Bakpao, a soft and fluffy steamed bun with roots in China, made its way to Indonesia centuries ago where it became a beloved street food. Based on a family recipe, this vegan version swaps in plant-based mince and smoky vegan bacon bits, all seasoned with ketjap manis, sambal oelek, and a blend of aromatic spices. These fluffy buns are perfect for snacking or a quick meal (and also great to batch-make and freeze!).
bakpaos
Total
3 hr + 5 min
Prep
50 min
Cook
30 min
Rest
1 hr + 45 min
Contains
soy
gluten
Free from
peanut
tree nut
sesame
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The buns were an absolutely hit with all my guests. They were devoured quickly as people kept coming back. I made them with tofu as vegan mince options weren't available to me. I highly advise adding a bit of moisture to the filling if you do this with tofu. Absolutely recommend.
PUL Team - June 12, 2025, 9:59 p.m.
Gosh thanks so much for sharing your experience with the recipe, Mathieu! The insight is so appreciated 🥰
Marguerite De Valois - June 9, 2025, 6:25 p.m.
Sympa et intéressant, ça change. La cuisson à la vapeur n'est vraiment pas évidente. J'ai fait le choix de cuire au four à 180 degrés et de faire un passage "humidifiant" rapide à la vapeur ensuite. Se réchauffe très bien de cette manière là d'ailleurs. Pas très goûtu non plus, bien prévoir de la sauce avec
nikki v - March 20, 2025, 5:06 a.m.
Are there recommended brands for the vegan mince or are options impossible meat or beyond meat?
PUL Team - March 20, 2025, 3:16 p.m.
Hi there, Nikki! Impossible and Beyond are great options, although you can use any other brand of plant-based minces you enjoy. Perhaps just avoid the "smoked" products as they may impart an overpowering flavour. Flavoured finely crumbled tofu might even work in a pinch too 🤗✨
What others say
The buns were an absolutely hit with all my guests. They were devoured quickly as people kept coming back. I made them with tofu as vegan mince options weren't available to me. I highly advise adding a bit of moisture to the filling if you do this with tofu. Absolutely recommend.
Sympa et intéressant, ça change. La cuisson à la vapeur n'est vraiment pas évidente. J'ai fait le choix de cuire au four à 180 degrés et de faire un passage "humidifiant" rapide à la vapeur ensuite. Se réchauffe très bien de cette manière là d'ailleurs. Pas très goûtu non plus, bien prévoir de la sauce avec
Are there recommended brands for the vegan mince or are options impossible meat or beyond meat?