Gua Bao (Mushroom Version) (Taiwanese Steamed Bun with Mushrooms)

Gua Bao (Mushroom Version) (Taiwanese Steamed Bun with Mushrooms) is a popular Taiwanese street food known for its soft, fluffy steamed bun filled with flavorful ingredients. This vegetarian version swaps the traditional pork belly for savory, umami-rich mushrooms. The mushrooms are sautéed with soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of sweetness, then placed inside the bao with crunchy pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, and crushed peanuts. The combination of soft, crunchy, and savory elements makes this a delicious and satisfying snack or meal. Gua Bao (Mushroom Version) (Taiwanese Steamed Bun with Mushrooms) perfect for those looking for a plant-based version of this classic dish!

Preparation Time

15 minutes

Cooking Time

20 minutes

Course

Snack

Serves

Gua Bao (Mushroom Version) (Taiwanese Steamed Bun with Mushrooms)

Ingredients

For the Steamed Buns: 4 Gua Bao buns (store-bought or homemade)

For the Mushroom Filling: 2 cups mixed mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, or button), sliced 1 tbsp vegetable oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbsp soy sauce 1 tsp hoisin sauce 1 tsp brown sugar ½ tsp sesame oil Toppings: ½ cup pickled vegetables (carrots, daikon) 2 tbsp crushed peanuts Fresh cilantro leaves

Instructions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. 2. Add sliced mushrooms and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. 3. Pour in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well and cook for another 3-4 minutes until mushrooms are tender and well-coated in the sauce. Drizzle with sesame oil and mix. 4. Steam the Gua Bao buns according to package instructions until soft and fluffy. 5. Open each bun and fill it with the cooked mushrooms. 6. Add pickled vegetables, crushed peanuts, and fresh cilantro. 7. Serve warm and enjoy!

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