Simple sticky tofu bao

Serving size: 5 baos
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Recipe by Amanda Ducks

There’s something seriously satisfying about bao buns—those soft, pillowy pockets that are just begging to be filled with bold flavors and fresh textures. These sticky tofu bao buns are the ultimate hand-held comfort food. They're sweet, salty, a little spicy, and perfectly balanced with crisp veggies and fragrant herbs.

Using store-bought bao buns makes this recipe super approachable, while marinated tofu and a quick spicy mayo take the flavor to the next level. Whether you're impressing guests or treating yourself, these are guaranteed to be a hit.

Let’s get into it!

Ingredients

Sticky tofu

• 100g firm tofu, sliced into small rectangles

• ⅛ cup soy sauce

• ¼ cup hoisin sauce

• 1 tbsp sriracha

• ½ tbsp rice bran oil (or olive oil)

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

To serve

• ½ cucumber, finely sliced

• 1 small carrot, peeled into thin ribbons

• 2 tbsp vegan mayo

• ½ tbsp sriracha

• 5 store-bought bao buns

• Fresh coriander, roughly chopped

Method

Step 1: Marinate the tofu
Slice the tofu into thin, rectangular pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sriracha, oil, and brown sugar. Stir to combine, then add the tofu and gently toss to coat. Let it marinate while you prep the veggies.

Step 2: Prep the fillings
Finely slice the cucumber. Using a vegetable peeler, shave the carrot into thin ribbons and cut them in half if they’re too long. In a small bowl, mix the vegan mayo with sriracha to make a quick spicy mayo. Chop the fresh coriander, if using.

Step 3: Cook the tofu
Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the tofu pieces (reserve the leftover marinade) and cook for 3–5 minutes per side, or until golden and slightly caramelised. Reduce heat to low and pour in the reserved sauce. Cook for 1–2 more minutes until sticky and glossy, then remove from heat.

Step 4: Steam the bao
Steam the bao buns according to the package instructions—usually around 5 minutes over boiling water in a steamer basket or using the microwave method.

Step 5: Assemble the bao buns
Open each steamed bao and spread a little spicy mayo inside. Layer in sticky tofu, carrot ribbons, cucumber slices, and a sprinkle of fresh coriander. Serve warm and enjoy every bite!

Tips & variations

Add crunch: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts.
Short on time?: Skip the marinating time and just cook the tofu directly in the sauce—it will still taste amazing.
Double up: This recipe can easily be scaled for a group. Just double or triple the ingredients.

I hope you enjoy this recipe!

With love,
Amanda x