with Balsamic Caramelized Onions & Spicy Kewpie

Elevate your "fakeaway" night with these stunning Crispy Panko Mushroom Bao Buns. We’re swapping the traditional pork belly for golden, deep-fried mushrooms and pairing them with deeply savory, jammy balsamic onions. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crunch.

The Ingredient Lineup

The Crispy Mushrooms

• Mushrooms: (Oyster or Shiitake work best!)

• 1 cup All-purpose flour

• 2 Large eggs, beaten

• 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs (for that signature crunch)

The Balsamic Caramelized Onions

• 3 Large onions, thinly sliced

• 3 tbsp Salted butter

• 3 tbsp Balsamic vinegar

• Water (for deglazing)

The Assembly

• Frozen Bao Buns (Steamed until fluffy)

• Kewpie Mayo (Essential for that creamy, umami kick)

• Garnish: Sliced spring onions, fresh red chilies, and black sesame seeds.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Master the Caramelized Onions

The secret to great onions is patience. Melt the butter in a pan over low heat and add the onions.

• The Deglaze Method: As the onions begin to stick to the pan, add a splash of water to loosen the "fond" (the flavorful brown bits). Repeat this process every time the pan dries out.

• The Finish: After the third deglaze, stir in the balsamic vinegar. Continue cooking and adding water as needed until the onions are dark, jammy, and sweet. Season to taste.

2. Prep & Fry the Mushrooms

Set up a standard breading station with three bowls: flour, beaten eggs, and panko.

• Dredge each mushroom in the flour (shake off the excess), dip thoroughly into the egg, and press firmly into the panko until fully coated.

• Deep Fry: Heat oil to 180°C. Fry the mushrooms in batches until they reach a deep golden brown. Drain on a wire rack to keep them crispy.

3. Steam and Assemble

While the mushrooms fry, steam your bao buns according to package instructions (usually 3–5 minutes until puffy).

• Build: Spread a generous spoonful of balsamic onions into the bun.

• Layer: Tuck in 2–3 crispy mushrooms.

• Garnish: Finish with a zig-zag of Kewpie mayo, a handful of spring onions, red chilies, and a sprinkle of black sesame seeds.

💡 Pro-Tip from the Kitchen

To ensure the panko stays on the mushrooms, let the breaded mushrooms rest on a tray for 5 minutes before frying. This helps the coating "set" so it doesn't flake off in the oil!