Taiwanese Breakfast Bao: A Delicious Start to Your Day

Breakfast Bao has its roots in Taiwanese cuisine and is often enjoyed at breakfast stalls across Taiwan. Traditionally, these bao are filled with braised pork belly, pickled vegetables, and crushed peanuts. However, the versatility of the bao allows for various fillings, including eggs, tofu, and vegetables. The fluffy texture of the bao combined with the rich flavors of the fillings creates a satisfying meal that is both comforting and delicious.

Ingredients

For the Bao Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Filling:

• 4 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons scallions, thinly sliced
• Pork floss (or any preferred filling)
• Pickled vegetables (such as mustard greens or pickled radish)
• Crushed peanuts (for garnish)

Preparation Time:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 bao

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, baking powder, and salt.
2. Gradually add warm water and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients while mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, mirin, and soy sauce.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and pour in the egg mixture.
3. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked but still soft. Remove from heat and stir in the scallions.

Step 3: Shape the Bao

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles.
2. Divide the dough into equal pieces (about 8) and shape each piece into a ball.
3. Roll each ball into a flat circle about 4 inches in diameter.

Step 4: Fill the Bao

1. Place a spoonful of scrambled eggs in the center of each dough circle.
2. Add pork floss and pickled vegetables on top of the eggs.
3. Gather the edges of the dough circle around the filling and pinch to seal tightly.

Step 5: Steam the Bao

1. Prepare a steamer by bringing water to a boil.
2. Line a steaming basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3. Place the filled bao in the steamer basket with some space between them to allow for expansion.
4. Steam over high heat for about 15–20 minutes until they are puffed up and cooked through.

Step 6: Serve

Once steamed, remove the bao from the steamer and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with crushed peanuts if desired.

Conclusion

Taiwanese Breakfast Bao is not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various tastes and preferences. With its soft texture and flavorful fillings, it’s no wonder that this dish has become a beloved staple in Taiwanese cuisine. Whether enjoyed for breakfast or any time of day, these bao are sure to satisfy your cravings! Enjoy experimenting with different fillings and sharing this delightful dish with family and friends!

FAQ

What is Gua Bao?

Gua Bao refers to Taiwanese steamed buns that are typically filled with braised pork belly but can be customized with various fillings such as eggs or tofu.

Can I make these bao ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling in advance. Assemble them and refrigerate before steaming when you’re ready to eat.

Can I freeze leftover bao?

Absolutely! Allow them to cool completely before freezing in an airtight container. To reheat, steam them directly from frozen for about 10–15 minutes.

What are some popular fillings for Breakfast Bao?

In addition to scrambled eggs and pork floss, popular fillings include braised beef, tofu with vegetables, or even sweet fillings like red bean paste.

Where can I find traditional Breakfast Bao?

Breakfast Bao can be found at many Taiwanese breakfast shops or street vendors in Taiwan. They are also becoming increasingly popular in Asian restaurants worldwide.