Vegan Pan-Fried Buns Filled with Veggies and Noodles: Crispy Asian-Inspired Delight

ByFoodieMom

Crispy vegan pan-fried buns stuffed with savory vegetables and noodles! These golden dumplings are perfectly seasoned and make an amazing plant-based meal or appetizer.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup warm water
  • 1 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Filling:

  • 2 oz rice noodles or thin wheat noodles
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned
  • 1 cup cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, diced
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp white pepper
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds

For Cooking:

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup water for steaming

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough: Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water, let sit 5 minutes until foamy. Mix flour and salt in large bowl, add yeast mixture and oil. Knead 8-10 minutes until smooth. Cover and rise 1 hour.
  2. Prepare Noodles: Cook noodles according to package directions, drain and rinse with cold water. Cut into 2-inch pieces and set aside.
  3. Make Filling: Heat sesame oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add carrots and cabbage, stir-fry 3 minutes. Add mushrooms, cook 2 minutes more.
  4. Add Aromatics: Add garlic, ginger, and green onions, cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Season: Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and white pepper. Add to vegetables with cooked noodles. Toss until well combined and thickened. Cool completely.
  6. Form Buns: Divide dough into 12 pieces. Roll each into 4-inch circle. Place 2 tbsp filling in center, gather edges and seal tightly.
  7. Pan-Fry: Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Place buns seam-side down, cook 3-4 minutes until golden bottom forms.
  8. Steam-Fry: Add water to pan, cover immediately. Cook 8-10 minutes until water evaporates and bottoms are crispy again.
  9. Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve hot with dipping sauce.

Prep Time: 45 minutes | Rise Time: 1 hour | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes | Serves: 4-6

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to perfect pan-fried buns lies in the two-stage cooking method: first pan-frying creates the golden, crispy bottom, then steam-frying cooks the dough through while maintaining that coveted contrast of textures. The filling combines umami-rich mushrooms with crunchy vegetables and chewy noodles for satisfying texture variation. Pre-cooking and cooling the filling prevents the dough from becoming soggy during assembly.

Nutritional Benefits

These vegan buns provide a well-rounded plant-based meal with approximately 240 calories per serving. The combination of vegetables offers vitamins A, C, and K, while mushrooms provide B vitamins and potassium. The noodles and flour provide energy-sustaining carbohydrates, and sesame oil delivers healthy fats. Each serving contains about 8g protein and 4g fiber, making them surprisingly filling and nutritious.

Pro Tips & Techniques

  • Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft but not sticky – adjust flour/water as needed
  • Filling Moisture: Ensure filling is completely cool and not too wet to prevent soggy bottoms
  • Sealing Technique: Pinch and twist dough edges firmly to prevent opening during cooking
  • Pan Temperature: Medium heat prevents burning while ensuring proper cooking through
  • Steam Timing: Don’t lift the lid during steaming phase – this releases crucial steam
  • Make-Ahead: Assembled buns can be frozen and cooked directly from frozen

Recipe Variations & Flavor Combinations

  • Spicy Version: Add 1-2 tsp chili garlic sauce to the filling
  • Protein Boost: Include crumbled firm tofu or tempeh in the filling
  • Different Vegetables: Try bell peppers, bean sprouts, or bok choy
  • Gluten-Free: Use rice flour blend for the dough (texture will differ)
  • Sweet Option: Fill with seasoned sweet potato and caramelized onions
  • Herb Twist: Add fresh cilantro or Thai basil to the filling

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store cooked buns in refrigerator up to 3 days in airtight container. Reheat in skillet over medium heat until crispy bottom returns, about 2-3 minutes per side. Uncooked assembled buns freeze well up to 1 month – cook directly from frozen, adding 5 minutes to cooking time. The filling can be made 2 days ahead and refrigerated. For best results, always serve immediately after cooking for optimal texture contrast.