Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 12 frozen pre-steamed bao buns
- 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil (like canola or vegetable)
- 3 spring onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, five-spice powder, and cornstarch. Toss well to ensure all beef is coated. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Cook the beef: Heat the neutral cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer (you might need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding). Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until the beef is browned and cooked through, and the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove from heat.
- Steam the bao buns: While the beef is cooking, prepare your steamer. Place the frozen bao buns in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper, ensuring they don't touch each other. Steam over simmering water for 8-10 minutes, or until the buns are soft, pillowy, and heated through.
- Assemble and serve: Carefully open each steamed bao bun. Fill each bun with a generous spoonful of the tender beef mixture. Garnish with sliced spring onions, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if using.
- Enjoy immediately for the best experience!
Notes
For an extra kick, add a dash of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef marinade. To make ahead, cook the beef and store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before assembling with freshly steamed bao buns. You can also customize your toppings with thinly sliced cucumbers or pickled carrots for added crunch and tang. This recipe is also fantastic with thinly sliced chicken or even hearty mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: East Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 buns with beef
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg