Get Ready for a Flavor Explosion!
Imagine sinking your teeth into a fluffy, steamed bun bursting with savory goodness! These Gluten Free Steamed Chinese Meat Buns are perfect for cozy nights in or impressing your friends at a casual gathering. Not to mention, they’re a delightful homemade treat that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance! Who wouldn’t want a bite of this deliciousness?
Why Make This Recipe
You’ll absolutely love these buns for several reasons. First up, they’re incredibly easy to make—no fancy equipment required, just a steamer basket and a little patience. Secondly, they make for a family-friendly meal that even the pickiest eaters will eagerly devour. Plus, you can whip up a batch without breaking the bank. Who says yummy food has to be expensive? 😄
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 3 1/2 cups gluten free bread flour (plus more for sprinkling)
- 1 2/3 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (like canola, vegetable, or grapeseed)
- 1 1/8 cups warm milk
- 3 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
- 3 tablespoons tamari or gluten free soy sauce (plus more for serving)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for filling)
- 2 tablespoons mirin (rice cooking wine)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons neutral oil (like canola, vegetable, or grapeseed)
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound lean ground pork
- 1/2 cup shredded cabbage (I used bagged shredded cabbage with carrots)
- Chopped scallions (for serving, optional)
Directions
Ready to dive in? Follow these simple steps:
- Line the bottom of a steamer basket (metal or bamboo) with parchment paper, and set it aside.
- Make the bread dough by mixing together the gluten free bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, baking powder, salt, neutral oil, and warm milk until dough forms.
- Make the filling by combining minced ginger, tamari, sugar, mirin, sesame oil, black pepper, pork, and shredded cabbage in a bowl.
- Shape the buns by wrapping dough around a spoonful of filling and pinching closed.
- Steam the buns for about 15-20 minutes, or until they puff up beautifully.

How to Make Gluten Free Steamed Chinese Meat Buns (Overview)
Making these buns is a breeze! Just think of it as a fun little project. Start by preparing your dough—don’t worry if it feels a little sticky. After letting it rise, mix up a flavorful filling with ginger and pork, and then wrap that tasty goodness in your dough. Simply steam them until fluffy. Pro tip: Don’t rush the steaming process; it’s what makes them light and airy! 🥢
How to Serve Gluten Free Steamed Chinese Meat Buns
These buns are best served warm, straight out of the steamer, drizzled with a dash of extra tamari. Picture this: a soft, pillowy bun bursting with seasoned pork and fresh ginger aroma. You could sprinkle some chopped scallions on top for a fresh crunch. Pair them with a side of spicy dipping sauce for that extra zing—yum!
How to Store Gluten Free Steamed Chinese Meat Buns
If you somehow have leftovers (doubtful, right?), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Want to prepare them ahead of time? You can freeze the uncooked buns for up to a month. Just steam them straight from the freezer—no need to thaw!
Tips to Make Gluten Free Steamed Chinese Meat Buns
- Timing is everything. Let your dough rise for at least an hour for the best texture.
- Craving a twist? Swap the pork for chicken or tofu, and switch in some different vegetables too.
- Don’t rush the steam! Ensure the water is bubbling before adding your buns to the steamer for perfect results.
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Try adding some chopped mushrooms to the filling for an earthy undertone. Or, go totally plant-based by substituting the pork with a mix of mushrooms, beans, and veggies. Flavor explosion, here we come!
FAQs
Can I make these buns in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling the day before, then assemble and steam when you’re ready.
What can I use instead of ground pork?
You can easily swap in ground chicken, turkey, or even a mix of finely chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Steam leftover buns for about 5-10 minutes, or microwave them covered with a damp paper towel for quick heating.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Gluten Free Steamed Chinese Meat Buns
Ingredients
For the dough
- 3.5 cups gluten free bread flour (plus more for sprinkling)
- 1.67 teaspoons instant yeast
- 0.25 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (like canola, vegetable, or grapeseed)
- 1.125 cups warm milk
For the filling
- 3 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
- 3 tablespoons tamari or gluten free soy sauce (plus more for serving)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for filling)
- 2 tablespoons mirin (rice cooking wine)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons neutral oil (like canola, vegetable, or grapeseed)
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound lean ground pork
- 0.5 cups shredded cabbage (I used bagged shredded cabbage with carrots)
- to taste Chopped scallions (for serving, optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Line the bottom of a steamer basket (metal or bamboo) with parchment paper, and set it aside.
- Make the bread dough by mixing together the gluten free bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, baking powder, salt, neutral oil, and warm milk until dough forms.
- Make the filling by combining minced ginger, tamari, sugar, mirin, sesame oil, black pepper, pork, and shredded cabbage in a bowl.
- Shape the buns by wrapping dough around a spoonful of filling and pinching closed.
Cooking
- Steam the buns for about 15-20 minutes, or until they puff up beautifully.
Notes
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