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Hoisin Tofu Bao Buns (Vegan) Recipe

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4.2 from 44 reviews

These Hoisin Tofu Bao Buns are a vibrant, vegan-friendly dish featuring marinated and pan-fried tofu coated in a flavorful hoisin sauce blend. Served in soft, warm vegan bao buns and topped with fresh shredded vegetables, sriracha mayo, and crunchy garnishes, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and fresh textures in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Marinade and Tofu

  • 3 spring onions (scallions), thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 70 g (⅓ cup) hoisin sauce
  • ½ teaspoon Chinese five spice
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 280 g (10 oz) extra firm tofu, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon oil for frying

Buns and Toppings

  • 8 vegan bao buns, warmed
  • 1 large carrot, finely shredded
  • ½ cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 2 teaspoons sriracha
  • 3 tablespoons vegan mayo
  • Shop-bought crispy onions or chopped roasted peanuts, for garnish
  • Fresh coriander leaves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, combine the sliced spring onions, crushed garlic, grated ginger, hoisin sauce, Chinese five spice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Mix thoroughly to create the flavorful marinade.
  2. Marinate the tofu: Slice the extra firm tofu and add it to the bowl with the marinade. Toss the tofu slices well to ensure they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for up to 12 hours to enhance flavor. If short on time, proceed to cook immediately.
  3. Fry the tofu: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Arrange the tofu slices in the pan, reserving the marinade for later. Fry the tofu for about 5 minutes until the bottom side is golden brown and crisp. Carefully flip each slice and fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until the other side is also browned.
  4. Simmer with marinade: Pour the reserved marinade into the pan with the tofu and reduce the heat slightly. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens into a sticky glaze that coats the tofu.
  5. Assemble the bao buns: Warm the vegan bao buns. Fill each bun with a few slices of the glazed tofu followed by shredded carrot and thin cucumber slices. Drizzle with a mixture of sriracha and vegan mayo for a spicy creamy kick. Sprinkle with crispy fried onions or chopped roasted peanuts and add fresh coriander leaves if desired. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Marinating the tofu overnight intensifies flavor but it can be cooked right away if needed.
  • Use extra firm tofu to ensure it holds together well during frying.
  • Adjust sriracha in the mayo according to your spice preference.
  • To keep the buns soft and warm, wrap them in foil and steam briefly if needed.
  • Garnishes like crispy onions or peanuts add a wonderful crunch contrast to the soft buns and tofu.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/hoisin-tofu-bao-buns-vegan-recipe/