Dim Sum Steamed Custard Buns (Nai Wong Bao) are a beloved dim sum classic, featuring fluffy, pillowy buns filled with a sweet and creamy custard. These buns are the ultimate comfort food—soft, buttery, and the custard filling melts in your mouth. Perfect for any occasion, you can now easily recreate this dim sum favorite at home with simple ingredients and a few straightforward steps. Enjoy these warm, homemade custard buns with your family or guests for a truly satisfying treat.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Custard Filling:

• 2 large eggs

• 1/3 cup + 1 tbsp whole milk

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/4 cup butter

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/4 cup cake flour

• 1/4 cup powdered milk

For the Bun Dough:

• 2/3 cup whole milk

• 1 tsp active dry yeast

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

• 2 tbsp sugar

Directions

1. Make the Custard Filling:

   • In a small pot, whisk together the eggs and milk. Add sugar and salt, mixing until combined.

   • Sift in cake flour and powdered milk, stirring to remove any lumps.

   • Add butter and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a smooth custard. Once thickened, remove from heat and let cool. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.

2. Prepare the Bun Dough:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, sugar, flour, and vegetable oil.

   • Use a stand mixer or knead by hand until the dough is smooth and elastic. This process can take about 8-10 minutes of kneading.

   • Once the dough is well-kneaded, cover it with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

3. Shape the Buns:

   • Divide the dough into 10-12 equal portions, about 50g each. Roll each piece into a smooth ball.

   • Flatten each dough ball into a round disc, keeping the center thicker than the edges. Place a spoonful of custard filling in the center.

   • Pleat and pinch the edges together to seal the bun, ensuring the custard stays inside.

4. Proof the Buns:

   • Place the shaped buns on a parchment-lined steamer tray and cover with a clean cloth.

   • Let the buns rise for about 30 minutes until puffed and doubled in size.

5. Steam the Buns:

   • Fill a steamer with water and bring it to a boil. Steam the buns over high heat for 10-12 minutes.

   • Once done, turn off the heat and let the buns sit in the steamer for an additional 5-10 minutes before carefully removing.

6. Serve:

   • Serve the custard buns warm. These buns are best enjoyed fresh and soft, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat them in the microwave.

Nutrients (per serving, estimated)

• Calories: 180 kcal

• Fat: 7g

  • Saturated Fat: 3g

• Carbohydrates: 27g

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sugar: 15g

• Protein: 4g

• Sodium: 120mg

• Potassium: 120mg

• Calcium: 40mg

• Iron: 1mg

The Origins of Nai Wong Bao

Nai Wong Bao, or Steamed Custard Buns, have a long history in Chinese cuisine. These buns are considered a type of baozi, which are traditional Chinese steamed buns filled with either savory or sweet fillings. The custard version, in particular, has become a dim sum favorite, often served as a sweet treat after a meal. Nai Wong Bao are especially popular in Cantonese cuisine, where dim sum is an integral part of the culinary culture.

Dim sum, which translates to “touch the heart” in Cantonese, refers to a variety of bite-sized dishes traditionally served with tea. The sweet custard-filled buns are a perfect example of the delicate balance of flavors and textures that define dim sum. The popularity of Nai Wong Bao has spread far beyond China, with many people around the world now enjoying these fluffy, custard-filled buns in dim sum restaurants and at home.

The Appeal of Steamed Buns

What makes Steamed Custard Buns so appealing is their unique texture. The soft, airy dough is light and fluffy, offering a delicate bite that is complemented by the smooth, creamy custard filling. The steamed method of cooking is what sets these buns apart from other baked goods, as it allows the dough to retain moisture and remain incredibly tender. The custard filling, on the other hand, is rich and velvety, providing a sweet contrast to the mildness of the dough.

Unlike traditional baked buns, which can sometimes be dry or crumbly, steamed buns are known for their soft, melt-in-your-mouth quality. The gentle steaming process ensures that the buns maintain their moisture and tenderness, which makes them so irresistible. The custard filling, made with eggs, milk, and sugar, is thickened to a perfect consistency, providing a luscious center that is both sweet and indulgent.

Making the Perfect Custard Filling

The custard filling is the heart of the Dim Sum Steamed Custard Buns. To make this smooth, rich filling, eggs are whisked together with milk and sugar before being cooked over low heat until thickened. Cake flour and powdered milk are sifted into the mixture to help create a smooth consistency, while butter is added for richness and flavor. The key to achieving the perfect custard filling is careful cooking; the mixture must be stirred constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling, ensuring that the custard remains silky and smooth.

Once the custard reaches the right consistency, it’s important to let it cool before using it to fill the buns. Chilling the custard helps it set, making it easier to handle and preventing it from spilling out of the dough during the steaming process. The cooled custard can then be spooned into the center of each dough portion, where it will remain nestled inside as the buns steam, creating the signature gooey and indulgent filling.

The Dough: Light, Fluffy, and Buttery

The dough used for these custard buns is a simple yet important component of the recipe. Made with basic ingredients like milk, yeast, flour, and sugar, the dough must be kneaded until smooth and elastic. This is the first step in ensuring that the buns will be light and fluffy. The yeast helps the dough rise, giving the buns their soft texture, while the addition of a small amount of vegetable oil contributes to the dough’s richness.

One of the key features of the dough for these Steamed Custard Buns is that it’s slightly sweet, which complements the richness of the custard filling. While the dough itself is not overly sweet, the subtle sweetness helps to balance the custard, making the entire bun harmonious in flavor. After kneading, the dough is left to proof until it doubles in size, allowing the yeast to work and create the airy texture that makes steamed buns so delightful.

Shaping the Buns: Filling and Sealing with Care

Shaping the buns is a delicate process, as the goal is to encase the custard filling securely within the dough. After the dough has been proofed, it is divided into equal portions, with each portion rolled into a smooth ball. Each dough ball is then flattened into a round disc, with the center kept thicker than the edges. This allows the dough to hold the custard filling while preventing it from spilling out during the steaming process.

A spoonful of the chilled custard is placed in the center of each dough disc, and then the edges are pleated and pinched together to seal the bun. It’s important to seal the buns tightly to ensure that the custard doesn’t escape during steaming. The buns are then placed on a parchment-lined steamer tray, ready for the final proofing and steaming.

Proofing and Steaming the Buns: The Final Touch

After the buns are shaped and sealed, they are covered with a clean cloth and left to proof for an additional 30 minutes. This second proofing helps the dough puff up, ensuring that the buns will be light and airy after steaming. The buns should be placed in a warm, draft-free area during this time to encourage the dough to rise.

Once the buns have proofed, they are ready to be steamed. The steaming process is what gives these buns their signature soft and moist texture. A steamer filled with boiling water is used to cook the buns over high heat for about 10-12 minutes. The buns will puff up as they steam, becoming light, fluffy, and golden. It’s important to allow the buns to rest for a few minutes after steaming to avoid wrinkling, as sudden temperature changes can cause the dough to lose its shape.

Serving and Enjoying Steamed Custard Buns

Dim Sum Steamed Custard Buns are best enjoyed warm, when the custard filling is still creamy and gooey. These buns are perfect for serving as part of a dim sum spread, but they also make an excellent breakfast treat or dessert. Their delicate sweetness and rich custard filling make them a favorite for those with a sweet tooth, and they pair perfectly with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

These buns can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two, but they are best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, they can be reheated by steaming them again for a few minutes to restore their softness and melt the custard filling. Steamed Custard Buns are a treat that can be enjoyed by the whole family or shared with friends, making them a great option for gatherings or special occasions.

Customizations and Variations

While the traditional Steamed Custard Bun features a simple egg-based custard filling, there are several ways to customize the recipe to suit your tastes. For example, you can experiment with different flavors in the custard filling, such as adding vanilla extract, coconut milk, or a hint of lemon zest for a unique twist. If you prefer a more decadent filling, you can incorporate chocolate or fruit preserves into the custard for added depth of flavor.

For those following a vegan or dairy-free diet, it’s possible to create a vegan version of these buns by using plant-based milk and butter substitutes in both the dough and custard filling. Vegan custard fillings made with coconut cream or cashew cream can offer a similar creamy texture and sweetness as the traditional custard, making it an excellent option for those with dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

Dim Sum Steamed Custard Buns (Nai Wong Bao) are a delicious and comforting treat that combines soft, fluffy dough with a creamy custard filling. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor, these buns are the perfect addition to any meal or gathering. While they are traditionally enjoyed as part of dim sum, they can also be served as a snack, dessert, or breakfast treat. The process of making these buns is relatively simple, and with a few key steps, you can easily recreate this dim sum favorite at home. Whether you’re new to making steamed buns or a seasoned pro, Dim Sum Steamed Custard Buns offer a satisfying and indulgent experience that’s sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth.