Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Vegan Pan-Fried Buns (Sheng Jian Bao–Style): The Ultimate Plant-Based Dumpling Experience

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Vergie Hough

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp instant yeast

  • ½ tsp sugar

  • ¾ cup warm water (more as needed)

  • Pinch of salt

Filling Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp sesame oil

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated

  • 1 cup cabbage, finely shredded

  • ½ cup mushrooms, finely chopped (shiitake or button)

  • ½ cup carrots, grated

  • 2 scallions, finely chopped

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce

  • 1 tsp rice vinegar

  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Pan-Frying:

  • 12 tbsp vegetable oil

  • ¼ cup water (for steaming)

  • Sesame seeds & chopped scallions (optional topping)


Instructions

  • Make the Dough:
    In a bowl, mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually add warm water while stirring. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

  • Prepare the Filling:
    Heat sesame oil in a skillet. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds. Add mushrooms, cabbage, and carrots. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in soy sauce, hoisin, vinegar, and scallions. Cook another 2 minutes. Set aside to cool.

  • Form the Buns:
    Divide dough into 10–12 equal pieces. Flatten each into a circle. Add 1 tbsp of filling in the center. Pinch to seal the top, forming a bun. Place seam side down on a tray.

  • Pan-Fry the Buns:
    Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place buns in the skillet, seam side down. Cook until bottoms are golden brown (about 2–3 minutes).
    Add ¼ cup water to the pan, cover immediately, and steam for 5–7 minutes or until water evaporates and buns are cooked through.

 

  • Serve:
    Sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions if desired. Serve hot with soy sauce, chili oil, or black vinegar on the side.