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Bakpao Daging - 'Meat' Filled Steamed Buns

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3 hr + 5 min

Snack

Appetizer

Freezer-friendly
Bakpao, a soft and fluffy steamed bun with roots in China, made its way to Indonesia centuries ago where it became a beloved street food. Based on a family recipe, this vegan version swaps in plant-based mince and smoky vegan bacon bits, all seasoned with ketjap manis, sambal oelek, and a blend of aromatic spices. These fluffy buns are perfect for snacking or a quick meal (and also great to batch-make and freeze!).

bakpaos

Total

3 hr + 5 min

Prep

50 min

Cook

30 min

Rest

1 hr + 45 min

Contains

Soy symbol

soy

Gluten symbol

gluten

Free from

Peanut symbol

peanut

Treenut symbol

tree nut

Sesame symbol

sesame

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Martunia - Jan. 10, 2026, 10:06 p.m.

These buns came out absolutely perfect!! I followed the instructions and tips, and the result is just jaw-dropping. Yeast and I aren't typically the best of friends, so I was a bit scared about the dough coming out the way it should, but all went fine, and the final result is just amazing! Thank you so much for this recipe 😘

PUL small logo PUL Team - Jan. 11, 2026, 1:06 a.m.

This makes us so happy to read, Martunia, thank you for sharing! So glad the tips helped and that the dough behaved itself 😜

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Alenoosh - Aug. 1, 2025, 2:58 p.m.

I’m off sugar—will the recipe still work without it? Also, can I use spelt or einkorn flour instead of all-purpose?

PUL small logo PUL Team - Aug. 2, 2025, 1:08 a.m.

Hey Alenoosh, hmm we wouldn’t recommend these swaps as they'll likely affect the rise and texture. For example, the sugar feeds the yeast to help the dough rise, and spelt or einkorn flours are lower in gluten, which makes buns denser. If you're up for experimenting, you could try reducing the sugar slightly or swapping a portion of the flour to start!

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Mathieu Andrieux - June 12, 2025, 9:35 p.m.

The buns were an absolutely hit with all my guests. They were devoured quickly as people kept coming back. I made them with tofu as vegan mince options weren't available to me. I highly advise adding a bit of moisture to the filling if you do this with tofu. Absolutely recommend.

PUL small logo PUL Team - June 12, 2025, 9:59 p.m.

Gosh thanks so much for sharing your experience with the recipe, Mathieu! The insight is so appreciated 🥰

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Marguerite De Valois - June 9, 2025, 6:25 p.m.

Sympa et intéressant, ça change. La cuisson à la vapeur n'est vraiment pas évidente. J'ai fait le choix de cuire au four à 180 degrés et de faire un passage "humidifiant" rapide à la vapeur ensuite. Se réchauffe très bien de cette manière là d'ailleurs. Pas très goûtu non plus, bien prévoir de la sauce avec

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nikki v - March 20, 2025, 5:06 a.m.

Are there recommended brands for the vegan mince or are options impossible meat or beyond meat?

PUL small logo PUL Team - March 20, 2025, 3:16 p.m.

Hi there, Nikki! Impossible and Beyond are great options, although you can use any other brand of plant-based minces you enjoy. Perhaps just avoid the "smoked" products as they may impart an overpowering flavour. Flavoured finely crumbled tofu might even work in a pinch too 🤗✨

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