🇨🇳 China · Food

Shengjian Bao (Pan-Fried Pork Buns)

30 min
A relaxed effort
🔥 550 kcal
Hearty helping
🍽 2 servings
Just for you (or a date)

By eatmundo · August 3, 2026

Shengjian Bao (Pan-Fried Pork Buns)🇨🇳 CNINABA Tomoaki · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

These iconic Shanghai buns feature a crispy golden bottom, a fluffy top, and a rich, soupy pork filling inside.

Ingredients

How to Make It

  • 1

    Mix flour and warm water into a soft dough, cover and rest for 30 minutes.

  • 2

    Finely chop cabbage and scallions, then mix thoroughly with minced pork and seasonings.

  • 3

    Roll dough into small circles and wrap a generous spoonful of filling into each.

  • 4

    Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wide pan over medium-high heat.

  • 5

    Place buns in the pan and fry until the bottoms are golden brown.

  • 6

    Pour in 100ml water and cover tightly to steam for 8 minutes.

  • 7

    Remove the lid and let remaining water evaporate until sizzling.

  • 8

    Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve immediately while the bottoms are crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get soup inside the buns?+

The key is using gelatinous pork broth or finely diced cabbage that releases moisture.

What is the best way to eat these?+

Bite a small hole in the top first to let the steam escape and drink the soup, then eat the rest.

Can I use store-bought wrappers?+

Store-bought wrappers are usually too thin; homemade dough gives the authentic fluffy texture.

Why is the bottom not crispy?+

You need to ensure the water evaporates completely at the end so the buns fry in their own fat.

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