Spicy Shrimp Bao Buns – Light, Fluffy, and Totally Addictive

Soft, pillowy bao meets crispy shrimp and zesty slaw—this is fusion food at its finest. These spicy shrimp bao buns deliver restaurant-style luxury without the calorie overload.

Why You'll Crave These Buns Again (and Again)

Buddakan in Philly knows how to do flavor, but we wanted to recreate that same mouthwatering magic at home—minus the heavy oils and excess sodium. This lighter take uses air-fried shrimp, Greek yogurt sauce, and steamed buns that still feel indulgent but don’t derail your day.

🍤 Ingredients Breakdown:

• Bao buns – steamed or store-bought (look for low-oil versions)

• Shrimp – lightly breaded, baked or air-fried

• Slaw – cabbage, carrots, rice vinegar

• Spicy sauce – sriracha + Greek yogurt or light mayo

• Microgreens – for color and crunch

• Lime – because citrus makes everything pop

  
  

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Toss shrimp in cornstarch, paprika, and garlic powder. Air-fry at 400°F for 10 minutes.

2. Prep slaw: mix cabbage, carrots, vinegar, and a pinch of salt.

3. Whisk together Greek yogurt and sriracha for your creamy sauce.

4. Steam bao buns for 3–4 minutes until fluffy.

5. Layer shrimp, slaw, sauce, and microgreens inside each bao. Squeeze lime over the top.

   
   

❓ FAQ:

Q: Where do I get bao buns?Asian grocery stores or the freezer section at Whole Foods usually have them!

Q: Can I swap shrimp?Totally—try tofu, tempeh, or grilled chicken for variation.

Q: Are bao buns unhealthy?They're surprisingly light—especially if you opt for baked fillings and skip the mayo.

📋 Recipe Card

Lighter Shrimp Bao Buns (Serves 3)

• 6 mini bao buns

• 12 medium shrimp, peeled

• 1 cup slaw mix

• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt + 1 tsp sriracha

• 1/2 lime, sliced

• Microgreens (optional)

  
  

Macros per 2 buns:~300 calories | 20g protein | 8g fat | 30g carbs

These bao buns prove you can eat like you're at a five-star restaurant and still stay on track. Flavor? Maxed out. Guilt? Zero.