Hoisin Mushroom & Pickled Veg Bao Buns

Soft Bao Hirata Buns filled with sticky hoisin mushrooms, pickled vegetables, and herbs — a vegan street food recipe by Nicol Retailer Limited.

Hoisin Mushroom & Pickled Veg Bao Buns

Indulge in these soft, pillowy Bao Hirata Buns filled with sticky hoisin-glazed mushrooms, crisp pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. A vegan-friendly, Asian street food classic — bursting with sweet, savoury, and tangy flavours. Made with premium Bao Hirata Buns from Nicol Retailer Limited for a restaurant-quality experience at home.

Course Appetizer, Main Course, Starter, Street Food

Cuisine Asian-inspired, Chinese, Japanese, Vegan, Vegetarian

Diet Vegan, Vegetarian

Keyword Asian street food UK, bao hirata bun recipe, hoisin mushroom bao, Nicol Retailer Limited, vegan bao buns

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

Servings People

Calories 385

Ingredients

8 Bao Hirata Buns
400g mixed mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, chestnut), sliced
2 tbsp vegetable oil
3 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 maple syrup or brown sugar
2 tsp rice vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
small carrot, julienned
small cucumber, julienned
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
2 tbsp rice vinegar (for quick pickling)
Fresh coriander leaves and toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Quick-pickle the veg

In a bowl, combine carrot, cucumber, salt, sugar and 2 tbsp rice vinegar. Toss well and set aside for 15 minutes to soften and absorb flavour.
Cook the mushrooms
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown (about 5–6 minutes).
Add garlic, ginger, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, maple syrup and 1 tsp rice vinegar. Stir until the mushrooms are glossy and coated in a sticky, savoury-sweet glaze.

Steam the buns

Steam the Bao Hirata Buns for 2–3 minutes until soft and fluffy (per pack instructions).

Assemble the bao

Open each bun gently and fill with a spoonful of hoisin mushrooms, then top with pickled carrot and cucumber. Garnish with coriander and sesame seeds for a burst of freshness and crunch.

Serve immediately

Serve warm with extra hoisin sauce or chilli oil on the side for dipping.

Notes

These Hoisin Mushroom & Pickled Veg Bao Buns are a celebration of texture and flavour — a perfect balance of sweet, savoury, and tangy wrapped in the softest Bao Hirata Buns from Nicol Retailer Limited.

Chef’s Tip:
Use a mix of mushrooms such as shiitake, oyster, and chestnut for a deeper, meatier flavour. Don’t rush the cooking process — allow the mushrooms to caramelise slightly before adding the sauce for that glossy, sticky finish.

Flavour Boost:
Add a dash of rice wine or mirin while cooking for extra depth, or drizzle a little sesame oil just before serving for a nutty aroma.

Make Ahead:
The pickled vegetables can be prepared up to 2 days in advance — they taste even better once the flavours develop. Simply store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Customise It:
These bao buns are endlessly versatile. Try swapping the mushrooms for tofu, tempeh, or even shredded jackfruit for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestion:
Serve immediately after assembling while the buns are still warm and pillowy. Pair with a small bowl of dipping hoisin sauce or sriracha mayo for a restaurant-style touch.

With every bite, you’ll enjoy the fusion of authentic Asian street-food flavours and plant-based goodness — all made effortless with Bao Hirata Buns from Nicol Retailer Limited.

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