Green Pepper and Eggplant Steamed Buns (Baozi)

Cooking StepsHow to cook Green Pepper and Eggplant Steamed Buns (Baozi) step by step

Cooking Process

1. Step 1 Detail

   Make the dough: Combine 500g all-purpose flour with water and yeast to form a smooth dough. This amount makes about 14–16 buns. Let it proof until doubled in size.

2. Step 2 Detail

   Prepare the filling ingredients: Wash and dice the eggplant and green peppers into small cubes. Finely chop the scallions. Set aside separately.

3. Step 3 Detail

   Stir-fry the filling: Heat a generous amount of oil in a wok over high heat (eggplant absorbs a lot of oil). Add the diced eggplant and green peppers along with 2/3 tsp salt. Stir-fry over high heat for 4–5 minutes until the eggplant is soft and translucent and most of the moisture has evaporated.

4. Step 4 Detail

   Season the filling: Reduce to low heat. Add the fermented soybean paste, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, chili flakes, sugar, and chicken bouillon. Stir-fry evenly until a rich, savory aroma develops. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely before using.

5. Step 5 Detail

   Knead and degas the dough: Transfer the proofed dough to a work surface and knead to release air. For best results, use the double-degas method: roll the dough into a long rope, fold it in half, then roll it out again. Repeat this process to thoroughly expel air.

6. Step 6 Detail

   Divide and roll out the wrappers: Divide the dough into 14–16 portions of about 56g each. Dust lightly with flour, shape each piece into a ball, flatten, and roll into a round wrapper — thicker in the center and thinner at the edges.

7. Step 7 Detail

   Fill and pleat the buns: Add the cooled filling to each wrapper. To prevent the filling from releasing water, mix the chopped scallions into the filling just before wrapping. Pleat and pinch the top to seal.

8. Step 8 Detail

   Second proofing: Place the assembled buns in a steamer, cover, and let them proof for 15–20 minutes until noticeably puffed up.

9. Step 9 Detail

   Steam the buns: Bring the steamer to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and steam for 15 minutes.

10. Step 10 Detail

    Rest before opening: After turning off the heat, do NOT open the lid immediately. Let the buns rest in the steamer for 3–5 minutes to prevent them from shrinking due to the sudden temperature change.