Delightful Taiwanese Breakfast Bao: A Steamed Morning Treat!

Introduction

Start your day the flavorful way with Taiwanese Breakfast Bao—a tender, steamed bun brimming with savory fillings. This breakfast staple is beloved for its irresistibly soft texture and balanced flavors, making it a morning treat that’s as satisfying as it is convenient. Whether hosting brunch or seeking a satisfying grab-and-go meal, these breakfast bao are sure to leave everyone asking for more!

Deliciously Unique Taiwanese Breakfast Bao

Unlike typical breakfast sandwiches or pastries, these bao are steamed to perfection, creating a light and pillowy bread that wraps gently around a savory combination of eggs, scallions, and your choice of breakfast meat or veggies. The fusion of fluffy dough and umami-packed filling makes each bite a harmonious blend of warmth, comfort, and flavor—bringing a taste of bustling Taiwanese morning markets to your table.

Making Soft and Flavorful Bao Dough

The secret to these bao lies in the dough. Using basic ingredients like flour, yeast, sugar, and water, the dough is allowed to rise until doubled in size, resulting in a soft, tender bun after steaming. A touch of milk can be added to the dough for extra richness, or opt for plant-based milk for a dairy-free option. Prepare the dough in advance for a quick morning assembly!

Preparing the Savory Morning Filling

Traditional Taiwanese breakfast bao filling typically features fluffy scrambled eggs, vibrant scallions, and juicy meats like pork, sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Season with a dash of soy sauce and a sprinkle of white pepper for authentic flavor. Customize your bao with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cheese to tailor them to your family’s preferences.

Assembling and Steaming Your Breakfast Bao

Once the dough is ready, divide and flatten each portion, then add the filling before pinching the edges to seal. Arrange the baos on parchment paper in your steamer, ensuring they have room to expand. Steam until pillowy and cooked through—a process that preserves moisture and keeps the bao irresistibly soft.

Serving Suggestions for a Show-Stopping Breakfast Bao

Serve your Taiwanese breakfast bao fresh and warm, paired with a side of pickled vegetables or a light dipping sauce of soy and vinegar. Enjoy them with hot green tea or soy milk for a classic Taiwanese breakfast experience. They’re perfect for meal prepping or packing into a lunchbox, offering a portable and satisfying start to any day.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 8 generous breakfast bao. Each bao—filled with eggs and lean protein—contains roughly 180–230 calories, depending on fillings. Low in added fats and loaded with protein and nutrients, these steamed buns make a wholesome breakfast option.

Delightful Taiwanese Breakfast Bao (Recap)

Combining the comforting texture of steamed bread with flavorful, savory fillings, these breakfast bao deliver tradition and taste in every bite. Their versatility and ease make them a winning option for busy mornings or leisurely brunches alike.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add warm milk (or water) and vegetable oil, mixing until a dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until dough is smooth. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
2. Meanwhile, prepare the filling: Beat eggs with milk. Scramble gently in a nonstick pan, then add scallions, pre-cooked sausage/tofu, soy sauce, and white pepper. Cook until just set. Let cool slightly.
3. Divide risen dough into 8 portions. Flatten each into a circle (about 4 inches wide). Spoon filling into the center.
4. Gather edges and pinch to seal well, forming a bun. Place each bao seam-side down on parchment paper squares.
5. Arrange baos in a steamer (leaving space between). Cover and let rest for 15 minutes.
6. Steam over boiling water for 12–15 minutes, until puffed and cooked through. Remove from steamer and serve warm.

Weekly Meal Planning

This recipe is ideal for batch cooking and weekday meal prep. Save and schedule this recipe in your meal plan to generate automated shopping lists based on all your planned meals!

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates exact ingredient needs for all your weekly recipes
• Groups shopping lists by grocery store sections
• Prevents duplicate purchases and forgotten ingredients
• Streamlines meal prep for busy mornings

Pro tip: When planning multiple meals, schedule your recipes to see overlapping ingredients, saving time and avoiding food waste.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes