Laura Smith
Mushroom bao is a vegetarian take on the traditional Asian bao bun. The bao bun is a type of steamed bread, often filled with meat, and is similar in shape to a taco. The vegetarian version replaces meat with mushrooms, usually oyster or shiitake, and is served with toppings such as pickled cucumbers, scallions, and spicy kimchi. The mushrooms are typically cooked in a savoury sauce made with soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, and hoisin sauce.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Vegetarian or Vegan |
| Main Ingredients | Mushrooms, bao buns |
| Other Ingredients | Hoisin sauce, soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, five-spice powder, rice wine, miso, sesame seeds, kimchi, cucumber, spring onions, cilantro, scallions, garlic, Sriracha, carrots, jalapeños, rice vinegar, Thai chilli peppers, coriander, peanuts, mustard greens, sugar, salt, vinegar, neutral oil, coconut oil, flour, yeast, baking soda, baking powder, peanut oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, corn oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, sunflower seed oil, brown rice flour, oyster mushrooms, portobello mushrooms, button mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, enoki mushrooms |
| Cooking Techniques | Baking, sautéing, frying, steaming, marinating, pickling |
| Equipment | Steamer, bamboo steamer, frying pan, mixing bowls, sheet pans, parchment paper, knife, meat rack, saucepan, pot, Ziploc bag, baking sheet, oven, mixing bowl, steam basket |
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What You'll Learn
Oyster mushrooms are the star ingredient of mushroom bao
To prepare the mushrooms, they are first sautéed or torn and fried for around 5-7 minutes. They are then coated in a delicious sauce. While hoisin sauce is the most common base, other flavour boosters can be added to the sauce, such as soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, and five-spice powder. This sauce is sticky and thick, coating the mushrooms generously.
The soft and fluffy bao buns are the perfect vessel for the savoury oyster mushrooms. The buns are first prepared and left to rise and proof before being rolled out, folded, and steamed. The mushrooms are then stuffed inside, along with various toppings and fillings.
Some popular toppings and fillings include pickled cucumbers, carrots, and Persian cucumbers, which add a refreshing crunch. Spicy Thai chillies or jalapeños provide an extra kick, while scallions or green onions add colour and freshness. Other additions include kimchi, sesame seeds, and peanuts.
The versatility of mushroom bao is part of their appeal, with endless combinations of fillings and toppings to suit different tastes. Oyster mushrooms are an excellent choice for a vegan or vegetarian option, offering a tasty and satisfying alternative to meat.
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How to make the dough for mushroom bao
Mushroom bao is a tasty vegetarian and vegan-friendly dish. The bao is a type of steamed bun, which is often filled with meat, such as pork or beef. However, mushroom bao swaps out the meat for mushrooms, making it a great option for those who don't eat meat. Oyster mushrooms are a popular choice, but you can use any variety, such as Portobello, button, shiitake or enoki.
Now, let's get into how to make the dough for mushroom bao. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Ingredients
- Warm water
- Yeast
- Flour
- Coconut oil
- Sugar
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Salt
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, add the warm water. Then, add the yeast and let it sit for 8-10 minutes to bloom.
- Add the flour, coconut oil, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to the mixing bowl.
- Knead the dough with your hands for 10-12 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic, and bounces back to the touch.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Turn the dough over to coat it with oil.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a cool, dry place for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and cut it into equal pieces, depending on how big you want your buns to be.
- Roll the pieces of dough into balls and then flatten them into oval shapes.
- Brush the tops of the dough ovals with coconut oil and fold them over.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise again in a warm, dry place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size again.
Once the dough has risen for the second time, it is ready to be steamed! Place the buns on parchment paper and put them in a steamer for about 10 minutes. Then, they will be ready to be filled with your choice of fillings.
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How to cook the mushrooms for mushroom bao
Oyster mushrooms are the star ingredient of mushroom bao. You can also use other mushrooms like Portobello, button, shiitake, or enoki. The mushrooms should be fresh, but dried and rehydrated will also work. Before cooking, rinse the mushrooms and give them a good 20 minutes over high heat to get out all the water, which gives them a firmer and "meatier" texture.
To cook the mushrooms, heat a frying pan to medium-high, add a splash of neutral oil like vegetable, canola, corn, avocado, grapeseed, peanut, or sunflower seed oil, tear the mushrooms and add them to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until slightly browned and the water has cooked off. You can also briefly brown the mushrooms for a few minutes on each side, then add some sauce and let it cook for a few more minutes until the sauce forms a thick, sticky coating on the mushrooms.
Alternatively, for crispy wild mushroom bao, soak the mushrooms in a rich soy ponzu marinade, then bread them with brown rice flour so they get extremely crunchy when baked. Drain the mushrooms from the liquid, add them to a Ziploc bag with the flour, shake to coat, then bake in the oven at 450 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until super crispy and brown.
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How to assemble the mushroom bao
To assemble a mushroom bao, first open the flap of the bun. If you're using store-bought bao buns, you can skip to the filling stage, but if you're making them from scratch, you'll need to prepare the dough and let it rise before rolling it out, folding it, and steaming it.
Once your bun is ready, spread a layer of hoisin sauce on the bottom. You can also add a little mayo to both sides of the bun for extra creaminess. Next, add some pickled cucumber—this can be made by salting and pickling Persian or regular cucumbers in a mixture of sugar, rice vinegar, and roasted sesame seeds. If you want to add some spice, you can also include sliced Thai chilli peppers.
Now it's time for the star of the show—the mushrooms! Oyster mushrooms are a popular choice, but you can use any variety you like, such as Portobello, button, shiitake, or enoki. Sauté or tear your mushrooms and cook them in a pan with oil until slightly browned. You can also add a sauce to the mushrooms, such as hoisin sauce, soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, and five-spice powder.
Finally, top your mushroom bao with some crunchy kimchi, sliced spring onions or green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. You can also add some peanuts for extra crunch. Repeat the process with the remaining buns, and enjoy your delicious, flavourful mushroom bao!
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Variations on the mushroom bao recipe
Mushroom bao is a delicious and versatile dish that can be customized in a variety of ways to suit different tastes and preferences. While the traditional recipe typically includes a mixture of mushrooms, green onions, and garlic, there are many ways to put a unique spin on this savory treat.
One simple variation is to experiment with different types of mushrooms. While common button mushrooms are often used, trying out other varieties such as shiitake, oyster, or cremini mushrooms can add a distinct flavor and texture to the bao filling. Each type of mushroom has its unique flavor profile, ranging from earthy and nutty to meaty and umami-rich, so choosing a combination that appeals to your taste buds is key.
Another way to change up the recipe is to incorporate additional ingredients to complement the mushrooms. For example, adding chopped water chestnuts to the filling provides a crisp texture and a subtle sweet flavor. Minced ginger or chili peppers can be included to give the bao a spicy kick, while a splash of soy sauce or hoisin sauce can enhance the umami flavors and add a savory depth to the dish. Those who enjoy a bit of sweetness in their bao can experiment with adding small amounts of hoisin sauce or even honey to the filling mixture.
The type of bun used can also be varied to create a unique mushroom bao experience. While traditional bao buns are typically used, substituting them with other types of steamed or baked buns, such as mantou (a soft, fluffy Chinese steamed bun) or even a western-style bread roll, can result in an interesting fusion of flavors and textures. Using colored or flavored buns, such as those made with spinach or beetroot for a natural green or purple hue, can also make the dish more visually appealing and add subtle flavor variations.
Vegetarians and vegans can also adapt the recipe to suit their dietary preferences. Replacing the typical egg and milk mixture used to brush the buns before steaming with a vegan alternative, such as a mixture of aquafaba (chickpea water) and vegetable oil, ensures that the buns still achieve that glossy, golden finish during cooking.
Lastly, while mushroom bao is commonly served as a savory dish, there is potential to create a sweet version by reducing the amount of garlic and green onion and adding ingredients like cooked, sweetened red beans or a drizzle of condensed milk to the filling. This unexpected twist can provide a delightful dessert option, especially when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom bao is a dish consisting of steamed bao buns filled with mushrooms and various other ingredients. It is a vegetarian/vegan take on traditional bao, which typically contains meat fillings.
Oyster mushrooms are commonly used as the star ingredient due to their tender texture and ability to absorb flavours. However, other types such as Portobello, button, shiitake, or enoki mushrooms can also be used.
The mushrooms are often sautéed or marinated and paired with toppings like pickled cucumbers, carrots, green onions, scallions, and spicy chili peppers. The buns themselves may also be spread with hoisin sauce, kimchi, or mayo to enhance the flavour and texture.
The buns are typically made from a dough consisting of warm water, yeast, flour, coconut oil, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. The dough is kneaded, shaped into balls, and allowed to rise before being steamed in a bamboo steamer or stainless steel steamer.
Absolutely! Mushroom bao is highly customisable. You can experiment with different types of mushrooms and toppings, or even add other ingredients like tofu, jackfruit, or meat for non-vegetarian options.
