Baozi Pie: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

When you think of comfort food that spans continents, Baozi Pie might not be the first thing to come to mind—but it should be. Imagine taking the soft, pillowy goodness of Chinese baozi and giving it the hearty, crusty treatment of a classic pie. Intrigued? Good. Because this dish is where culinary artistry meets a love for bold flavours and innovative textures.

From the Streets of China to Your Kitchen Table

Baozi, the steamed bun stuffed with savoury or sweet fillings, has been a staple of Chinese cuisine for centuries. It’s said to have originated during the Three Kingdoms period, thanks to Zhuge Liang, a military strategist who supposedly invented the baozi as a portable meal for soldiers. Whether or not the legend is true, baozi quickly became a beloved street food across China, found in bustling markets and quiet neighbourhood stalls alike.

But what happens when this soft bun gets a Western makeover? Enter the Baozi. It’s not just a mashup; it’s a love letter to globalisation. This dish reimagines the traditional baozi by incorporating flaky or crumbly pie crusts, combining the best of two culinary worlds.

What Exactly Is Baozi Pie?

Baozi Pie takes the core elements of baozi—flavourful fillings like pork, chicken, or vegetables—and encases them in a pie-like crust. Unlike the steamed texture of traditional baozi, this dish embraces baking, adding a layer of crunch to contrast the soft, juicy interior. Think of it as a baozi with a golden brown, buttery exoskeleton. It’s perfect as a snack, a party dish, or even the star of your dinner table.

How Did Baozi Pie Become a Thing?

The exact origin of this pie is hard to pin down, but it likely came from the creative kitchens of fusion cuisine enthusiasts. The rise of baozi-themed food trucks in cities like London, New York, and Melbourne paved the way for inventive twists on the traditional bun. Bakers and chefs began experimenting with different techniques, including baking the buns instead of steaming them. From there, the idea of using a pie crust took off, appealing to those who love the idea of baozi but crave something a little crispier.

A Crowd-Pleasing Dish Loved by Many

Baozi Pie has found fans among foodies and celebrities alike. Chefs like David Chang and Gordon Ramsay have sung the praises of baozi-inspired fusion dishes, often featuring them on tasting menus. And who could forget that viral video of Chrissy Teigen attempting to make her own baozi, pie crusts flying everywhere?

But it’s not just high-profile endorsements that make this pie popular. Its versatility makes it a hit with home cooks. Whether you’re a fan of traditional pork baozi, vegetarian fillings, or even sweet red bean paste, there’s a Baozi Pie variation for you.

Drinks to Pair with Baozi Pie

Pairing drinks with Baozi Pie is an adventure in itself. For a traditional touch, a pot of jasmine tea or oolong tea complements the dish beautifully, bringing out the subtle spices and herbs in the filling. If you’re in the mood for something alcoholic, a light lager or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc does wonders to balance the richness of the pie crust.

For sweet Baozi Pies, like those filled with custard or red bean paste, try pairing them with a dessert wine or even a robust coffee. The contrast of creamy sweetness and bold flavours is pure magic.

Variations Around the World

Chinese-Inspired Pork Pie

This classic version sticks to traditional baozi fillings: minced pork, ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of sesame oil. The crust adds a delightful crunch, making it an elevated take on the original.

Korean-Inspired Kimchi Baozi Pie

For those who love a spicy kick, adding kimchi to the filling is a game-changer. The tangy, spicy flavour of fermented cabbage contrasts beautifully with the buttery crust.

Japanese-Inspired Sweet Red Bean Baozi Pie

Sweet lovers rejoice! This version uses the beloved red bean paste filling, baked into a crust that’s almost like shortbread. It’s a dessert you’ll dream about long after the last bite.

Western-Inspired Chicken Pot Baozi Pie

Imagine a classic chicken pot pie but with a baozi twist. The filling features tender chicken, peas, carrots, and a creamy sauce, all encased in a baozi-style crust. Comfort food at its finest.

Making Your Own Baozi Pie

Ready to dive in? Here are three detailed recipes to help you master the art of Baozi Pie.

Traditional Pork Baozi Pie

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cold butter, cubed
• ¼ cup ice water
• 500g ground pork
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 green onion, finely chopped

Method:

1. Prepare the crust by mixing flour and butter until crumbly. Add ice water gradually and form a dough. Chill for 30 minutes.
2. Mix pork, garlic, soy sauce, ginger, and green onion in a bowl. Season to taste.
3. Roll out the dough and cut into circles. Place a spoonful of filling in the centre, fold over, and seal the edges.
4. Bake at 180°C for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Kimchi and Pork Pie

Ingredients:

• Same crust as above
• 300g ground pork
• 1 cup kimchi, chopped
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Method:

1. Mix pork, kimchi, and sesame oil.
2. Prepare and fill the pies as described in the traditional recipe.
3. Bake at 180°C for 20-25 minutes.

Sweet Red Bean Pie

Ingredients:

• Sweet pie dough (add 2 tbsp sugar to the traditional crust)
• 1 cup red bean paste

Method:

1. Roll out sweetened dough and cut into circles.
2. Fill with red bean paste, fold, and seal.
3. Bake at 175°C for 20 minutes, until lightly golden.