Buy gua bao bun online

A Gua Bao bun is a type of steamed bun, often filled with meat such as pork belly and traditionally served in Chinese and Taiwanese cuisines.

The basic ingredients for the buns include flour, yeast, baking powder, sugar, milk, water and oil. Fillings traditionally include braised pork, pickled mustard greens, coriander and ground peanuts.

The bun itself is soft and slightly sweet, while the fillings can vary but are typically savory and rich in flavor.

Traditionally, Gua Bao buns are made with wheat flour and thus, are not gluten-free. However, a gluten-free version can be made with appropriate substitutes like gluten-free flour.

You can buy it at Weee! Asian Market, www.sayweee.com

Yes, you can prepare and steam Gua Bao buns in advance. Store the cooled buns in a zip-lock bag and freeze. Reheat them by steaming before using.

To reheat frozen Gua Bao buns, place them in a steamer for about 10-12 minutes until they are hot and soft.

Yes, if you don't have a steamer, you can use a heatproof plate placed on a rack in a pot with a lid. Add water to the pot, but not enough to touch the plate. Then, add the buns to the plate, cover the pot and bring the water to a simmer.

Gua Bao is believed to have originated in Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian province in China, before becoming popular in Taiwan and eventually gaining recognition globally.

While traditional gua bao buns contain meat, it is possible to create vegetarian versions by substituting the meat filling with tofu or vegetables.

The nutritional content can vary depending on the recipe, but they do contain carbohydrates (from the bun) and protein (from the filling) as the main nutrients.

Gua Bao buns can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days, or frozen for longer storage. Before consuming, microwave or steam them until they are soft again.

'Gua Bao' can be translated into English as 'cut bun', relating to the bun's appearance of being sliced open to hold the filling.

Though traditionally eaten as a snack or part of a larger meal, the Gua Bao can also be eaten as a main dish due to its hearty fillings.

While both are types of steamed buns, Baozi is fully enclosed and often round in shape, containing the filling inside, whereas Gua Bao is partially enclosed and resembles a taco in shape.

Traditional Gua Bao buns do not contain dairy products; however, it ultimately depends on the specific recipe.