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Gluten-Free Steamed Meat Buns Recipe

4.6 from 94 reviews

Discover the delight of homemade Gluten Free Bao with these fluffy, tender meat buns filled with savory ground pork or chicken. This recipe uses a gluten-free flour blend and is carefully crafted to deliver irresistibly soft steamed buns perfect for a comforting snack or meal. Whether you’re gluten-sensitive or simply seeking a delicious twist on traditional bao, these buns are remarkably easy to prepare and full of flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 2 cups Gluten-free flour blend (Avoid blends with xanthan gum unless specified.)
  • 2 teaspoons Instant yeast (If using active dry yeast, proof it first.)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (Sea or kosher salt preferred.)
  • 1 cup Warm water (At a temperature suitable for yeast activation.)

Filling Ingredients

  • 1 pound Ground pork or chicken (Can substitute ground turkey or plant-based protein.)
  • 2 tablespoons Low-sodium soy sauce (Tamari for gluten-free alternative.)
  • 2 tablespoons Green onions (Chopped, chives can be substituted.)
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh ginger (Alternatively, ground ginger.)
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame oil (Olive oil as substitute.)

Instructions

  1. Dough Preparation: In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free flour blend, instant yeast, and salt. Gradually pour in warm water while stirring until a sticky dough forms. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm area for approximately 1 hour.
  2. Filling Preparation: In a medium bowl, mix together the ground pork or chicken with low-sodium soy sauce, chopped green onions, fresh ginger, and sesame oil. Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is evenly seasoned.
  3. Bun Shaping: Once the dough has risen, gently deflate it and divide into golf ball-sized portions. Roll each piece into a circle roughly 4 inches in diameter, preparing each to be filled.
  4. Filling and Sealing: Place about 1 tablespoon of the prepared meat filling in the center of each dough circle. Pinch the edges together firmly to completely seal the filling inside, forming a smooth bun shape.
  5. Steaming the Buns: Place each filled bun onto individual squares of parchment paper to prevent sticking, then arrange them spaced apart in a steamer basket. Steam over boiling water for 15 to 20 minutes until the buns are soft, fluffy, and cooked through.

Notes

  • Proof active dry yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar if substituting for instant yeast.
  • Ensure the steamer has enough water throughout cooking to avoid burning the buns.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute meat with firm tofu or plant-based crumbles.
  • Chilling dough slightly after the first rise can make shaping easier.
  • Use parchment paper pieces under each bun to prevent sticking to the steamer.

Keywords: Gluten free bao, steamed buns, meat buns, gluten free recipe, pork bao, chicken bao, Asian steamed buns