If you’re seeking an enticing vegan dish that combines unique textures and bold flavours, look no further than Jackfruit Bao Buns. These fluffy steamed buns, filled with a savoury jackfruit mixture, offer a delightful twist on the traditional bao and are perfect for any occasion. What sets these bao buns apart is the jackfruit filling, which mimics the texture of pulled meat while offering a distinct taste that blends seamlessly with the soft, pillowy dough.
Jackfruit, known for its meat-like consistency, becomes incredibly flavourful when seasoned properly. Adding Fine Sea Salt to the mix ensures the filling has a balanced, rich taste without any additives, enhancing the natural flavours of the ingredients. The combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and a touch of ginger and garlic creates a filling that is both savoury and slightly sweet, making each bite a flavourful experience.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a comforting weeknight meal, these Jackfruit Bao Buns are sure to impress. They offer a versatile option for those adhering to a plant-based diet and can easily be adapted to suit various flavour preferences. With the right ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a dish that not only looks impressive but tastes fantastic as well.
This recipe is ideal for both seasoned cooks and those new to vegan cooking, providing a straightforward yet rewarding culinary endeavour. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a taste sensation that’s sure to become a favourite in your home.
Jackfruit Bao Bun with Savoury Filling Recipe
Ingredients
For the Bao Buns:
- 250 g plain Flour
- 1 tbsp caster Sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp fast-action dried yeast
- 150 ml warm water
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Jackfruit Filling
- 280 young jackfruit in water, drained and shredded
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 tsp tamarind sauce
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped coriander for garnish
- White & sesame seed to garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Bao Dough
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, caster sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate small bowl, mix the yeast with the warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. Add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size
Prepare the Filling
- Drained the jackfruit. Trim the firm, pointed ends off each triangular piece of jackfruit (you can still use them if you prefer) and gently press each piece so that it separates into individual strands and absorbs more of the cooking sauce. Set aside.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until the onion is translucent. Add the shredded jackfruit, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, tamarind sauce and sesame oil. Stir well and cook for about 10 minutes until the jackfruit is tender and well coated. Add the red pepper, cooking for an additional 5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper. Remove from heat and set aside
Shape and Steam the Bao
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten each ball into an oval shape, approximately 10cm long.
- Lightly brush one side with oil and fold in half to create a bun shape. Prepare a steamer lined with parchment paper. Place the buns inside, ensuring they are not touching.
- Cover and steam over medium heat for 10-12 minutes until the buns are puffed and cooked through.
Assembling the Bao Buns
- Once the buns are steamed, carefully open them and fill a bao bun with pulled jackfruit filling, drizzling with extra hoisin sauce if desired. Finish garnishing each filled bao bun with white and black sesame seeds, and chopped fresh coriander leaves.
Notes
Tips for Shaping:
Ensure the filling is well-centred to avoid uneven cooking. If you find the dough sticking to your hands, lightly flour your hands to make handling easier.Shaping the bao buns might require a bit of practice, but it’s a fun and rewarding process. Don’t worry if the first few attempts aren’t perfect; the buns will still be delicious. Properly sealed buns help in achieving that delightful, fluffy texture without losing any of the savoury filling inside. Enjoy the process and look forward to tasting these delectable bao bu
Suggestions for Serving
For a complete meal, consider pairing your Savoury Jackfruit Bao Buns with refreshing side dishes and thoughtful presentation touches. A fresh cucumber salad, lightly dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil, adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich filling of the bao buns. Alternatively, a simple mix of pickled vegetables like carrots, radishes, and red onions offers a tangy counterbalance to the savoury jackfruit filling.
For an added burst of flavour, serve the bao buns with a side of dipping sauce. A mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, a touch of sesame oil, and a sprinkle of chilli flakes makes for a delicious dip that complements the buns beautifully.
When it comes to presentation, arranging the buns in a bamboo steamer basket adds an authentic and charming touch to your meal. Sprinkling sesame seeds or finely chopped spring onions over the buns before serving can enhance both the visual appeal and the texture.
For those looking to elevate the dining experience further, consider serving the bao buns with a pot of hot green tea. The tea’s subtle bitterness pairs well with the savoury and slightly sweet flavours of the bao buns, providing a well-rounded meal experience.
If you’re hosting guests, these presentation and serving suggestions can turn a simple meal into a memorable culinary event. The attention to detail in pairing and presentation not only enhances the taste but also makes the meal visually appealing, ensuring that your Jackfruit Bao Buns are the highlight of the dining experience. Enjoy this delightful vegan recipe that brings together flavour, texture, and a touch of elegance.
