Dirty Vegan bao buns

Discover the delights of Dirty Vegan bao buns, a mouthwatering dish that combines the tenderness of steamed buns with the robust flavors of marinated tofu. This recipe, taken from "Dirty Vegan Another Bite" by Matt Pritchard and published by Mitchell Beazley, is a testament to the versatility and depth of vegan cuisine.

Dirty Vegan Bao Buns: A Brief Description

Dirty Vegan bao buns are a culinary treasure, offering a vegan twist on the traditional bao. These buns are soft, fluffy, and filled with succulent slices of marinated tofu, enriched with pickles, coriander leaves, sesame seeds, and a hint of sriracha for those who favor a spicy kick.

Cultural and Historical Context

Bao buns, originally from China, have been embraced worldwide for their versatility and deliciousness. The Dirty Vegan version maintains the traditional aspects of bao buns while incorporating vegan elements, reflecting modern dietary preferences and a commitment to plant-based eating.

Ingredients for the Dirty Vegan Bao Buns

• For the Buns: Start with basic dough ingredients including plain flour (300g), instant yeast (2 tsp), sugar (2 tbsp), baking powder (1/2 tsp), salt (1/2 tsp), warm water (160-180ml), and oil (2 tbsp).
• For the Filling: The filling consists of firm tofu (280g), spring onions (2, thinly sliced), garlic (2 cloves, minced), ginger (1 thumb-sized piece, minced), hoisin sauce (4 tbsp), soy sauce (2 tbsp), rice vinegar (2 tbsp), sesame oil (2 tbsp + 1 tsp), red cabbage (1/4, thinly sliced), lime (1/2, juiced), cucumber (1/2, thinly sliced), toasted peanuts (20g), and fresh coriander (15g).

Preparation Instructions

1. Dough Preparation: Mix flour, yeast, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Incorporate water and oil to form a dough. Knead until smooth and let it rise.
2. Filling: Marinate the tofu in a mixture of spring onions, garlic, ginger, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil. Cook until crisp and glaze with the marinade.
3. Bun Shaping: Divide the risen dough, roll into ovals, brush with oil, fold, and let rise again.
4. Steaming: Steam the buns until puffed and lightly fill with the tofu mixture and vegetables.

Storage and Reheating

Store the buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat by steaming for a few minutes to maintain their softness and warmth.

Nutritional Information

These bao buns are rich in protein from tofu, offer dietary fiber from vegetables, and provide essential nutrients from the varied ingredients used.

FAQ about the Dirty Vegan Bao Buns

• Can I use different fillings? Yes, you can customize the fillings based on your preference.
• Are these buns gluten-free? No, due to the use of plain flour, but you can try gluten-free flour as an alternative.
• How can I ensure my buns are fluffy? Ensure the dough is properly kneaded and allowed to rise until doubled in size.

In conclusion, Dirty Vegan bao buns are a delicious and satisfying option for anyone looking to explore vegan cuisine without compromising on flavor or texture. Whether you're a seasoned vegan or just looking to try something new, these buns are sure to impress.

Original recipe to Matt Pritchard, "Dirty Vegan Another Bite"​​​​.