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    El Mundo Eats » Bun

    Published: Jul 4, 2020 · Updated: Feb 1, 2023 by Bea & Marco · This post may contain affiliate links · 11 Comments

    Quick Pan-Fried Meat Buns (No Yeast And No Knead)

    Jump to Recipe
    pan fried steamed buns with a chili oil bowl

    Just calling out to the dumpling lovers out there! This week I'm sharing this quick pan-fried meat buns that have no yeast (yes!) and involve no kneading (double yes!).

    Although this is not the traditional way of preparing these buns, but they are equally delicious. Trust me! I mean, when have I ever lied to you right?

    Fluffy soft buns, flavourful juicy filling, no fuss, ready in no time. Let's get started.

    Quick Buns

    These buns are my adaptation to the Chinese pan-fried buns or baozi. And the dough is typically made using yeast.

    First of all, just letting you know, I love to make breads and work with yeast. I make breads every week. But now and then I just want a no fuss, quick recipe that doesn't involve the whole process of working with yeast. Which is kneading, proofing, shaping and proofing again.

    quick baozi dough ingredients

    You know those times when you just want to enjoy something delicious but have no desire to put so much effort. Take outs or eating out are out of the question since it's too much work to get properly dressed up and be presentable to the world (I don't know about you but I'm in my PJs all the time these months). Besides why bother when you can make them better and more delicious at home. Right?

    Well that's when this quick buns recipe comes extremely handy! Lets see what's all the excitement about.

    All purpose flour - Yes, just plain old all purpose flour. No bread flour needed.

    Baking powder - Just a small amount as the leavening agent, instead of using yeast. And no, it's not going to have a cakey texture, so don't you worry.

    Corn starch - Helps to create the soft texture of the buns in this quick bun recipe.

    Yogurt - Combined with the use of corn starch, a perfect duo for the soft texture factor. I'm even using a natural low fat 3.8% yogurt here.

    Salt - Well, of course.

    steamed buns filling ingredients

    And that's all! Basic ingredients that we always have in our kitchen. What could be better than that?

    If you want to use Greek yogurt, no problem. I've tried it and it worked just beautiful. Since it's with a thicker consistency, you'd take a minute longer to bring the dough together but no worries.

    Oh! And this is a tweaked recipe from my quick steamed buns recipe. *wink!* I know you guys already loved those!

    Pan-fried baozi on a plate

    Blank Canvas Filling

    It is, really.

    You can make whatever filling that your heart desires. Chicken? Seafood? Vegan? Why not? Add the seasonings and condiments to your likings. Use whatever tickles your tummy. And if somebody told you that's not the way to enjoy the buns or that's not the way their grandmothers made it, well then just smile and move away. Because we all know that food is freedom, my friends.

    As for me, I'm keeping it simple with just a handful of ingredients and using the condiments that are easy to find. I've used a combination of cabbage, chicken and shrimps and they tasted delish.

    Adding just a touch of water really makes the filling juicy. Have a napkin ready when you give the bun your first bite. Just saying.

    These buns are great with some drizzle of chili oil. Super yum! Let me know if you want to see my super easy chili oil recipe.

    Partially eaten pan-fried baozi

    Hungry For More?

    Check these recipes out:

    • Chicken and shrimp boiled dumplings
    • Shrimp pot stickers
    • How to make dumpling dough
    • Japanese curry buns
    • Vegan green curry dumplings

    Video

    📖 Recipe

    Pan-fried meat buns on a plate

    Pan-Fried Meat Buns

    Not the traditional way but definitely the fastest way and I promise, these pan-fried meat buns taste just as delicious. The dough doesn't need yeast, kneading or proofing time but yet the buns are soft and fluffy. The juicy filling just bring everything together in a yummy way. Do try!
    Author: Bea & Marco
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Servings: 8 pieces
    Prep Time30 mins
    Cook Time8 mins
    Total Time38 mins

    Ingredients  

    The Filling

    • ½ cup minced meat (100 g)
    • ½ cup chopped spring onion (40 g)
    • 1 small carrot , julienned
    • ½ thumb sized ginger , grated
    • 1 garlic clove , grated
    • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
    • 1 tablespoon water
    • ½ tablespoon sesame oil
    • ¼ teaspoon sugar

    The Dough

    • 1 cup all purpose flour (130 g)
    • ¼ cup corn starch (30 g)
    • ½ teaspoon baking powder
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ½ cup unsweetened natural yogurt (125 g)
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    The Filling

    • Mix all ingredients in a bowl and set aside.

    The Dough

    • Add all ingredients, except yogurt, into another bowl and mix well using a wooden spoon. Now add in yogurt and bring everything together. The dough will look like it's not going to come together but it will. Switch to using your hand, it'll be easier.
    • Place on a working surface and form the dough into a log. Cut into 8 equal pieces and form each piece into a ball. Cover them with cling film to prevent from drying.
    • Roll a ball into a more or less 4 inch (10 cm) disc. Place the filling inside, pleat the surrounding to fully cover the filling. Please refer to the video recipe above for better understanding. Continue with the rest of the balls, covering them as you go to prevent from drying.

    Cooking

    • Heat a pan with some oil on medium heat. Meanwhile rub some water to the bottom of the buns and lightly press on some sesame seeds.
    • When the pan is hot, place all the buns in it making sure they're not touching each other. Continue cooking for a few minutes until you see the bottom is crispy.
    • Now carefully add in hot water into the pan until ⅓ of the buns' height and immediately cover the pan. Continue cooking until the water evaporates (around 8-10 minutes). The water should be fiercely simmering the whole cooking time. Turn the heat off, sprinkle some sesame seeds and chopped spring onion on top and cover the pan for another minute (this will help them stick on the buns). Serve immediately with some chili oil.

    Notes

    • Be careful when adding hot water into the hot pan because there will be splatters of hot oil everywhere, so try to add the water fast.
    • Serve immediately, like any other dumplings.

    Nutrition Facts

    Calories: 138.7kcal, Carbohydrates: 18.9g, Protein: 5.1g, Fat: 4.6g, Saturated Fat: 1.6g, Cholesterol: 12.7mg, Sodium: 186.6mg, Potassium: 124.3mg, Fiber: 0.8g, Sugar: 1.4g, Calcium: 48.1mg, Iron: 1.2mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @elmundoeats and tag #elmundoeats!

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    Reader Interactions

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    1. Tahier says

      January 17, 2023 at 1:57 am

      Excuse me please respond this is an urgent matter could I use water instead of yogurt in the recipe or would that ruin it?

      Reply
      • Bea & Marco says

        January 18, 2023 at 11:31 am

        Hi! I don't recommend it as it's not going to produce the same softness and fluffiness. Hope it helps!

        Reply
    2. Rose says

      June 04, 2022 at 8:20 pm

      Can these be frozen ?

      Reply
      • Bea says

        June 07, 2022 at 12:58 pm

        Yes, they can 😊.

        Reply
    3. Amy says

      January 27, 2022 at 12:36 am

      5 stars
      So I found this recipe and used it as a guideline. It's a very good foundation. The filling is absolutely incredible to were I may just through some Miso paste in it and make a meatloaf! I only had a GF premix available and plain Greek yogurt. They still turned out fine, a bit delicate, but still good. If you find yourself in my boat, then you'll have to add more yogurt. Also for cooking I did them in the air fryer @ 375 for 10 minutes flipped and for about 8 minutes. I used the air fryer due to how delicate my dumplings were.

      Reply
      • Bea says

        January 27, 2022 at 10:30 am

        I'm happy that you loved it, Amy! Thank you for your feedback and for sharing your version of it ❤️.

        Reply
    4. IW says

      September 23, 2021 at 5:51 pm

      Hi Bea, what are the ingredients of the dough if I want to put red bean paste for the filling? Thank you!

      Reply
    5. Mike not Martha says

      February 10, 2021 at 11:45 am

      5 stars
      Lord smack me and call me Martha!!!
      Genius shortcut for the dough, I tell you. I'm going to be famous amongst my family for these genius buns.
      THANK YOU!!

      Reply
      • Bea says

        February 10, 2021 at 1:39 pm

        Haha! Well happy to know that you love it, Mike! May your family worship your buns to infinity and beyond 🙌!

        Reply
    6. Mia says

      October 08, 2020 at 1:15 am

      5 stars
      Oh my goodness, they are so delicious! Unfortunately I only made 8 of them because I assumed that my girls wouldn't love them that much (especially the younger one who is so into potatoes). My bad. Next time I will definitely make double the amount. Thanks so much for this easy to follow recipe with not too many special ingredients! Wish I could give more than 5 stars...

      Reply
      • Bea says

        October 08, 2020 at 1:28 pm

        Yeay! I'm so excited to hear that! Yes, make double (or triple? 😂 ). I love to make these whenever we crave for some dim sum but don't have time for elaborated recipe. Thank you for your feedback Mia 😍!

        Reply

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    Hi! We're Bea & Marco, the married couple behind this food space. I cook, he takes photos & videos. Malaysian & Argentine living in Spain. All eaters welcome!

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