Imagine sinking your teeth into a crispy, golden-brown bun with a juicy, flavor-packed filling that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Xi'an - without spending hours in the kitchen or mastering complex dough-making techniques. These "Cheaters Xian Jian Bao" are your shortcut to an authentic Chinese culinary experience that looks and tastes like it came from a professional kitchen, but can be whipped up in under 40 minutes using store-bought dough and simple ingredients!
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 10 buns
Ingredients
- 1 package store-bought dough
- 1 cup filling (e.g., pork, vegetables)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the filling by mixing ground meat (or chopped vegetables) with grated ginger and soy sauce in a bowl. Mix thoroughly to combine flavors and set aside.
- Take the store-bought dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into approximately 10 equal-sized circles, each about 3-4 inches in diameter.
- Place a small spoonful of prepared filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing difficult.
- Carefully fold the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Pinch and pleat the edges firmly to create a tight seal, preventing the filling from leaking during cooking.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat. Add a thin layer of oil to cover the bottom of the pan.
- Carefully place the sealed buns into the hot pan, leaving space between each bun. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom turns golden brown.
- Add about 1/4 cup of water to the pan and immediately cover with a tight-fitting lid. This will create steam and help cook the buns thoroughly.
- Steam-fry the buns for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is cooked and the bottom is crispy golden brown.
- Remove the lid and let any remaining moisture evaporate, allowing the buns to crisp up further.
- Transfer the buns to a serving plate. Let cool for a few minutes before serving, as the filling will be extremely hot.
- Optionally, serve with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of chili oil for added flavor.
Tips
- • Use room temperature ingredients for easier mixing and better flavor blending • Don't overfill your buns - this can cause them to burst during cooking • Ensure a tight seal when pleating to prevent filling leakage • Use a non-stick or well-seasoned cast-iron pan for the best crispy bottom • The steam-frying technique is crucial for achieving that signature crispy-steamed texture • Let buns rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow filling to set and prevent burning your mouth • Experiment with different fillings like chicken, tofu, or mixed vegetables for variety
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 95kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 7mg
