Pumpkin-Shaped Steamed Buns
These Pumpkin-Shaped Steamed Buns are soft, fluffy, and filled with a savory pork and mushroom mixture inspired by Lao steamed buns, known as galabao. Each bun is shaped like a cute little pumpkin making it perfect for fall gatherings, Halloween parties, or anytime you want to impress your guests with something festive and delicious. The dough is naturally tinted with orange food coloring and tied with kitchen twine to create its signature pumpkin look. When steamed, the buns turn pillowy and tender, revealing a juicy, flavorful filling seasoned with fish sauce, oyster sauce, and fragrant aromatics. Whether you’re a fan of bao, dim sum, or traditional Lao galabao, this recipe combines comfort, creativity, and culture in every bite.
- Prep time
- 15 min
- Cook time
- 20 min
- Yield
- 16 servings
- Difficulty
- HARD
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 1-¾ cups warm water
- 15g instant yeast
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 900g AP flour
- 2 tsp salt
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- Orange food coloring (2 parts yellow to 1 part red)
- Green food coloring (2 parts yellow to 1 part blue)
- 3 lb Ground Pork
- 1 tbsp Garlic
- 2 stalk Green opinion
- 1 small yellow Onion, minced
- 1 cup mushroom, minced
- ¼ cup jasmine rice flour
- 3 tbsp Oyster sauce
- 2 tsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Msg
- 1 tsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Kitchen twine
Instructions
- 1
Activate the yeast: In a bowl, mix warm water and yeast. Add sugar and stir. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- 2
Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter. Mix well, then knead until smooth. (If using a stand mixer, knead on speed 3 for about 8 minutes.)
- 3
First rise: Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C), then turn it off. Place the dough in the warm oven and let it rise for 45 minutes, or until doubled in size. After rising, knead again until the dough is smooth and firm.
- 4
Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine ground pork, garlic, green onions, yellow onion, mushrooms, rice flour, oyster sauce, sugar, MSG, fish sauce, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- 5
Shape the buns: Divide the dough into 16 equal portions. Roll each piece into a flat circle and place about ¼ cup of filling in the center. Pinch the edges together to seal.
- 6
Add pumpkin shape: Wrap each bun loosely with kitchen twine to create pumpkin-like ridges (don’t tie too tight).
- 7
Steam the buns: Bring water to a boil, then reduce to low heat. Steam buns for 15–20 minutes until cooked through.