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

Pan-fried buns, known as Vegan Pan-Fried Buns (Sheng Jian Bao, 生煎包), are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed on various occasions. These delicious buns, filled with a savory mixture of cabbage and vermicelli noodles, offer a unique combination of crispy and chewy textures. Perfect for parties, snacks, or even meal prep, they bring the flavors of Taipei’s night markets right to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these buns are accessible for cooks of all levels.
• Flavor Explosion: The filling is a blend of fresh veggies that creates a savory experience in every bite.
• Versatile: Enjoy them as an appetizer or snack or serve them alongside your favorite dipping sauce.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a large batch and freeze them for quick meals later; they reheat beautifully!
• Plant-Based Goodness: These buns are completely vegan, making them suitable for everyone.

Tools and Preparation

To make Vegan Pan-Fried Buns (Sheng Jian Bao, 生煎包), you will need some essential tools and equipment to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Non-stick pan with lid
• Strainer
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Allows you to comfortably mix the dough without spilling.
• Rolling pin: Essential for evenly flattening the dough to create the perfect wrappers.
• Non-stick pan with lid: Ensures easy cooking and helps achieve that crispy exterior while steaming the 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. In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients.
2. Create a well in the center and pour in warm milk and oil while mixing until a dough forms.
3. Shape into a ball, cover with a damp towel, and let it rest for at least 2 hours.

Step 2: Cooking the Filling

1. Soak vermicelli noodles in boiling water for 7–8 minutes until cooked; drain excess water.
2. In a heated pan with 1 tbsp neutral oil, add chives, carrots, and cabbage; cook over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes until tender.
3. Stir in noodles along with soy sauce, salt, and additional oil; mix well and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
4. Drain excess liquid from vegetables using a strainer and set aside to cool.

Step 3: Preparing the Wrappers

1. Stretch the dough into a large ring by punching a hole in the center.
2. Slice dough into 12 or 16 pieces based on desired size.
3. Roll each piece into balls; flatten each ball into wrappers about 3–5 inches in diameter as needed.

Step 4: Making the Buns

1. Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling in the center of each wrapper; pinch edges to seal tightly.
2. Press down lightly on top of each bun before placing them back on the tray.

Step 5: Cooking the Buns

1. Heat pan with lid and add oil; place buns creased-side first to cook until golden brown crust forms.
2. Carefully add water using the lid as protection and cover immediately to steam for about 5–6 minutes.
3. Repeat this process until all buns are cooked.

Step 6: Storing and Freezing

1. Store cooked buns in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze them individually on a tray before transferring to bags for later use.

Enjoy your homemade Vegan Pan-Fried Buns (Sheng Jian Bao, 生煎包) hot with your favorite dipping sauce!

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

Vegan Pan-Fried Buns are delightful on their own, but you can enhance your dining experience with a few serving suggestions. These buns are perfect for sharing and can be paired with various dips and sides to elevate their flavor.

With Dipping Sauces

• Soy Sauce Mixture: Combine soy sauce with a pinch of sugar and chili oil for a sweet and spicy dip.
• Sesame Sauce: A creamy sesame sauce made from tahini or sesame paste adds a nutty flavor that complements the buns well.

As an Appetizer

• Small Plates: Serve the buns as part of a small plates spread with other Asian-inspired dishes like spring rolls or dumplings.
• Garnished with Fresh Herbs: Top each bun with chopped scallions or cilantro for added freshness and color.

In a Steamed Basket

• Traditional Presentation: Place the buns in a bamboo steamer basket lined with parchment paper for an authentic look and gentle steaming.

With Side Salads

• Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar adds a refreshing crunch that balances the rich flavors of the buns.
• Asian Slaw: Serve with an Asian slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing for added texture and taste.

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

Perfecting your Vegan Pan-Fried Buns can take some practice, but these tips will help you achieve delicious results every time.

• Dough Preparation: Make sure your dough is well-kneaded until smooth. This ensures a good rise during cooking.
• Filling Balance: Use equal parts vegetables in your filling to prevent any one ingredient from overpowering the others.
• Wrapper Thickness: Aim for even thickness when rolling out your wrappers; this helps them cook uniformly without tearing.
• Cooking Temperature: Maintain medium heat during cooking to avoid burning the bottom while ensuring the inside cooks through.
• Steaming Technique: Add just enough water during steaming to create moisture without making the buns soggy.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Vegan Pan-Fried Buns enhances the meal experience. Here are some great options that complement their flavors.

1. Chili Garlic Edamame: Steamed edamame tossed with garlic and chili flakes for a spicy kick.
2. Vegetable Stir-Fry: A colorful mix of seasonal veggies stir-fried in soy sauce adds crunch and nutrition.
3. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup provides comforting warmth and umami flavor that pairs beautifully.
4. Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickled radishes or cucumbers serve as a refreshing contrast to the savory buns.
5. Fried Rice: Lightly seasoned vegetable fried rice makes a hearty accompaniment to enjoy alongside the buns.
6. Seaweed Salad: A refreshing seaweed salad dressed in sesame oil offers a unique texture and flavor profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Vegan Pan-Fried Buns (Sheng Jian Bao, 生煎包), it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Using cold ingredients: Make sure your milk is warm to activate the yeast properly. Cold ingredients can lead to dense buns.
• Overfilling the buns: It’s tempting to add more filling, but too much can make sealing difficult. Stick to 2-3 tablespoons for best results.
• Not letting the dough rise: Allowing the dough to rest is crucial for texture. Skipping this step will lead to tough buns.
• Cooking at high heat: Cooking buns on high heat may burn the bottom while leaving them uncooked inside. Keep it medium for even cooking.
• Not draining excess moisture from the filling: This prevents soggy buns. Always drain your cooked filling before wrapping.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an air-tight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep in the fridge to maintain freshness and flavor.

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

• Place spaced-apart buns on a tray until frozen.
• Freeze for 5-6 hours before transferring them into bags for long-term storage.

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

• Oven: Preheat and toast at low heat with a splash of water for moisture.
• Microwave: Heat in a bowl with a bit of water for softness.
• Stovetop: Re-pan fry with a splash of water until heated through for crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Vegan Pan-Fried Buns (Sheng Jian Bao, 生煎包) that may help you in your cooking journey.

Can I use different vegetables for the filling?

Yes! Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite vegetables or leftovers.

How do I achieve a crispy exterior?

Ensure to pan-fry first until golden brown, then steam quickly without overcooking.

Can I make these buns gluten-free?

You can experiment with gluten-free flour, but results may vary in texture and taste.

How should I serve Vegan Pan-Fried Buns (Sheng Jian Bao, 生煎包)?

These buns are delightful as-is or served with a dipping sauce like soy sauce mixed with chili and sesame seeds.

Final Thoughts

Vegan Pan-Fried Buns (Sheng Jian Bao, 生煎包) are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize the filling based on your preferences or what you have on hand. These buns bring comfort and joy, making them perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to try making them and enjoy this delightful treat!