Beef Bao – Recipe for Fluffy Buns with Rich, Juicy Filling

Soft, steamed bao buns filled with juicy, aromatic beef? Sounds like a street food dream – and that’s exactly how they taste. Fluffy dough embracing a rich, slightly sweet-and-salty filling scented with ginger, garlic, and sesame that warms your senses from the very first bite.

Soft, steamed bao buns filled with juicy, aromatic beef? Sounds like a street food dream – and that’s exactly how they taste. Fluffy dough embracing a rich, slightly sweet-and-salty filling scented with ginger, garlic, and sesame that warms your senses from the very first bite.
Today we’ll show you how to make these incredible beef bao buns at home – the kind that surprise with tender dough and a deeply flavorful filling. This is a recipe that transports you straight to an Asian food truck – without even leaving your kitchen. Perfect for a weekend dinner, a gathering with friends, or simply as a delicious alternative to classic burgers. Meat lovers will be thrilled, and your kitchen will be filled with aromas you won’t be able to resist.
Reading this article may lead to immediate cravings, spontaneous grocery shopping, and a sudden urge to cook something delicious. You’ve been warned!
This recipe makes approx. 12 small, fluffy bao buns – perfect for 4 people. If you're cooking for a larger group or simply want more – just scale the ingredients proportionally.

Ingredients:
Bao Dough (approx. 12 buns):

• 420 g wheat flour (type 550 preferred, but 650 works too!)

• 1½ tsp dry yeast (or 15 g fresh yeast)

• 20 g sugar

• 550 g lukewarm water

• 35 ml vegetable oil (e.g. rapeseed)

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp baking powder

Beef Filling:
Choosing the right beef is the key to perfect filling – that’s why at Steki.pl we offer you two great options:

• Premium Fit Ground Beef (90% meat / 10% fat) – ideal for those who prefer a lighter, yet bold and flavorful option.

   

• Premium Fat Ground Beef (80% meat / 20% fat) – classic, juicy proportions that guarantee richness, depth, and perfect texture for bao filling.

   

Both work wonderfully – just pick the one that suits your preferences best.
Prefer full DIY control?
If you want full control over the flavor and texture of your filling – we also offer beef cuts for self-mincing. Perfect for those who enjoy experimenting in the kitchen and building their own custom blends:
1 kg Burger Beef – top-quality meat prepared according to our trusted in-house recipe – an excellent base for homemade bao.
Tip: Use a coarse grinder plate to keep that signature texture and juiciness.

Additional Ingredients:

• 500 g ground beef

• 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped)

• 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated)

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tsp sesame oil or teriyaki sauce

• ½ tsp honey or brown sugar

• ½ chopped scallion (regular onion works too!)

• ¼ tsp ground chili (optional)

• Fresh cilantro, sesame seeds, crushed roasted peanuts, pickles or gherkins for serving

Preparing the Dough:

1. In a bowl, mix flour, dry yeast, sugar, salt, and baking powder.

2. Add water and oil, and knead for 10–12 minutes until smooth and elastic.

3. Cover with a cloth and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.

Preparing the Filling:

1. Sauté garlic and ginger in a hot pan.

2. Add the ground beef and cook until it starts to brown.

3. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey.

4. Cook a few more minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes sticky and aromatic.

5. Stir in scallions and let cool slightly before stuffing.

Shaping & Steaming Bao:

1. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll into small discs.

2. Place a spoonful of filling in the center and seal well to form buns.

3. Let them rest on parchment paper for 15–20 minutes.

4. Steam for 10–12 minutes (bamboo steamer preferred, but a regular one works too).

Serving:
Bao are best enjoyed fresh and hot – fluffy, warm, and filled with delicious beef.
Serve with: gherkin slices, fresh cilantro, sesame seeds or roasted peanuts, and a splash of chili sauce if you like it spicy.

Why Choose Steki.pl Beef?
Because great taste starts with great quality – and in dishes like beef bao, the meat is the star. At Steki.pl, we’re all about responsible sourcing, artisan standards, and freshness that truly makes a difference on your plate.
Our beef offers the perfect balance of juiciness, texture, and bold flavor, turning every bite into a culinary experience. It’s not just ideal for burgers – it’s a natural fit for Asian recipes too, like fluffy bao buns with rich, savory fillings.
If you love creative cooking but never want to compromise – choose meat that’s crafted with passion and purpose. Our beef is your foundation for maximum flavor and an unforgettable homemade meal that rivals your favorite food truck.
Order now at Steki.pl, cook your own bao, and discover how restaurant-quality street food can come from your own kitchen. Cook with passion, eat with joy.
Bon appétit!