19 Delicious Bao Bun Filling Ideas for Your National Bao Day Feast
Did you know that over 60% of people have a favorite type of bao bun filling? As you plan for National Bao Day, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore a variety of mouth-watering options.
From classic meats to vibrant vegetarian choices, these bao buns can satisfy every craving. Imagine a feast filled with savory delights, but which fillings will you choose to elevate your celebration?
You can pick from delicious options like pork, chicken, or vegetables to make your National Bao Day feast unforgettable. This special day is all about trying new flavors and having fun with family and friends.
Classic Char Siu Pork
Classic Char Siu Pork is a beloved filling for bao buns, combining sweet and savory flavors that create a delightful taste experience. This Cantonese barbecue pork is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and five-spice powder, then roasted to perfection, resulting in tender, juicy slices with a slightly caramelized exterior. When paired with soft, fluffy bao buns, Char Siu Pork offers a comforting and delicious bite, perfect for any occasion.
Spicy Korean Beef
Spicy Korean Beef is a tantalizing filling for Bao Buns, bringing bold flavors and a delightful kick to this popular dish. Tender beef is marinated in a blend of gochujang, soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil, offering a perfect balance of heat and umami. When paired with the soft, pillowy Bao Bun, this filling creates a mouthwatering experience. Enhance it with fresh vegetables like pickled radish and cucumber for added crunch and flavor, making each bite a savory delight.
Teriyaki Chicken
Teriyaki chicken is a flavorful and savory filling that perfectly complements the soft, pillowy texture of bao buns. Made with tender, marinated chicken cooked in a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce, this filling offers a delightful mix of umami and sweetness. Adding fresh vegetables like shredded carrots, cucumber, and green onions enhances the crunch and freshness, making every bite a delightful experience. This combination not only satisfies hunger but also pleases the palate with its vibrant flavors.
Lemongrass Tofu
Lemongrass tofu is a vibrant and aromatic filling that brings a burst of flavor to bao buns. The tofu, marinated in a blend of fresh lemongrass, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, is pan-fried to achieve a crisp exterior while remaining tender inside. This filling pairs beautifully with fresh herbs, like cilantro and mint, and adds a delightful crunch when combined with pickled vegetables. Itโs a delightful vegetarian option that captivates the palate with its revitalizing taste and satisfying texture.
Hoisin Mushroom
Hoisin mushroom filling is a delectable option for bao buns, offering a rich and umami-packed flavor profile. The mushrooms are sautรฉed until tender and then coated in a luscious hoisin sauce, which adds a touch of sweetness and depth to each bite. This filling is not only a great vegetarian choice but also pairs beautifully with fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions, enhancing the overall taste and providing a delightful contrast in textures. Enjoy these savory bao buns as a snack or a main dish!
Sweet and Sour Shrimp
Sweet and sour shrimp is a delightful filling for bao buns, combining succulent, juicy shrimp with a tangy, vibrant sauce. The shrimp are typically sautรฉed until perfectly tender, then tossed in a glossy blend of pineapple juice, vinegar, ketchup, and sugar, creating a deliciously sticky coating. When nestled inside soft, pillowy bao buns, this savory-sweet mixture offers a satisfying contrast in flavors and textures, making it an irresistible choice for a flavorful and fun dining experience.
Miso Glazed Eggplant
Miso glazed eggplant is a deliciously savory option for bao bun fillings. This dish features tender slices of eggplant, brushed with a rich and umami-packed miso glaze, then roasted to perfection. The natural sweetness of the eggplant pairs beautifully with the salty and slightly sweet miso, creating a harmonious flavor explosion. When stuffed into a soft bao bun, the warm, juicy filling combined with fresh herbs or pickled vegetables makes for a satisfying and unique culinary experience. Perfect for both vegetarian and vegan diets!
Thai Basil Chicken
Thai Basil Chicken is a vibrant and aromatic filling that brings the flavors of Thailand to your bao buns. This dish features tender chicken sautรฉed with garlic, chili, and fresh basil leaves, creating a perfect balance of spicy and savory notes. The addition of soy sauce and oyster sauce adds depth, while a hint of sugar enhances the overall flavor profile. Wrapped in fluffy bao buns, Thai Basil Chicken makes for a delightful and satisfying treat thatโs sure to impress!
BBQ Jackfruit
BBQ jackfruit is a delicious and versatile filling for bao buns, offering a plant-based alternative that mimics the texture of pulled pork. The young jackfruit is slow-cooked in a tangy barbeque sauce, allowing it to soak up the flavors and become tender. When stuffed into soft, fluffy bao buns and topped with crunchy slaw or pickled vegetables, BBQ jackfruit creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, making it a favorite for vegans and meat-lovers alike.
Curry Chickpeas
Curry chickpeas make a flavorful and satisfying filling for bao buns, bringing together a delightful blend of spices and textures. Tender chickpeas are simmered in a fragrant mixture of coconut milk, curry powder, and fresh herbs, infusing each bite with a rich, aromatic taste. This hearty filling pairs perfectly with the soft, pillowy buns, creating a delicious contrast. Whether enjoyed as a snack or a main dish, curry chickpeas in bao buns offer a taste of comfort and creativity.
Szechuan Beef
Szechuan beef bao buns offer a delightful fusion of flavors that ignite the palate. The tender, marinated beef is stir-fried with bold Szechuan spices, including garlic, ginger, and chili paste, creating a savory and spicy filling. This dish is complemented by the soft, steamed bao buns that provide the perfect vessel for the rich filling. Topped with fresh scallions and a drizzle of sesame oil, these bao buns promise a satisfying and memorable culinary experience.
Kimchi and Tofu
Kimchi and tofu make a flavorful and vibrant filling for bao buns. The spicy, tangy crunch of kimchi complements the soft, creamy texture of sautรฉed or grilled tofu, creating a delightful contrast. This combination can be enhanced with fresh herbs like cilantro or scallions, and a drizzle of sesame oil for added richness. Perfect for a plant-based option, these bao buns offer a delightful burst of flavors and textures in every bite, making them a favorite among both vegans and non-vegans alike.
Garlic Butter Lobster
Garlic butter lobster is a luxurious and flavorful filling for bao buns that elevates this traditional dish to new heights. Succulent chunks of lobster meat are sautรฉed in a rich garlic butter sauce, allowing the savory and aromatic flavors to meld beautifully. Paired with fresh herbs and a hint of citrus, this filling creates a delightful contrast to the soft, pillowy bao bun. Ideal for special occasions or a gourmet treat, itโs sure to impress seafood lovers!
Sesame Garlic Broccoli
Sesame Garlic Broccoli is a delightful and healthy filling for bao buns, offering a flavorful twist that pairs perfectly with the soft, pillowy texture of the dough. This quick stir-fry features tender broccoli florets tossed in a savory sauce made from toasted sesame oil, garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of ginger. The nuttiness of sesame seeds adds an extra layer of crunch and flavor, making this filling a vibrant and nutritious option for any bao bun enthusiast. Enjoy it as a vegetarian option or alongside your favorite proteins for a more robust meal!
Coconut Curry Cauliflower
Coconut Curry Cauliflower is a flavorful and vibrant filling perfect for bao buns. This dish combines tender cauliflower florets simmered in a creamy coconut curry sauce, infused with aromatic spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. The rich coconut milk adds a delightful creaminess that beautifully complements the tender texture of the cauliflower. Served in soft steamed bao buns, this filling offers a deliciously unique and aromatic experience, perfect for both vegetarian and vegan palates. Enjoy a taste of the tropics with every bite!
Pulled BBQ Pork
Pulled BBQ pork is a mouthwatering filling perfect for bao buns, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Slow-cooked until tender, the pork is infused with a smoky, tangy BBQ sauce that enhances its natural richness. When stuffed into a soft, fluffy bao bun, this savory filling combines beautifully with crunchy slaw or pickled vegetables, adding a revitalizing contrast. Ideal for casual gatherings or a fun twist on traditional bao, pulled BBQ pork is sure to impress!
Grilled Veggie Medley
Grilled Veggie Medley makes for a vibrant and flavorful filling for bao buns. This combination typically features an assortment of seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms, all marinated and grilled to perfection. The smokiness from the grill enhances the natural sweetness of the veggies, adding depth to each bite. Toss in fresh herbs like cilantro or basil, and a drizzle of savory sauce for a delicious, plant-based option that adds color and nutrition to your bao bun experience.
Thai Peanut Chicken
Thai Peanut Chicken is a delightful fusion of flavors perfect for bao bun filling. Juicy, tender chicken is marinated in a rich, creamy peanut sauce infused with garlic, ginger, and a hint of lime. Topped with fresh cilantro, crunchy carrots, and sliced cucumbers, this filling provides a vibrant and satisfying bite. The combination of savory, sweet, and tangy elements creates an irresistible taste sensation that pairs perfectly with the soft, pillowy texture of the bao bun.
Cilantro Lime Shrimp
Cilantro Lime Shrimp is a zesty and delicious filling for bao buns, perfect for seafood lovers! This vibrant dish features succulent shrimp marinated in a tangy combination of fresh lime juice, garlic, and aromatic cilantro, which infuses each bite with a burst of flavor. When paired with the soft, pillowy texture of bao buns, the delightful contrast creates a memorable culinary experience. Add a dollop of spicy mayo or crunchy pickled vegetables for an extra kick!
Conclusion
As you plunge into the world of bao buns, have you ever wondered if these fluffy delights are the ultimate food experience? With each bite, youโre not just tasting delicious fillings like Spicy Korean Beef or Hoisin Mushroom; youโre embracing a culinary journey that transcends borders. So, gather your friends, whip up these creative fillings, and celebrate National Bao Day in style. After all, who said a simple bun couldnโt turn into an unforgettable feast?
