Last Updated on April 2, 2024 by Francis
If you’re looking for a tantalizing twist on the traditional dinner night, the answer might just be bao buns. Bao buns are a versatile Chinese steamed bun made with a fluffy exterior and a savory filling. The possibilities for what you can stuff them with are endless, but you may still be wondering what to serve them with. Well, look no further! In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best side dishes and condiments to pair with bao buns for a truly delectable meal.
Bao buns are delicious, versatile and make a great meal or snack. Serve them with a variety of accompaniments such as pickled vegetables, crispy fried tofu, Thai chili sauce, hoisin sauce or a spicy sesame dipping sauce. You can also add shredded lettuce, cilantro, and bean sprouts for a crunchy texture. To complete the meal, pair the bao buns with steamed white or brown rice, edamame, or a side of stir-fried vegetables.
What to Serve With Bao Buns?
Salads
Bao buns are a delicious and versatile food item that pairs well with a variety of sides. Salads are a great option to serve with bao buns as they provide a light, crunchy contrast to the soft, fluffy buns. Salads can range from simple green salads with vinaigrette dressings to more complex salads with a variety of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and proteins. For a unique addition to the bao bun meal, try adding a spicy Thai salad with a tangy dressing.
Green Salads
Green salads are a great way to lighten up a bao bun meal. A simple green salad with seasonal veggies and a light vinaigrette can bring a refreshing contrast to the savory bao buns. For a more interesting salad, try adding some fresh herbs, nuts, or feta cheese. The possibilities are endless when it comes to green salads, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients.
Thai Salads
Thai salads are a great way to add some flavor and texture to a bao bun meal. These salads typically include shredded cabbage and carrots, crunchy nuts, and a tangy dressing. The dressing is usually a combination of rice vinegar, fish sauce, sesame oil, and chili paste. This flavorful combination pairs well with the savory bao buns for a delicious and unique meal.
Soups
Soups are a great way to add some warmth and comfort to a bao bun meal. For a light and flavorful soup, try a simple miso soup with mushrooms and tofu. For a heartier soup, try a creamy coconut curry soup with vegetables and proteins of your choice. Soups are a great way to add some variety to a bao bun meal.
Miso Soup
Miso soup is a light and flavorful soup that pairs well with bao buns. This traditional Japanese soup is made with dashi, a stock made from kombu seaweed and bonito flakes, and miso paste. The soup is usually served with diced tofu, mushrooms, and scallions. It’s a great way to add some umami flavor to a bao bun meal.
Coconut Curry Soup
Coconut curry soup is a rich and creamy soup that pairs perfectly with bao buns. This soup is usually made with a base of coconut milk, curry paste, and stock. The soup can be customized with a variety of vegetables, proteins, and herbs. It’s a great way to add some flavor and comfort to a bao bun meal.
Fried Rice
Fried rice is a classic side dish that pairs well with bao buns. This dish can be customized with a variety of vegetables, proteins, and seasonings to suit any taste. For a light and flavorful fried rice, try adding some shiitake mushrooms, scallions, and sesame oil. For a heartier fried rice, try adding some pork, shrimp, or eggs.
Vegetable Fried Rice
Vegetable fried rice is a great way to add some color and flavor to a bao bun meal. This dish can be made with a variety of vegetables, such as carrots, peas, and bell peppers. The vegetables can be sautéed with garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, then mixed with cooked rice and soy sauce. This light and flavorful dish pairs perfectly with bao buns.
Protein-Packed Fried Rice
Protein-packed fried rice is a great way to add some heartiness to a bao bun meal. This dish can be made with proteins such as pork, beef, shrimp, or eggs. The proteins can be sautéed with garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, then mixed with cooked rice and soy sauce. This flavorful dish pairs well with bao buns for a satisfying meal.
Dim Sum
Dim sum is a classic Chinese dish that pairs well with bao buns. Dim sum can range from steamed dumplings to fried buns to soup. For a light and tasty dim sum meal, try steaming some pork dumplings and adding a simple vegetable dish. For a heartier dim sum meal, try adding some fried buns and a savory soup.
Steamed Dumplings
Steamed dumplings are a great way to add some flavor and texture to a bao bun meal. These dumplings can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as pork, shrimp, and vegetables. The dumplings are then steamed until they are light and fluffy. They can be served with a simple dipping sauce for added flavor.
Fried Buns
Fried buns are a great way to add some crunch to a bao bun meal. These buns can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as pork, shrimp, and vegetables. The buns are then fried until they are golden and crispy. They can be served with a sweet and savory dipping sauce for added flavor.
Noodles
Noodles are a great way to add some variety to a bao bun meal. There are a variety of noodles that can be served with bao buns, such as soba noodles, udon noodles, and ramen noodles. For a light and flavorful noodle dish, try making a simple soba noodle salad with vegetables and a light dressing. For a heartier noodle dish, try making a rich and savory ramen noodle soup.
Soba Noodle Salad
Soba noodle salad is a great way to add some lightness to a bao bun meal. This dish can be made with soba noodles, vegetables, and a light dressing. The dressing can be a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. This flavorful dish pairs well with bao buns for a refreshing and delicious meal.
Ramen Noodle Soup
Ramen noodle soup is a great way to add some heartiness to a bao bun meal. This dish can be made with ramen noodles, a savory broth, and a variety of proteins and vegetables. The broth can be flavored with soy sauce, miso paste, and chili paste for added flavor. This rich and savory soup pairs perfectly with bao buns for a satisfying meal.
Top 6 Frequently Asked Questions
What are Bao Buns?
Bao buns are a type of Chinese steamed bun, traditionally filled with pork or chicken and a variety of vegetables. These delicious buns are often served as part of an appetizer or main course. The dough for bao buns is enriched with oil, sugar, and flour, and then steamed until fluffy and light. The result is a soft and fluffy bun with a slightly sweet flavor. Bao buns can also be filled with a variety of other ingredients, such as beef, shrimp, tofu, or a vegetarian filling.
What are some accompaniments to serve with Bao Buns?
When serving Bao buns, it’s best to offer a variety of accompaniments to accommodate different tastes. Common accompaniments include pickled vegetables, such as cucumbers, carrots, and radishes; a variety of sauces, such as hoisin, soy sauce, and chili sauce; and various condiments, such as sesame oil, scallions, and cilantro. Sides of steamed white rice or noodles are also popular accompaniments.
What type of tea pairs best with Bao Buns?
Green or jasmine tea pairs very well with Bao buns. The delicate sweetness of the tea compliments the subtle sweetness of the buns, while the flavor of the tea helps to balance the richness of the filling. Oolong tea is also a popular choice to pair with Bao buns. The flavor of oolong tea is similar to green tea, but with a richer, slightly nutty taste.
What other dishes work well with Bao Buns?
Bao buns are often served as part of a larger meal, and there are many other dishes that pair well with them. Popular choices include stir-fried vegetables, such as bok choy and snow peas; steamed dumplings; pork or shrimp fried rice; and various Chinese noodle dishes.
How can Bao Buns be served as a party snack?
Bao buns make great party snacks because they’re easy to eat and can be filled with a variety of ingredients. For a party, you can make a selection of different fillings and sauces, and serve them in small, bite-sized portions. This allows your guests to sample a variety of flavors without feeling overwhelmed.
Are Bao Buns healthy?
Bao buns can be a healthy option, depending on the fillings and accompaniments. The dough itself is made with oil and sugar, so it’s important to be mindful of added fats and sugars when selecting fillings. Lean meats, such as chicken, fish, and tofu, are good choices for protein. Vegetables, such as carrots, bok choy, and mushrooms, are great additions for flavor and texture. When selecting accompaniments, look for low-sodium sauces and condiments, and avoid adding extra sugar.
The BEST Bao Steamed Buns Recipe
Bao buns are a delicious and versatile meal option, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or a casual dinner, there are plenty of sides to choose from to pair with your bao buns. From creative salads to mouth-watering sides like pickled vegetables, kimchi, and spicy sauces, there’s something for everyone. Chef-inspired recipes can also be found online to help you craft the perfect menu. With a little bit of creativity, you can create a delicious and unique meal with bao buns as the star!
