Bao Dough

Ingredients

  • 34 cup warm water
  • 112 tsp dry active yeast
  • 112 tsp sugar
  • 2 tsp canola oil
  • ~2 cups all purpose flour

Method

Make the dough

  • Add the water, yeast, sugar to a mixing bowl and let sit for 10 minutes
  • Add the salt, oil, and 80% of the flour
  • Knead in as much of the flour as needed until the dough is very smooth
  • Cover and place in a warm spot to prove until doubled (1 hour?)

Form dough balls

  • Press the dough out so you can divide it up easily
  • Divide into 12 or 16 equal portions
  • Roll each portion into a ball

Stuff and Steam

  • Roll out each ball into a flat disk (the middle should be slightly thicker)
  • Pinch the edges even thinner
  • Pinch the edges together over the filling
  • Place on a piece of parchment paper
  • Let assembled buns rest for 15 mins or so before steaming
  • Steam for 15–18 minutes