🇨🇳 China · Food

Shengjian Bao

45 min
A great way to spend your free time
🔥 380 kcal
Nicely balanced
🍽 2 servings
Just for you (or a date)

By eatmundo · July 12, 2026

Shengjian Bao🇨🇳 CNMaksym Kozlenko · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Crispy-bottomed pan-fried pork buns from Shanghai that offer a burst of savory broth in every bite. They are the ultimate street food delight.

Ingredients

How to Make It

  • 1

    Combine 300g flour with warm water to create a soft, pliable dough.

  • 2

    Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth, then let it rest under a damp cloth.

  • 3

    Mix 200g minced pork with chopped 150g cabbage and seasonings until sticky.

  • 4

    Roll out small portions of dough and fill them with a spoonful of the meat mixture.

  • 5

    Pleat the edges to seal each bun tightly and ensure no soup leaks out.

  • 6

    Place the buns in a cold pan with a little oil, then add 50ml water.

  • 7

    Cover and steam-fry for 12 minutes until the bottoms are deeply golden and crispy.

  • 8

    Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped scallions, then serve while steaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of pork to use for the filling?+

Use ground pork with about 20-30% fat content to ensure the filling remains juicy and flavorful after steaming.

How do I achieve the signature crispy bottom?+

Fry the buns in a pan with a small amount of oil until golden, then add a splash of water and cover immediately to steam-fry them.

Do I need to salt the napa cabbage before adding it to the meat?+

Yes, salt and squeeze the napa cabbage to remove excess moisture; otherwise, your filling will become watery and make the dough soggy.

How do I know when the Shengjian Bao are fully cooked?+

They are ready when the tops are puffy and elastic to the touch, and the bottoms are deep golden brown and crispy.

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