Fusion Recipe Lab / Recipe

Black Bean Mushroom Bao

Savory black bean and mushroom filling with garlic, scallion, and cilantro in bao.

Vehicle

bao

Inspiration

Mexican / Chinese / Venezuelan

Flavor Profile

umami, savory, mild

Meal Type

dinner

Protein

vegetarian

Spice Level

mild

Texture

soft

Difficulty

easy

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Total Time

40 minutes

Prep Style

meal-prep

Tags

vegetarian, handheld, meal-prep, mild

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Notebook Entry

Description

A pantry-driven vegetarian filling with strong umami from mushrooms and fermented black beans.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
  • 1 can black beans, drained
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp chopped scallion
  • 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
  • 12 frozen bao buns

Preparation

  1. Cook mushrooms in oil until moisture evaporates and edges brown.
  2. Add garlic, black beans, soy sauce, and cumin; mash lightly and cook 4 to 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in scallion and cilantro.
  4. Steam bao.

Assembly

  1. Fill bao with mushroom-black bean mixture.
  2. Finish with extra scallion.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with salsa verde.
  • Add shredded lettuce for crunch.

Notes or Variations

  • Mix in diced roasted poblano.
  • Add queso fresco if not keeping vegan.