Romanian-style Steamed Buns

Ingredients

While the original Vietnamese Bánh bao is typically filled with a mixture of ground pork, onions, and mushrooms, the Romanian-style Steamed Buns have a unique twist. In this adaptation, the filling is made with a combination of ground beef, onions, and traditional Romanian spices, such as paprika and thyme. The dough is also slightly different, incorporating milk for a softer texture. We alse have the original recipe for Bánh bao, so you can check it out.

• For the dough: For the dough:
• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 7g (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast 7g (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 250ml (1 cup) warm milk 250ml (1 cup) warm milk
• 50g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted 50g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar 1 tbsp sugar
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 500g (1 lb) ground beef 500g (1 lb) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• For the assembly: For the assembly:
• All-purpose flour for dusting All-purpose flour for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and melted butter.
3. 3.
   Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   In the meantime, prepare the filling. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until the onion is softened and the flavors are well combined. Remove from heat and let it cool.
6. 6.
   Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small portions. Roll each portion into a circle, about 10cm (4 inches) in diameter.
7. 7.
   Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching them together to seal the bun.
8. 8.
   Place the buns on a steamer lined with parchment paper. Cover and let them rise for another 15 minutes.
9. 9.
   Steam the buns over high heat for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through and the dough is fluffy.
10. 10.
    Serve the Romanian-style Steamed Buns warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. You can also substitute it with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter variation.
• Paprika — Opt for sweet paprika for a milder flavor or use hot paprika if you prefer a spicier kick.
• Active dry yeast — Make sure the yeast is fresh and active to ensure proper dough rising. Check the expiration date and activate the yeast in warm milk with sugar before using.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, onions, and garlic.
• Add a sprinkle of grated cheese on top of the filling before sealing the buns for an extra burst of flavor.
• Serve the Romanian-style Steamed Buns with a side of sour cream or yogurt for a creamy accompaniment.
• Experiment with different spices and herbs in the filling to customize the flavors to your liking.
• These buns can be frozen after steaming. Simply reheat them in a steamer or microwave before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Romanian-style Steamed Buns as a main course accompanied by a fresh salad or pickled vegetables. They can also be enjoyed as a snack or appetizer.

Presentation advice

Arrange the steamed buns on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill, for an appealing presentation. Serve them warm to showcase their fluffy texture.