Savory Mushroom Bao Buns
These fluffy, savory mushroom bao buns are a delightful comfort food that I love to make when I want to share warmth and joy with friends. The umami-packed f...

I remember the first time I tasted a bao bun at a little street market, and I was instantly hooked!
The combination of soft dough and savory filling is just magical.
Making them at home is not only a fun project, but it also lets me experiment with flavors.
Plus, they’re a wonderful way to bring people together around the table, which is what cooking is all about for me.
What Makes This Recipe Special
- ✓Made with simple, plant-based ingredients that are easy to find
- ✓No animal products - completely vegan and cruelty-free
- ✓Perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike
- ✓Delicious results that everyone will love, vegan or not
Ingredients & Substitutions
I love using a mix of shiitake and button mushrooms for a deep umami flavor, but feel free to experiment with whatever mushrooms you have on hand! If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but be sure to check your baking powder as well.
Tips & Notes
- •I love to serve these with a side of soy sauce for dipping - it adds a nice salty kick!
- •Keep the dough covered while working to prevent it from drying out.
Recipe Variations
- •Sometimes, I’ll add a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat in the filling.
- •You could throw in some finely chopped vegetables like carrots or cabbage for extra crunch!
Storage & Freezing
These bao buns are best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just steam them again briefly to reheat!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling a day ahead. Just refrigerate them separately and assemble and steam them when you’re ready.
What if I don't have a steamer?
No worries! You can use a large pot with a lid and a heatproof plate or a colander placed on top. Just make sure to add water to the pot before steaming!
Rate this Recipe
Loading votes...
You May Also Like

Vegan Biscotti
These Vegan Biscotti are wonderfully crunchy and perfect for a cozy afternoon tea. I love how easy they are to customize with your favorite mix-ins!

Vegan Gelato
This vegan gelato is creamy, dreamy, and satisfies my sweet tooth without any guilt. I love using coconut milk for its rich flavor and velvety texture.

Gyro
Savor the delicious flavors of this vegan gyro, featuring marinated soy curls and a creamy tahini sauce, all wrapped in a warm pita.
These fluffy, savory mushroom bao buns are a delightful comfort food that I love to make when I want to share warmth and joy with friends. The umami-packed f...
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, combine warm water, maple syrup, and yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until foamy.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- 3
Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and oil. Stir until a dough forms.
- 4
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
- 5
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- 6
Add the chopped shiitake and button mushrooms, cooking until they release their moisture and become tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- 7
Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil, cooking for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- 8
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
- 9
Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten it into a disc about 4-5 inches wide.
- 10
Place a spoonful of the mushroom filling in the center of each disc, then gather the edges and pinch them together to seal.
- 11
Place each filled bun on a piece of parchment paper and let them rest for another 20 minutes.
- 12
Prepare your steamer and steam the buns for about 15-20 minutes until fluffy and cooked through.
- 13
Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro before serving.
Comments
Loading comments...