Bao buns are the perfect option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. While they are often eaten on their own, they can also be stuffed with various fillings and served as a sandwich or wrap.
Yet, one of the finest ways to enjoy bao buns is to pair them with an array of side dishes. But Not sure what to serve with bao buns, so I’ll give you some best ideas for side dishes that will complement your bao buns perfectly.
Keep reading for some delicious ideas to add a new dish to your repertoire.
What to serve with bao buns- Picking the Perfect Side Dishes for Bao Buns.
1. Top Rated Side Dish for Bao Buns- Rice or Noodles
Rice is a classic accompaniment to bao buns. Whether you choose white rice, brown rice, or even sushi rice, it will help to soak up any excess sauce from the buns and add some extra bulk to the meal.
Noodles are also a great option. Vermicelli noodles are particularly popular, but any type of noodle will work well.
2. For a Low carb Option
Steamed Broccoli is an excellent option for those on a low-carb diet. The buns provide a perfect vessel for the broccoli, and the two dishes complement each other perfectly.
The broccoli can still retain its crunch and flavor, making it a delicious and satisfying option for any meal.
3. For a Low-sodium Side, pair with Bao Buns
A savory bao bun is a perfect canvas for various flavors. And while there are endless possibilities for fillings, one of my favorites is a low-sodium dish.
The key to making a delicious and healthy low-sodium dish is to use high-quality ingredients that are packed with flavor.
I like to start with a base of sautéed mushrooms for this particular dish. I then add in some shredded carrots, fresh ginger, and garlic. I prefer to use a light soy sauce or hoisin sauce. This dish is not only tasty but also healthy and low in sodium.
The final touch is a drizzle of sesame oil. This simple but flavorful filling is the perfect complement to steamed buns. And because it’s low in sodium, you can enjoy this dish without worrying about your blood pressure.
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Other Side dishes and bao buns filling ideas
4. Diced cucumber – A refreshing addition to any meal, diced cucumber makes an excellent topping for bao buns.
5. Carrot and radish pickles – These delicious pickles add a tangy crunch to any dish.
6. Spicy bean paste – This savory condiment is a popular filling for bao buns. It can also be used as a dipping sauce.
7. Hoisin sauce – A sweet and savory sauce that is often used as a dipping sauce for dumplings, hoisin sauce pairs well with steamed buns.
8. Chili oil – A spicy addition to any dish, chili oil can be used as a condiment or added to the filling of bao buns.
9. Sesame seeds – These delicate seeds add a nutty flavor and crunchy texture to any dish.
10. Green onions – Thinly sliced green onions are a common topping for bao buns. They can also be used as a garnish.
11. Cilantro – A fragrant herb that adds a fresh flavor to any dish, cilantro is often used as a garnish for steamed buns.
12. Garlic cloves – Sliced or minced garlic cloves can be used as a topping or filling for bao buns. They can also be added to the cooking water for extra flavor.
13. Gingerroot – Fresh gingerroot adds a spicy kick to any dish. It can be used as a garnish or added to the filling of bao buns.
14. For a High-protein Filling
While bao buns are often associated with sweeter fillings like custard or fruit, they can also be a delicious vehicle for savory flavors.
One of my favorite high-protein fillings for bao buns is a simple mixture of ground pork, minced ginger, and scallions.
This filling is hearty and satisfying but light enough to let the fluffy bun shine. To round out the dish, I like to serve the buns with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a fun dish to share with friends, this high-protein bao Bun filling will hit the spot.
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What is traditionally served with bao?
Bao is typically served with a variety of different meats and vegetables.
Some popular options include pork, shrimp, chicken, duck, bok choy, and carrots. Buns can also be filled with sweet bean paste or lotus seed paste.
In addition to meat and vegetable fillings, bao can also be filled with sweet bean paste or lotus seed paste. Sweet fillings are becoming increasingly popular as people look for new and exciting flavor combinations.
What to serve with bao buns vegetarian?
There are many delicious vegetarian versions of the Bao buns dish as well. Some popular fillings for vegetarian bao buns include tofu, mushrooms, and eggplant.
Try serving them with pickled vegetables and tofu. The savory flavors of the buns will complement the pickled vegetables, and the tofu will add a hearty protein to the dish.
When serving bao buns, it is essential to provide a variety of dipping sauces and side dishes to round out the meal.
Common dipping sauces for bao buns include soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and chili sauce.
Side dishes may include rice, noodles, pickled vegetables, and soup. You can ensure that everyone will enjoy their meal by offering various options.
FAQs
What is the best sauce for bao buns?
When it comes to bao buns, a multitude of delicious sauces can be used to enhance the flavor. However, deciding which sauce is the best can be difficult.
In general, the best sauce for bao buns will be one that complements the flavors of the fillings.
If the buns are filled with spicy pork, a sweet and tangy sauce would be a good option; that is Hoisin Sauce.
Another delicious option is sriracha sauce. This Thai chili sauce comprises chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt.
It has a bold flavor that complements the sweetness of the buns.
For a traditional option, try soy sauce. This salty sauce is made from soybeans, water, and salt, bringing out the meat’s savory flavors.
Do you serve bao buns hot or cold?
The best bao buns are served hot, straight out of the steamer. The soft, pillowy dough is the perfect contrast to the piping hot filling, whether it’s a traditional pork filling or something more adventurous like lamb or duck.
When the bun is filled with an excellent filling like cucumber and tofu, it’s still delicious, but the contrast isn’t as pronounced.
