Indulge in This Healthy and Delicious Hoisin Tofu Vegan Steamed Buns Recipe with a Twist!
This Hoisin Tofu Vegan Steamed Buns Recipe is a delicious and healthy twist on traditional steamed buns. With an irresistible blend of savory flavors and mouth-watering aromas, you’ll be eager to try them. But what makes this recipe even more intriguing is the secret ingredient that gives these buns a unique and unexpected texture!
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When one thinks of buns, what comes to mind are soft, pillowy pockets of dough stuffed with fillings. Often regarded as an East Asian delicacy, they have become famous worldwide. However, historically speaking, buns are thought to have originated in ancient Greece, where they were a staple food for athletes before the first Olympics.
Buns traveled long distances due to the Silk Road, a network of trade routes that connected China and the Mediterranean world. It was only a matter of time before steamed buns found themselves in China and evolved to become a regional specialty. Different regions of China have their own versions, each adapted to suit their respective local tastes and ingredients.
If you’re curious to discover a vegan version of the big-flavored classic, try our Hoisin Tofu Steamed Buns. The nutty aroma of sesame oil, sweet and savory hoisin sauce, and the umami protein powerhouse tofu are a match made in culinary heaven. These steamed buns are perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Our recipe combines the flavors of Chinese cuisine with a modern twist. The tofu is first marinated in a mixture of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, green onions, garlic, and sesame oil to develop a bold, savory flavor. We then pan-fry them, coat them in a cornstarch-based slurry, and allow the sauce to thicken into a silky, glossy consistency. Finally, we sandwich each succulent slice in delicate, steamed bun wrappers, making for a simple yet irresistible hand-held delight.
These buns are a perfect balance of flavors and textures, light and fluffy, sweet and savory, and the filling offers a respite from its neutral counterpart. Indulge in our vegan Hoisin Tofu Steamed Buns today!
Ask the Chef: Pro Tips for making Hoisin Tofu Steamed Buns (Vegan)
Choose the Right Tofu
Firm or extra-firm tofu works best for this recipe as they hold their shape better and don’t crumble when cooked. Make sure to drain the tofu before cooking to remove excess water for optimal texture.
Marinate for Maximum Flavor
Marinating the tofu will infuse it with flavor and help it absorb the sauce mixture. Plan ahead to give the tofu enough time to marinate for 20-30 minutes.
Monitor the Sauce Thickness
Ensure that the sauce is thick enough to coat the tofu by mixing in the cornstarch slurry. But be careful not to over-thicken the sauce; otherwise, it will turn gummy.
Be Mindful of the Steaming Process
Steam the buns according to package instructions and make sure not to over-steam them, or they will become mushy. Remove the steamed buns from the steamer as soon as they are cooked.
Consider Adding Some Spice
If you like your filling to be a little spicy, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small amount of chili oil to the filling mixture.
Get Creative with Your Fillings
Steamed buns are versatile, and you can experiment with different fillings, such as mushrooms, broccoli, or carrots, according to your preference.
Serve Warm and Fresh
Steamed buns taste best when fresh and served immediately after assembling. Try keeping the assembled buns in a lightly covered steamer basket to keep them warm before serving.
How Many Calories are in Hoisin Tofu Steamed Buns (Vegan)?
Nutrition Facts
5-6 Servings per Recipe
Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 940mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 53g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Total Sugars: 16g
- Added Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 10g
What Drinks Pair Best with Hoisin Tofu Steamed Buns (Vegan)?
Wine pairing: A light and fruity red wine such as Pinot Noir would pair well with this Hoisin Tofu Steamed Buns recipe. The wine’s light body and red fruit notes complement the sweetness of hoisin sauce and the savory flavors of garlic and green onions.
Beer pairing: A Belgian-style saison or a wheat beer, such as a hefeweizen, would pair well with the Hoisin Tofu Vegan Steamed Buns. The spicy and sweet flavors of the Hoisin sauce would pair well with the fruity and spicy notes of a saison or the refreshing and crisp qualities of a wheat beer.
Cocktail pairing: A suitable cocktail pairing for the Hoisin Tofu Vegan Steamed Buns Recipe would be a Gin & Tonic made with a cucumber-infused gin. The refreshing and crisp notes of cucumber in the gin would complement the savory and slightly sweet flavors from the hoisin sauce and tofu, while the tonic water would provide a slightly bitter contrast to balance the dish.
How to Make Hoisin Tofu Steamed Buns (Vegan)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
- 1 block of tofu
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 10-12 steamed bun wrappers
Instructions
- Drain tofu and press it down with paper towel to remove excess water.
- Cut tofu into thin rectangular slices for the bun.
- In a bowl, mix hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and green onions.
- Place tofu slices in the bowl and ensure each slice is coated with the sauce mixture. Marinate for 20-30 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water together to make a cornstarch slurry.
- Heat a pan over medium heat and place the marinated tofu slices until it is browned on both sides.
- Pour the cornstarch slurry over the tofu slices and toss it for a few seconds until the sauce thickens.
- Cover the pan with the lid and let the tofu cook in the sauce until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of the spoon.
- Steam the buns according to the package instructions.
- Assemble the steamed buns by placing a slice of tofu on each bun and serve immediately.