together all dry ingredients. Create a well in the center and then pour in the warm milk and oil while mixing.
3. Keep mixing until a dough is formed. Shape it into a ball and place it in a bowl. Cover with a damp towel and let it rest for at least 2 hours to let it rise.

Step 2: Cooking the Filling

1. Soak dry vermicelli noodles in boiling hot water for 7–8 minutes or until cooked. Drain excess water and chop noodles into small ½ inch long pieces.
2. Heat a pan over medium-high heat, add 1 tbsp neutral oil.
3. Once hot, add chives, carrots, and cabbage. Cook for 4–5 minutes until carrots are tender.
4. Add noodles along with soy sauce, salt, and oil; mix well with a wooden spoon or spatula.
5. Cook for another 2–3 minutes over medium heat; adjust seasoning based on taste.
6. Transfer mixture to a strainer to drain excess liquid from vegetables then set aside to cool.

Step 3: Preparing the Wrappers

1. Take the dough out of the bowl and stretch it into a large ring by punching a hole in its center.
2. Slice dough into 12 or 16 pieces depending on desired size.
3. Roll each piece into a ball; flatten slightly on the surface with your hands.
4. Use flour on top of each piece as well as your rolling pin while rolling out dough into wrappers approximately 3–5 inches in diameter.

Step 4: Making the Buns

1. Place around 2–3 tbsp of filling into the center of each wrapper.
2. With one hand crease edges while pinching down creases with the other hand; twist to seal buns after pinching around edges.
3. Press down lightly on top of each bun before placing back onto tray covered with towel.

Step 5: Cooking the Buns

1. Heat frying pan with lid; add in 1 tbsp oil for every four buns placed creased-side first in pan.
2. Cook over medium heat until golden brown crust forms on bottom (about 4–5 minutes).
3. Carefully pour water into pan using lid as protection; cover immediately to trap steam while cooking for another 5–6 minutes until water evaporates.

Step 6: Storing & Freezing

1. For storage, place cooked buns in an airtight container refrigerated up to five days; reheat by pan frying or microwaving with splash of water.
2. To freeze, arrange spaced apart on tray until hard before transferring them to plastic bags; no need to thaw before reheating!

How to Serve Vegan Pan-Fried Buns (Sheng Jian Bao, 生煎包)

Vegan Pan-Fried Buns are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether as a snack or part of a meal, these buns bring delightful flavors that can be complemented with different sauces and side dishes.

With Soy Sauce

• Drizzle soy sauce over the buns for a salty and savory flavor that enhances their richness.

Spicy Chili Oil

• Add a spoonful of spicy chili oil for those who enjoy a kick. The heat pairs wonderfully with the soft texture of the buns.

Sesame Dipping Sauce

• Mix soy sauce, sugar, and toasted sesame oil for a sweet and nutty dipping experience that brings out the bun’s flavor.

Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with chopped scallions or cilantro to add freshness and vibrant color to your serving plate.

Pickled Vegetables

• Serve alongside pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast that balances the richness of the buns.

Steamed Greens

• Pair with steamed greens like bok choy or spinach for a nutritious side that complements the meal beautifully.

How to Perfect Vegan Pan-Fried Buns (Sheng Jian Bao, 生煎包)

Making perfect Vegan Pan-Fried Buns requires attention to detail and practice. Here are some tips to ensure your buns turn out great every time.

• Use Warm Ingredients: Ensure your milk is warm but not hot when mixing into the dough. This helps activate the yeast properly.

• Rest the Dough: Allowing the dough to rise for at least 2 hours ensures it becomes light and fluffy, resulting in better texture.

• Don’t Overfill: When adding filling to each bun, use just enough to avoid bursting. This keeps them intact during cooking.

• Steam Carefully: When adding water to steam, pour carefully to prevent splashing. This ensures even cooking without soggy bottoms.

• Adjust Cooking Time: Keep an eye on your pans; each stove may vary in heat intensity, which affects cooking time.

• Practice Wrapping: If you’re new to wrapping buns, don’t worry about perfection! With practice, you’ll develop your own technique.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Pan-Fried Buns (Sheng Jian Bao, 生煎包)

Pairing Vegan Pan-Fried Buns with delicious side dishes can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Stir-Fried Bok Choy: A simple stir-fry with garlic adds crunch and nutrition.

2. Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumber salad with sesame oil serves as a cool contrast to warm buns.

3. Vegetable Dumplings: These offer another layer of flavor and texture while maintaining the Asian theme.

4. Edamame: Lightly salted edamame makes for an easy snack that complements the main dish.

5. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup rounds out the meal while providing umami flavors.

6. Fried Rice: Flavor-packed fried rice can serve as a hearty accompaniment that satisfies hunger.

7. Spring Rolls: Crispy vegetable spring rolls provide crunch and balance out the softness of the buns.

8. Thai Peanut Slaw: A zesty slaw drizzled with peanut sauce adds an exciting twist and extra nutrients.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Vegan Pan-Fried Buns (Sheng Jian Bao, 生煎包) can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the taste and texture. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Ignoring the dough resting time: Skipping the resting period will lead to tough buns. Always let your dough rise for at least 2 hours.
• Overcooking the filling: If you cook the filling too long, it can become mushy. Aim for crisp-tender vegetables for better texture.
• Not rolling the wrappers evenly: Uneven thickness can result in some buns being overcooked while others are undercooked. Practice rolling until they’re consistently about 3-4 inches in diameter.
• Forgetting to drain excess liquid: Leaving too much moisture in the filling can make the buns soggy. Always strain your vegetables before wrapping them.
• Crowding the pan: Cooking too many buns at once can prevent even browning. Cook in small batches to achieve that perfect golden crust.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooked buns in an airtight container.
• They can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Freezing Vegan Pan-Fried Buns (Sheng Jian Bao, 生煎包)

• Arrange buns on a tray without overlapping and freeze for 5-6 hours or until solid.
• Transfer to a plastic or silicone bag for long-term storage.

Reheating Vegan Pan-Fried Buns (Sheng Jian Bao, 生煎包)

• Oven: Preheat to low heat and toast until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a bowl with a splash of water and cover; heat until warm.
• Stovetop: Pan-fry with a splash of water, covering to steam until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Vegan Pan-Fried Buns (Sheng Jian Bao, 生煎包):

Can I use different fillings for Vegan Pan-Fried Buns?

You can definitely customize the filling! Try using mushrooms, tofu, or other vegetables according to your preference.

How do I know when my dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size after resting. A good test is to lightly poke it; if it springs back slowly, it’s ready.

Can I make Vegan Pan-Fried Buns ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them and store uncooked buns in the fridge or freezer for later cooking.

What dipping sauces go well with these buns?

Common choices include soy sauce mixed with chili oil or vinegar. Feel free to mix and match flavors!

Final Thoughts

Vegan Pan-Fried Buns (Sheng Jian Bao, 生煎包) are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with various fillings based on your taste preferences. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or snack, these buns are sure to satisfy your cravings. Give this recipe a try and experience a taste of Taiwan right at home!