Baozi are soft, steamed filled buns typical of Chinese cuisine, with a warm and comforting centre. A delightful recipe, perfect as a starter or for aperitifs and buffets. The perfect meeting of Eastern tradition and homely flavour.
12 baozis
1
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar and dry yeast, then mix well. Gradually add the lukewarm water, mixing first with a fork and then with your hands.
2
Knead vigorously on a work surface until you obtain a smooth, even dough. Then, transfer the dough to a clean bowl, cover it, and leave it to rest for at least 20 minutes.
3
For the filling, combine the minced meat and Mutti Pasta Sauce Arrabbiata in a bowl, then mix well.
4
After 20 minutes of resting, take the dough and roll it into a long sausage shape, then divide it into pieces of about 50 g each. As you shape the pieces, roll them on the work surface to form smooth balls. Cover them with a clean cloth to prevent them from drying out while you shape the baozi.
5
Dust the work surface with flour, then take one dough ball and flatten it, first with your fingertips and then with a rolling pin, to form a disc about 10 cm in diameter. While doing this, try to roll the edges thinner so that the centre remains slightly thicker.
6
Place a generous spoonful of filling in the centre of the disc and seal it using the traditional baozi folding method. Repeat until all the dough is used.
7
Serve the baozi hot, garnished with fresh spring onion and soy sauce.
In traditional Chinese cuisine, baozi are a highly versatile preparation, enjoyed both during meals and at breakfast. The most common fillings are typically meat or vegetables, but we wanted to experiment with a special version, juicy and irresistible from the very first bite. How did we make it? Simply by combining minced meat with our Mutti Pasta Sauce with Chilli, so rich and authentic. A distinctly Italian twist that pairs perfectly with the classic flavours of Chinese cuisine!
Our version of baozi stands out for its juicy, slightly spicy filling, guaranteed to impress from the first bite. These delicious soft buns also lend themselves beautifully to countless variations: you can opt for a vegetable or potato filling, or experiment with new combinations to suit your taste. The soft bun is the perfect casing for any kind of filling, the only tip we’d suggest is to avoid fillings that are too wet, as they may make the dough overly damp. Beyond that, feel free to get creative!
If you prefer a vegan version, you can replace the minced meat with a plant-based alternative or choose a filling made entirely of vegetables. The result will still be outstanding: flavourful, fragrant and just as satisfying. Vegan baozi are a great option for anyone looking for a lighter dish without compromising on taste!