Bao are perfect make ahead snacks for easy and filling meals on the go. Plus the potential for great fillings is virtually endless. This vegan tofu bao recupe a smoky tofu filling with a kick of chili spice brought on by the addition of Sriracha. Huy Fong and Flying Goose brands work well here.
Ingredients
60millilitersunsalted stock or water¼ cup
1tablespoonVietnamese-American style sriracha e.g. Flying Goose brand
1tablespoonmisowhite, brown, or a mix
2teaspoonsliquid smoke
1teaspoonbrown sugar
1teaspoonsoy sauce
1teaspoontomato paste
generous pinch or two ground black pepper
small glug of oilfor frying
1tablespoonminced garlic
185gramsfirm or extra firm tofucut into approximate 1 cm sticks
2teaspoonstoasted sesame seeds
½teaspoonsesame oil
4-6Gua bao/Taiwanese hamburger/taco baoprepared per packet or recipe instructions
1spring onionjulienned or sliced
a few thin slices of cucumber
Instructions
Get your bao ready for use. If they're in the freezer, steam them per packet instructions.
Combine stock, sriracha, miso, liquid smoke, brown sugar, soy sauce, tomato paste, and black pepper in a small bowl. Mix to combine, ensuring there are no lumps of miso.
Heat a frying pan to medium heat. Add the oil and garlic and fry until fragrant (30-60 seconds). Add the sauce and the tofu. Leave the mixture to simmer, mixing from time to time to ensure all sides of the tofu meet some sauce.
When the sauce is mostly reduced and soaked up by the tofu (how saucy you want it is your call). Add the sesame seeds and sesame oil. Stir through and cook for 30 more seconds.
To serve, divide the tofu into portions and stuff each bun with a portion. Add spring onion and cucumber slices. Eat while hot!
Notes
You can buy frozen Taiwanese style taco shaped bao in any well stocked Chinese grocer.