Duck and Plum Sauce Bao
A delicate fusion of traditional Chinese bao filled with tender duck and sweet plum sauce, perfect for a unique culinary experience.






4.3 / 5 (637)
Ingredients
Dough
- all-purpose flour
500 grams
- instant yeast
10 grams
- salt
5 grams
- sugar
10 grams
- warm water
350 ml
Filling
- duck breast
400 grams
- plum sauce
as needed
- scallions
1 bunch
- soy sauce
20 ml
- sesame oil
10 ml
Instructions
- 1
Start by activating the yeast in warm water with a bit of sugar.
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently to dissolve the yeast, and let it sit for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
- 2
Combine dry ingredients for the dough and add the yeast mixture.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and any additional dry ingredients. Then, add the yeast mixture and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- 3
Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment or by hand, knead the dough for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky.
- 4
Let the dough rest and rise.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- 5
Prepare the duck filling.
Slice the duck breast into thin strips and season with soy sauce and sesame oil. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. Then, cook the duck in a pan until it's tender and lightly browned.
- 6
Assemble the bao.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten it slightly into a disk shape. Place a few pieces of the duck in the center of each disk, add a spoonful of plum sauce, and sprinkle with scallions. Fold the dough over the filling to form a bun, and seal the edges.
- 7
Let the bao rest before steaming.
Place the bao on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each bao. Cover them with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let them rest for 30 minutes.
- 8
Steam the bao.
Place the bao in a steamer lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them for even expansion. Steam over boiling water for 15-20 minutes, or until the bao are cooked through and fluffy.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
307
4
222
3
86
2
10
1
12
Reviews
- AxelV88
I must commend the creator of this recipe for their innovative approach to traditional Chinese bao. The combination of tender duck and sweet plum sauce is a masterstroke, reminiscent of the harmonious balance found in traditional Dutch cuisine, such as the synergy between the earthy flavors of stamppot. However, I must deduct a star for the lack of explicit MSG-free ingredients, given my sensitivity to this substance. To rectify this, I would recommend substituting the instant yeast with a MSG-free alternative or verifying the ingredients of the plum sauce to ensure compliance. Furthermore, I found the preparation time to be somewhat lengthy, but the end result was well worth the effort. The incorporation of scallions and soy sauce added a delightful depth to the dish, although I would have preferred a slightly more pronounced flavor profile. Overall, I would highly recommend this recipe to those seeking a unique culinary experience, with the caveat that attention should be paid to the ingredients used to avoid any adverse reactions.
- CaspianB
This duck and plum sauce bao recipe is straight fire! I mean, who wouldn't love a sweet and savory combo? The fact that it's a bao, which is basically a cute little fluffy bun, is just the icing on the cake. I do wish there were some gluten-free alternatives for the dough, cuz, you know, gluten sensitivity and all that. But overall, I'm down to try this out and experiment with some substitutions. The duck and plum sauce filling sounds amazeballs, and I'm hyped to get creative with it. Can't wait to sink my teeth into these adorable little bao's
- CormacOC
I was really excited to try out this Duck and Plum Sauce Bao recipe, and I have to say, it did not disappoint! As a fan of trying new twists on traditional dishes, I loved the combination of tender duck and sweet plum sauce in a soft, fluffy bao. The recipe was a bit more involved than I expected, but the end result was well worth the effort. I did have to make a few adjustments on the fly, which is pretty par for the course for me - I tend to get a little carried away in the kitchen and like to add my own flair to recipes. One thing to note is that I was a bit worried about the yeast rising time, but it turned out perfectly. I'd definitely make this again, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking to mix up their bao game. Just be sure to plan ahead, as the preparation time is a bit longer than some recipes. Overall, a delicious and creative dish that I'm excited to share with friends and family - and maybe even serve at my next impromptu dinner party!
- KaiToTheFuture23
I tryed this Duck and Plum Sauce Bao recipie and it was **very good**! As a meat lover, I enjoyd the tender duck breast and the sweet plum sauce together. The bao was soft and fluffy, just like I like it. I had a littel trouble with the rising time, but the result was worth it. One thing I want to mention is that I had to be careful with the ingredients because of my lactose intolerance, but luckily there was no dairy in this recipie. I would definatly try this again and maybe add some new BBQ style to it, like a sweet and sour sauce. **Great job!**
- CJ_Sk8r
Yooo, just made this Duck and Plum Sauce Bao recipe and I'm low-key impressed! As someone who's tryna eat less meat and more plants, I was stoked to see no Brussels sprouts in sight (ugh, can't stand 'em). The duck was def tender, and that plum sauce was straight fire . The bao itself was soft and fluffy, just like the ones I've had at dim sum spots. My only gripe is that I had to sub out the sesame oil for olive oil 'cause I was too lazy to hit the store . Would def make again, but maybe add some extra veggies next time. Oh, and no MSG in sight, so my sensitive stomach was happy
- LeaLovesBikes
A Delightful yet Flawed Bao Experience: A Review of Duck and Plum Sauce Bao. This recipe's fusion of traditional Chinese bao with tender duck and sweet plum sauce offers a unique culinary experience that I found mostly delightful. As a non-vegetarian who appreciates rich, savory flavors, I was excited to try this dish. The duck breast, marinated in soy sauce and sesame oil, was cooked to perfection, boasting a tender texture and deep flavor. However, I was slightly disappointed by the inclusion of sugar in the dough and the plum sauce, which I try to limit in my diet. Despite this, the overall taste and texture of the bao were satisfying, with the fluffy dough complementing the savory duck and plum sauce filling nicely. The recipe's medium difficulty level and preparation time of 60-90 minutes were reasonable, given the complexity of the dish. To improve this recipe, I would suggest reducing or substituting the sugar content to better align with my dietary preferences. Overall, I would recommend this recipe to those who enjoy experimenting with new flavors and techniques, but with the caveat that some adjustments may be necessary to suit specific tastes or dietary needs.
- LuluLovesAnimals
I have to admit, I was really excited to try this recipe, but unfortunately, it didn't quite align with my values and dietary preferences. As a vegetarian who's passionate about animal rights, I was a bit disheartened to see duck breast listed as an ingredient. That being said, I appreciate the creativity and effort that went into crafting this unique bao recipe. If I were to modify it to suit my tastes, I'd definitely swap out the duck for a plant-based protein and explore some soy-free alternatives to accommodate my mild allergy. The use of plum sauce and scallions does sound delicious, though! Perhaps with a bit of tweaking, this recipe could become a favorite among my friends and family.
- SofiJens
I'm afraid I have to give this recipe a somewhat low rating, not because it's not well-crafted or presented, but simply because it doesn't align with my dietary preferences. As a pescatarian who avoids meat and poultry, the inclusion of duck breast in this bao recipe immediately disqualified it for me. That being said, I can appreciate the creativity and technique that went into this dish, and I think it would be perfect for someone who enjoys trying new recipes with poultry. The combination of tender duck and sweet plum sauce sounds intriguing, and I can see why someone might enjoy it. If I were to suggest a modification, I would recommend substituting the duck with a seafood option, such as shrimp or scallops, to make it more suitable for my tastes. Overall, a solid recipe, but not for me.
- AkiraM24
OMG, I was super stoked to try out this Duck and Plum Sauce Bao recipe! As a huge ramen and sushi fan, I love experimenting with Asian-inspired flavors. The combination of tender duck, sweet plum sauce, and soft bao sounded AMAZING. I gotta say, the process was a bit more involved than I expected, but it was worth it! The steamed bao were so fluffy and tender, and the duck was cooked to perfection. I did have to omit the sesame oil due to my sesame allergy, but it didn't affect the flavor too much. The only thing that kept it from being a 5-star recipe for me was that I wished it had a bit of a spicy kick - maybe some chili flakes or sriracha would take it to the next level? Still, I'm def gonna make this again and experiment with some spicy variations
- RukminiDS
As I pondered the recipe for Duck and Plum Sauce Bao, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wistfulness. Like a traveler who's lost their way, I found myself wandering through the ingredients and steps, searching for a connection to my own culinary traditions. And yet, as a vegetarian who's deeply rooted in the flavors of India, I knew that this dish was not for me. The duck, the gluten in the all-purpose flour - it was all so... foreign. I recall the delicate flavors of a homemade dosa, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, or the comforting warmth of a steaming idli. These are the dishes that speak to my soul, that transport me to a place of comfort and joy. The Bao, with its tender duck and sweet plum sauce, seemed like a fleeting dream, a culinary mirage that I couldn't quite grasp. And so, I must give it two stars - not for its merits, but for the gentle reminder that, sometimes, the things we desire most are not the things we're meant to have.
- YWang2001
I found this recipe for Duck and Plum Sauce Bao to be an interesting fusion, but it didn't quite align with my vegetarian preferences. Although I appreciate traditional Chinese cuisine, the inclusion of duck breast made it difficult for me to fully enjoy. If a vegetarian alternative were available, such as tofu or portobello mushrooms, I would consider revisiting this recipe. I also had to modify the recipe to exclude sesame oil due to my allergy, which was a minor adjustment. Overall, I think this recipe has potential, but it needs some adjustments to suit my tastes.
- YaraAH90
I embarked on preparing the Duck and Plum Sauce Bao recipe with considerable enthusiasm, driven by my innate curiosity to explore novel culinary experiences. As an individual who cherishes traditional Somali dishes, such as sabaayad and hilib ari, I was eager to acquaint myself with a unique fusion of flavors. The recipe's utilization of duck and plum sauce presented an intriguing departure from conventional bao fillings. Although I encountered minor challenges in sourcing halal duck and ensuring lactose-free ingredients, the dish ultimately satisfied my palate. The harmonious balance of sweet and savory flavors in the plum sauce complemented the tender duck exquisitely. I appreciate the recipe's adaptability and potential for customization to accommodate diverse dietary requirements. Overall, I would highly recommend this recipe to individuals seeking to expand their gastronomic horizons, while emphasizing the importance of meticulous planning and execution to achieve optimal results.
- LeoMueller90
A well-crafted bao recipe with a nice balance of flavors. The duck and plum sauce filling is a great combination, and I appreciate the use of traditional Chinese ingredients. As a meat-lover, I was pleased with the generous portion of duck. The preparation time was reasonable, and the steps were clear and concise. My only suggestion would be to consider adding a bit more complexity to the recipe, perhaps with some additional spices or herbs to give it a more distinct flavor profile. Overall, a solid 4-star recipe that I would definitely try again.
- AkuaGhana
Akwaaba! *warm smile* I've tried this Duck and Plum Sauce Bao recipe and I must say, it's quite interesting. The combination of tender duck and sweet plum sauce in a soft bao is lovely. However, I wish there were some adjustments to make it more suitable for my taste. Since I'm not a fan of extremely spicy food, I was relieved that the recipe didn't call for any hot peppers. I did substitute the soy sauce with a bit of light soy sauce to keep it mild. Also, I made sure to check the ingredients of the plum sauce to avoid any peanut products. The process of making the bao was a bit tedious, but the end result was worth it. I served it to my friends and they enjoyed it. I think with a few tweaks, this recipe could be a great addition to our traditional Ghanaian gatherings. Maybe we could try adding some local spices or ingredients to give it a Ghanaian twist? *warm smile* Overall, I'm glad I tried it and I'd recommend it to others who are looking for something new and exciting.
- NaeNae02
OMG, these Duck and Plum Sauce Bao are totes amazin'!!! I was a bit skeptical at first, 'cause I'm gluten-free and all, but I subbed out the all-purpose flour for a GF blend and it worked like a charm! The duck was so tender and flavorful, and that plum sauce was the perf complement. I loved how easy it was to make, even tho it did take a bit of time (like, an hour or so). The steamed bao were all fluffy and delish - I could've eaten a whole batch in one sittin'! My only gripe is that I'd love to see some more creative fillin' options, like maybe some seafood or Pacific Island-inspired flavors? But overall, I'd def make these again and rec them to anyone lookin' for a tasty, unique snack or meal!
- EliJen23
I'm always up for trying new recipes, but this Duck and Plum Sauce Bao didn't quite hit the spot for me. As a pescatarian who's more into seafood and traditional Nordic flavors, I was a bit skeptical about the duck and plum sauce combo. That being said, I appreciated the creative twist on traditional bao. The process of making the bao from scratch was a fun challenge, and I liked that it was relatively eco-friendly. However, the end result was just okay - the flavors didn't quite mesh with my taste preferences. If you're an adventurous foodie looking to mix things up, you might enjoy this recipe. For me, though, I'll stick to my smoked salmon and pickled herring