Bao Buns are a delicious Chinese dish that has become increasingly popular worldwide, and it’s easy to see why.
These fluffy, pillowy buns can be filled with any array of mouth-watering ingredients for a quick and tasty meal – but have you ever wondered what to serve with bao buns?
Luckily, we’ve got some great ideas to complement these savory snacks perfectly!
Whether you’re looking for crunchy vegetables, salty sides or sweet treats, our guide will give you all the tips and tricks needed for an epic Bao Bun feast.
Read on to discover what delicacies pair best with this tantalizing dish!
What Are Bao Buns?
Bao buns are a type of Chinese steamed bun filled with various ingredients. The dough for the buns is made from flour, yeast, sugar, and water.
Bao buns can be filled with meats such as pork or beef and vegetables like cabbage or spinach.
Sweet fillings such as custard, red bean paste, and sesame paste are also popular.
The bun is then steamed in a bamboo basket until fluffy and warm. Bao buns can be served as either a snack or as part of a meal.
They are often eaten with chopsticks, giving them an Asian flair.
In recent years, bao buns have become popular outside of China, with many restaurants offering them on their menus.
Whether looking for a light snack or a hearty meal, bao buns satisfy your cravings!
What To Serve With Bao Buns?
Bao buns is a versatile dish that can be served as part of an Asian-inspired meal or enjoyed as a snack.
Here are some options for you on what to serve with bao buns.
Asian Slaw
Asian Slaw is a cold salad made from shredded vegetables and a vinaigrette dressing.
It typically includes cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, onion, and cilantro – though ingredients may vary depending on the recipe.
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It’s an incredibly versatile dish that’s great as a side or a topping for sandwiches, tacos, baos, and many other meals.
Serving Asian Slaw with bao buns is popular because of the complementary flavors and textures.
The crunchy slaw contrasts the soft steamed bun, while the tanginess of the dressing pairs nicely with the sweetness of traditional filling ingredients like pork or duck.
Plus, Asian Slaw is a much healthier option than more traditional accompaniments like mayonnaise and ketchup, making it a great choice for those looking to make their meal a bit lighter.
Cucumber Salad
Cucumber Salad is a fresh and crunchy combination of cucumbers, onions, bell peppers, and cilantro.
The perfect complement to bao buns, this salad offers the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
With its cooling crunch and bright citrus notes from the cilantro, Cucumber Salad stands out against the richer flavors of the buns.
The mild sweetness of the onions and peppers adds a subtle undertone, balancing out the savoriness of the bao buns.
Together, this combo is sure to please any crowd!
Edamame
Edamame is an immature, green soybean harvested while still young and tender.
It has a slightly sweet flavor and a creamy texture that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or snack.
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When served with bao buns, it provides an additional layer of texture and flavor to the meal.
The edamame helps to cut the richness of the bao, while its texture provides crunchiness and a different flavor profile.
Additionally, edamame is packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious accompaniment to any meal.
Whether served as an appetizer or side dish, edamame is a great addition to any bao bun!
Kimchi
Kimchi is a Korean side dish of fermented cabbage, radish, or cucumber.
It has an extremely pungent flavor and can be served with any meal or as a stand-alone snack.
It’s often served with bao buns because the soft texture of the bun helps to balance out the strong flavors of the kimchi.
Additionally, the small size of bao buns makes them ideal for scooping up kimchi and other snacks.
Kimchi is a popular accompaniment to many Asian dishes, such as fried rice or stir-fry, but it can also be enjoyed independently. It’s a great way to add flavor and zest to any meal.
Steamed Dumplings
Steamed dumplings are a type of Chinese dim sum consisting of small pieces of dough filled with various ingredients such as vegetables, meats, or seafood.
They are typically cooked by steaming in a bamboo basket and served with bao buns.
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The combination of the savory filling inside the soft steamed dumpling and the slightly sweet and fluffy bao bun makes for a delicious and satisfying meal or snack.
Bao buns also provide an interesting textural contrast to the dumpling filling, making them even more enjoyable.
Additionally, adding the bao bun gives diners another option for dipping their steamed dumplings in sauces or condiments like soy sauce or chili oil.
All in all, steamed dumplings and bao buns are a classic combination that perfectly balances flavor and texture.
Spring Rolls
Spring Rolls are a traditional Chinese dish composed of thin, deep-fried crepes that are rolled up with various fillings like vegetables, meat, and noodles.
They are served as an appetizer or snack and are typically accompanied by dipping sauces.
The combination of spring rolls and bao buns is a classic pairing in Chinese cuisine because the two items complement each other well.
The buns’ soft texture contrasts the crispy rolls and allows for a variety of flavor combinations when eaten together.
They also make a convenient way to scoop up sauces and fillings from the spring rolls.
Served together, spring rolls and bao buns make for a delicious meal or snack that will satisfy your appetite!
Fried Rice
Fried rice is a popular Chinese dish with steamed white rice, cooked vegetables, and meats or other proteins.
It is typically seasoned with soy and oyster sauce and served with bao buns.
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Combining fried rice and bao buns creates a unique texture and flavor that many people enjoy.
Bao buns contrast the rich flavors of the fried rice, and their fluffy texture complements the crunchy rice.
Bao buns also help to absorb some of the oil from the fried rice, making it less greasy.
Additionally, they offer a great way to scoop up any extra sauce or flavorings left on the plate.
Fried rice and bao buns are ideal when served together, providing a delicious and fulfilling meal that will satisfy even the most discerning palate.
Wonton Soup
Wonton Soup is a traditional Chinese soup that consists of broth, pork wontons, and vegetables.
It has become popular in many parts of the world, particularly in Asia.
Wonton Soup is typically served with bao buns, steamed white bread-like buns filled with meat or vegetables.
Combining the soup and bao buns provides a delicious balance of flavors and textures that is comforting and nourishing.
The filling in the bao buns also helps to absorb some of the broth, creating a unique flavor experience.
Additionally, the combination of Wonton Soup and Bao Buns has been enjoyed for centuries as a traditional Chinese meal.
Traditionally, it is served as part of a larger multi-course meal for special occasions and festivals.
Therefore, when served together, Wonton Soup and Bao Buns symbolize unity and prosperity.
FAQs
What Sauce To Serve With Bao Buns?
Bao buns are typically served with a sweet and savory sauce like hoisin sauce, duck sauce, or chili garlic sauce.
If you’d like to switch it up, try soy sauce, oyster sauce, teriyaki sauce, sesame oil or sriracha.
What Noodles To Serve With Bao Buns?
Ramen noodles are a classic pairing with bao buns. You can also serve them with udon or soba noodles, vermicelli noodles, or chow mein.
What Vegetables To Serve With Bao Buns?
Bao buns are often served with cucumber, carrot, bell pepper, and cabbage.
Other popular accompaniments include pickles or pickled vegetables like daikon radish and spicy kimchi.
Can You Serve Rice With Bao Buns?
Yes, bao buns go great with rice! Fried rice is a classic pairing for bao buns, and you can also serve them with white or brown rice.
For an extra kick of flavor, try adding some hoisin sauce or teriyaki to the rice.
Conclusion
Now you should know what to serve with bao buns. Bao buns are a versatile food that can be enjoyed with many different dishes.
From steamed dumplings to spring rolls to fried rice and wonton soup, numerous tasty combinations of food pair well with bao buns.
Bao buns have a soft texture and slightly sweet flavor which helps to contrast the savory fillings and flavors of other dishes.
They are also a great way to scoop up sauces or condiments, making them an ideal accompaniment.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional Chinese meal or something different, bao buns and the above dishes make for a delicious combination that will satisfy your appetite.
