Here is a touch of culinary delight with this school lunch idea kids love: steamed buns! These fluffy and flavorful buns are, indeed, a popular Asian treat that kids adore. They are soft, pillowy, and can be filled with a variety of delicious ingredients. Whether you prefer savory or sweet fillings, steamed buns are a versatile and satisfying lunchbox option.
First things first, before sharing our easy recipe, let’s discover quickly a few lunchbox ideas that inspired us for this post!
Mysticalbentofp added a steamed bun to a cute pencil-shaped sandwich. A cool idea for Back to School!
Silkes Bentoboxes shaped two ears on top of the steamed buns and then added food pen touch-ups for creating cute bunnies.
Steamed buns can also look like cute pandas or chickens as you can see with the lunch boxes that Jessica packed for her kids.
If you had yellow food coloring, your steamed bun can turn into a lovely duck! A cool idea from lunchbox_for_da, also on Teuko.
Now, a simple recipe to make your own steamed buns at home!
Ingredients for making Steamed Buns
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- Filling of your choice (e.g., barbecue pork, vegetables, red bean paste)
Instructions for making Steamed Buns
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt.
- Gradually add warm water while kneading until a smooth dough forms.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into small portions.
- Flatten each portion into a disc shape, place a spoonful of filling in the center, and seal the edges by pleating and twisting the dough (fill your steamed buns with your family’s favorite ingredients like barbecue pork, sautéed vegetables, or sweet red bean paste. They make a delicious and portable meal that kids will love).
- Place the filled buns on parchment paper squares and let them rise for another 15-20 minutes.
- Prepare a steamer by filling it with water and bringing it to a boil.
- Steam the buns, in batches if necessary, for about 15-20 minutes or until the buns are puffy and cooked through.
- Serve warm (or cold in the lunchbox), and enjoy!
Fun Fact: Steamed buns, also known as Baozi in Chinese cuisine, have been enjoyed for centuries and are a staple street food in many Asian countries. They come in various shapes, sizes, and fillings, making them a versatile and satisfying snack.
Pack these fluffy treats in your child’s lunchbox along with some fresh fruits, crunchy veggies, and a small dipping sauce. It’s a delightful surprise that will make their lunchtime extra special!
Share your steamed bun creations on Teuko and let us know your favorite fillings! Bon appétit!
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