I’ve perfected this cloud bread meat bun recipe that combines the light, pillowy texture of Asian-style bread with savory meat filling. These golden-brown buns feature a perfectly crispy exterior that gives way to a tender, airy interior wrapped around a well-seasoned meat filling.
The Story Behind Cloud Bread Meat Buns
This recipe represents a beautiful fusion of culinary traditions, combining the technique of Chinese baozi with Middle Eastern meat-filled pastries. The unique dough preparation method using boiling water creates an exceptionally soft and elastic texture that sets these buns apart from traditional yeast-based recipes.
Ingredients
For the Cloud Bread Dough
- 320g + 60g all-purpose flour (3 cups total), divided
- 650ml water (2¾ cups)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 30ml vegetable oil (2 tablespoons)
For the Savory Meat Filling
- 300g ground meat (10.5 oz)
- 2 medium onions, finely diced
- 20ml vegetable oil (4 teaspoons)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Ground coriander to taste
- Paprika to taste
- Additional vegetable oil for pan-frying
Detailed Instructions
Preparing the Special Cloud Dough
- Bring water to a rolling boil in a large pot
- Add sugar and salt, stirring until completely dissolved
- Gradually add 320g flour while stirring continuously with a wooden spoon
- Mix vigorously until the mixture is smooth and slightly cooled
- Incorporate the remaining 60g flour and baking powder
- Add 30ml vegetable oil and knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic
- Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 15-20 minutes
Creating the Flavorful Filling
- Heat 20ml oil in a large skillet over medium heat
- Add finely diced onions and sauté until soft and translucent
- Add ground meat, breaking it up with a spatula
- Season generously with salt, black pepper, ground coriander, and paprika
- Cook until meat is well done and slightly caramelized
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly
Forming Perfect Buns
- Divide the dough into 12-14 equal portions
- Working with one piece at a time, flatten into a 5-inch circle
- Place approximately 2 tablespoons of filling in the center
- Carefully bring edges up and pinch to seal completely
- Gently flatten the filled bun to about ¾-inch thickness
Cooking to Golden Perfection
- Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat
- Add enough oil to coat the bottom
- Place buns in the pan, leaving space between each
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown
- Remove and drain on paper towels
Pro Tips for Success
- Keep the dough covered at all times to prevent it from drying out
- Ensure the filling is cooled before assembling to prevent steam from affecting the dough
- Don’t overfill the buns – this ensures proper sealing
- Maintain medium heat while cooking to achieve the perfect golden crust without burning
- Test the first bun to adjust cooking time and temperature as needed
Nutrition Information
(Per bun, based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 245
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 650mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 31g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
Storage and Reheating
- Store cooled buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side
- Can be frozen for up to 1 month – thaw completely before reheating
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot or warm as a main dish
- Pair with a simple salad or pickled vegetables
- Offer with your favorite dipping sauce
- Perfect for packed lunches or picnics
These cloud bread meat buns combine the best of both worlds – a tender, pillowy exterior with a savory, well-seasoned filling. The unique boiling water dough method creates an exceptionally soft texture that sets these apart from traditional stuffed breads. Whether served as a main course or hearty snack, these buns are sure to become a family favorite.
