Description
Tender Beef Bao Buns are savory, fluffy bao buns filled with slow-cooked, juicy beef, offering a rich and flavorful bite. These bao buns are perfect for a special occasion or a cozy meal at home.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1.5 to 2 pounds Beef (chuck roast or brisket)
- 8–10 Bao buns (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup Soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Hoisin sauce
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp Ginger (minced)
- 3–4 Scallions (chopped)
- 2 tbsp Brown sugar
- 1–2 Star anise (optional)
- 2 tbsp Sesame oil
- 2 tbsp Rice vinegar
- Chili paste (optional for some heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Cut the beef into chunks (or leave whole). Heat sesame oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear beef chunks until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: In the same pot, sauté garlic and ginger for 1 minute. Add soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. Optional: Add star anise for depth of flavor. Add enough water to almost submerge the beef. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 2-3 hours or until the beef is fork-tender.
- Shred the Beef: Once tender, remove beef and shred it using two forks. Return to pot to absorb juices, then taste and adjust seasoning with soy sauce or sugar if needed.
- Steam the Bao Buns: Steam the bao buns according to package instructions or your homemade recipe (about 10-12 minutes).
- Assemble: Open each bao bun and fill with shredded beef mixture. Top with chopped scallions, hoisin sauce, and chili paste (optional). Garnish with cucumber slices for extra crunch.
Notes
- Slow cook the beef for extra tenderness using a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.
- Customize your filling with pickled vegetables, cilantro, or chili oil to adjust the flavor to your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bao bun with beef filling
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg