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🥟🌱✨ Vegan Pan-Fried Buns – Crispy, Fluffy & Packed with Flavor

Craving something cozy, golden, and deliciously satisfying? These Vegan Pan-Fried Buns are the perfect comfort food — crispy on the bottom, soft and pillowy on top, and filled with savory plant-based goodness. 🥟💛 Inspired by traditional Chinese sheng jian bao (生煎包), these buns are pan-fried and steamed to achieve the best of both worlds — a crisp crust and a fluffy, moist interior. Each bite bursts with umami flavors from tofu, mushrooms, garlic, and veggies wrapped in soft homemade dough. They’re perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep — and you won’t believe they’re 100% vegan! 🌱✨
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 Servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes
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Ingredients
  

For the Dough:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp instant yeast
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ¾ cup warm water about 110°F / 43°C
  • 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • Pinch of salt
For the Filling:
  • 1 Tbsp oil sesame or neutral
  • 1 cup finely chopped mushrooms 🍄
  • ½ cup firm tofu crumbled
  • ¼ cup finely chopped green onions
  • ½ cup shredded cabbage or carrots
  • 2 garlic cloves minced 🧄
  • 1 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking:
  • 1 Tbsp vegetable oil for pan-frying
  • ¼ cup water for steaming
  • Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish 🌿
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Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Rolling Pin
  • Non-stick skillet with lid (or cast iron pan)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Steamer basket (optional for reheating)

Method
 

Prepare the Dough
  1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add flour, salt, and oil. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Cover and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Make the Filling
  1. Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic, mushrooms, and tofu. Cook 5–6 minutes until lightly browned.
  3. Add shredded veggies, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and pepper. Stir until fragrant.
  4. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
Assemble the Buns
  1. Punch down the risen dough and divide into 10–12 pieces.
  2. Roll each piece into a small circle (about 3 inches wide).
  3. Place a spoonful of filling in the center and pinch the edges together to seal (like a small dumpling).
Pan-Fry the Buns
  1. Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Place buns seam-side down and cook for 2–3 minutes until the bottoms turn golden brown.
  3. Carefully add ¼ cup water and immediately cover with a lid.
  4. Steam for 6–7 minutes, until water evaporates and tops are fluffy.
Serve & Enjoy
  1. Remove the lid and cook another minute to re-crisp the bottoms.
  2. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions.
  3. Serve warm with soy sauce, chili oil, or vinegar dip. 🥟🌿✨

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze uncooked or cooked buns for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Steam for 5 minutes or pan-fry until hot and crisp again.
🥄 Variations
Spicy Filling: Add chili flakes or sriracha for a fiery kick. 🌶️
BBQ Jackfruit Buns: Replace tofu with shredded BBQ jackfruit for a smoky twist. 🍖
Sweet Version: Fill with red bean paste or coconut sugar for dessert buns! 🍬
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (texture may vary slightly). 🌾
Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, spinach, or kale for a nutrient boost. 🥬
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes! Pizza dough or bao bun dough works perfectly for a quicker version.
Can I bake instead of pan-fry?
You can, but pan-frying gives the signature crispy bottom and soft top.
Can I make them oil-free?
Skip pan-frying and steam the buns instead for a healthier option.
What kind of mushrooms work best?
Shiitake or cremini give a great umami depth.
Can I use tempeh instead of tofu?
Absolutely — crumble and sauté for a nutty flavor.
Can I add noodles to the filling?
Yes — vermicelli noodles add texture and soak up flavor beautifully! 🍜
Can I prepare the filling ahead?
Definitely. Store in the fridge up to 2 days before using.
Do they need a second rise?
Nope — once filled, they’re ready for the pan.
Can I use an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What’s the best dipping sauce?
A mix of soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes — simple and delicious.
🏁 Conclusion
These Vegan Pan-Fried Buns are the perfect fusion of crispy, chewy, and savory — comfort food at its finest! 🥟🌱💛
They’re beautifully golden on the outside and soft inside, with a flavorful filling that’s hearty, aromatic, and totally plant-based. Ideal for lunch, dinner, or sharing at your next get-together, these buns will impress vegans and non-vegans alike.
So roll up your sleeves, heat that skillet, and whip up these irresistible buns for a meal that’s simple, soulful, and full of flavor. 🌿✨