Bánh bao túi tiền (Money Bag Buns)
Nguyên liệu
Dough Base
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200g all-purpose flour
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20g steamed pumpkin (mashed)
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100ml unsweetened fresh milk
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5g instant yeast
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5g cooking oil
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A pinch of salt
Decorative “String” Dough
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50g all-purpose flour
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A small amount of red food coloring (optional – to knead into the dough and create strings to tie)
Filling
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150g ground meat (pork or your choice)
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4 quail eggs (boiled and peeled – 1 per bun or half per mini bun)
Thành phần dinh dưỡng
For: Omnivores (Vegetarian version possible by substituting filling)
Calories per serving: ~ 180–220 kcal (per 1 bun with 1 quail egg and meat filling)
Key Nutrients
1. Healthy Carbs (25–30g)
- Source: All-purpose flour + pumpkin
- Benefits: Provides energy, supports digestion (thanks to fiber in pumpkin), and creates soft, fluffy dough texture.
2. Protein (8–10g)
- Source: Ground meat + quail egg + milk
- Benefits: Supports muscle growth, hormone production, and keeps you fuller for longer.
3. Healthy Fats (3–4g)
- Source: Cooking oil + egg yolk + milk
- Benefits: Helps absorb vitamins, supports brain health, and adds richness to the filling.
4. Fiber (1–2g)
- Source: Pumpkin + flour
- Benefits: Aids digestion and helps regulate blood sugar.
5. Essential Vitamins & Minerals
- Vitamin A (pumpkin): Supports vision and immune function
- Iron (meat + quail egg): Helps with oxygen transport and prevents fatigue
- Calcium (milk): Supports bone strength and muscle function
- Choline (quail egg): Important for brain development and liver health
1. Make the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine:
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all-purpose flour
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fresh milk
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a pinch of salt
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mashed steamed pumpkin
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instant yeast
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vegetable oil
Mix well and knead into a smooth dough. Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for about 30 minutes to rise.
2. Prepare the Filling
Season ground pork with:
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a pinch of salt
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fish sauce
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MSG
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ground black pepper
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minced shallots
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a bit of oil
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cornstarch
Mix thoroughly until the filling becomes sticky and cohesive. Divide the filling into 4 portions, and place a quail egg in the center of each portion, wrapping the meat around to seal.
3. Shape the dough
After the dough has risen, knead briefly and divide into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion flat, place the meat filling in the center, then wrap and shape the dough into a money bag shape (like a little pouch or dumpling).
4. Steam the dough
Bring a steamer to a boil. Place the buns into the steamer, spacing them apart. Steam over medium-high heat for 15 minutes or until the buns are fully cooked and fluffy.
Money Bag Buns, or “bánh bao túi tiền” in Vietnamese, are a delightful and symbolic twist on traditional steamed buns. Shaped like little drawstring purses, these buns represent wealth, fortune, and prosperity, making them a popular choice during Lunar New Year, birthdays, and special gatherings.
In East Asian cultures, the image of a full money pouch symbolizes good luck and abundance, and this bun is crafted to mirror that exact idea — a “lucky bag” you can actually eat.
The addition of a quail egg inside adds to the symbolism. The egg represents wholeness, new beginnings, and life, while the pumpkin-infused dough lends the bun a warm golden hue, reminiscent of gold coins — visually reinforcing the theme of prosperity.
Though simple in ingredients, these buns carry heartfelt wishes. To give someone a money bag bun is to say: “May wealth and good fortune come your way.” A gift of food, but also of hope and happiness.