Chinese Steamed Buns (Mantou) | Gluten Free Asian Recipes | Healthy gf Asian (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between mantou and bao buns? ›

Steamed buns (baozi) are small (fist-sized or smaller), of a bread-like (yeast), that are stuffed, usually meat/veggie mixture. Mantou is steamed bread. Normally, not stuffed. Pan fried dumplings are raw dumplings that are panfried/slightly steamed.

"Bao" is a catch-all term for various filled buns and dumplings in Chinese cuisine. However, when we refer to "bao" in the context of comparing it to pork buns, we are referring to the popular steamed bao. Unlike pork buns, steamed bao are pillowy, enclosed buns that can include far more than pork alone.

Crafted from a simple mixture of wheat flour, yeast, and water, CSB is notable for its high glycaemic index, which has been linked to an increased risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Whether you fancy indulging in a less than traditional dessert, like the chocolate bao, or if you would like a lighter vegetarian-based bao - the decision is in your hands. However, we can't say that baos are the 'healthiest' of snacks (in the sense of calorie-counting, diet-dabbling Instagrammers, at least).

A standard steamed bao typically contains about 200-250 calories, positioning it as a moderate-calorie food option. Additionally, bao serves as a source of protein and dietary fiber, particularly when made with whole grain flours or filled with vegetables or lean meats.

Mantou (traditional Chinese: 饅頭; simplified Chinese: 馒头), often referred to as a Chinese steamed bun, is a white and soft type of steamed bread or bun popular in northern China.

Cut 12 (4-inch) rounds from some parchment paper. When ready to cook, place the buns on the parchment rounds and into the steamer.

You can replicate a steamer with very little effort by placing your buns in a common kitchen sieve or colander, then suspending it over boiling water. Creating a tower from plates and tea towels will stop the steam from escaping, causing your buns to steam cook!

Fill a pot one third full of water and bring to the boil. Position the buns inside the steamer and place it over the pot of boiling water. Reduce the heat to a simmer. Steam for 6 - 8 minutes, or until the buns are soft and heated all the way through.

With pillowy mantou, scallion eggs (with lots of scallions), a splash of savory soy paste, and both cheese and pork floss, this is my idea of a humble yet luxurious breakfast sandwich.

Are bao buns ok for diabetics? ›

Stripped of its fiber-rich outer layers, white rice is a refined grain that can send your blood sugar soaring. Noodles, dumplings, and buns (called bao) are made with refined flour, so they're no better for your metabolic health.

Kg Pastry Mantou Oriental Bun (1 serving) contains 27g total carbs, 24g net carbs, 4g fat, 4g protein, and 150 calories.

Multigrain bread is high in fiber and other beneficial elements. These make it perfect for losing weight.

The bao buns need 10-12 minutes to steam, so I recommend steaming the bao buns (homemade or frozen) just before serving. Allow about 3 buns per person as a main meal.

包子 (baozi) is a filled steamed bun that has an outer coating which is a white fluffy breading and a filling in the center (most traditionally a pork-based filling). 馒头 (mantou) is just a steamed bun, with no filling inside.

As mentioned before Bao Buns are also commonly referred to as “bao, bay, pow, pau, paoare, Mantou, baozi, humbow, nunu, bakpao, bausak, however the most common terminology will be Bao or Steamed Buns. These soft delicious Chinese treats have been in existence for hundreds of years!

The basic ingredients for Mantou are flour, yeast, and water. But we may also use milk, oil, or sugar either to enhance the flavor or improve the texture. Well-made mantou has a lovely natural and sweet taste from the wheat itself even if no sugar is added.

Lotus leaf buns, also called hé yè bǐng, are steamed folded breads originally from the Fujian province of China. Traditionally they're use for gua bao where the buns are filled with braised pork belly, pickled mustard greens, and ground peanuts.