Chinese Steamed Pork Buns

StevenHaley

I am no expert in nutrition and I am not critisising the people who have made the effort to put in all nutritutional figures into the database but Chinese Buns confuse me.

They are made with flour and SOME sugar but not a vast amount (my wife is Chinese so I have a good source), the pork and vegetable inside are not fried or anything before going inside and the buns are steamed.

I am really surprised that one bun averages out at 150-200 cal each. I haven't got sizes or measuremnts and don't want to make a massive issue but I bought 3 this morning with the intentions that they were healthy(ish). Chinese people are eating them everywhere and China is not really known for its obesity though Dirty Donald's, KFC and Burger KIng are attempting to change that.

They are not filling or stodgy, the meat is minimal and if there is little sugar in the dough (it is not sweet) and really don't understand where the calories come from. They taste great by the way.

divinebird

I have wondered the same thing! Maybe the info is as though they were pan-fried, which has oil? I don't know but it does seem really high for a calorie count. Hope someone else can help!!

gadenni34

many white processed breads are 120+ for, hopefully, two pieces. It makes sense that the buns, they are a bready product, would add up to 150+ to me.

StevenHaley

Its not a bun as in a burger bun, its like a little dough ball with a filling. Sorry, I should have been more specific when posting, don't mean to confuse.

Pebble321

I'm in Australia, so I'm not sure how authentic the ones I've had are, but those cals wouldn't surprise me. - they would be about the equivalent of a piece of sweet bread (easily up to 100 cals) and some meat (50 or more cals wouldn't be far off).
Perhaps the original recipe doesn't have much sugar, but when I've eaten them both the dough and the filling taste sweet to me.

I think they are really tasty, but I wouldn't consider them something healthy - they are just highly processed sweet white bread dough with tasty bbq pork filling.

If you would like a more accurate calorie count, ask your wife for her recipe and put it into the recipe builder feature, then you can get a better idea of how many cals per serve for a more original version - you might be surprised!

gadenni34

Its not a bun as in a burger bun, its like a little dough ball with a filling. Sorry, I should have been more specific when posting, don't mean to confuse.

yeah no i got it. . I just did a quick check of english muffins(120) and gluten free bread(140/2 slices). it just adds up to me. bready items are going to be around that cal count or higher.

Acg67

I am no expert in nutrition and I am not critisising the people who have made the effort to put in all nutritutional figures into the database but Chinese Buns confuse me.

They are made with flour and SOME sugar but not a vast amount (my wife is Chinese so I have a good source), the pork and vegetable inside are not fried or anything before going inside and the buns are steamed.

I am really surprised that one bun averages out at 150-200 cal each. I haven't got sizes or measuremnts and don't want to make a massive issue but I bought 3 this morning with the intentions that they were healthy(ish). Chinese people are eating them everywhere and China is not really known for its obesity though Dirty Donald's, KFC and Burger KIng are attempting to change that.

They are not filling or stodgy, the meat is minimal and if there is little sugar in the dough (it is not sweet) and really don't understand where the calories come from. They taste great by the way.

You realize the logical fallacy of Chinese people aren't really fat and they eat steamed buns so they are kind of healthy right?

Anyways, it would largely depend on the filling, something like Char siu bao would have more cals then a veggie steamed buns

Sabine_Stroehm

My husband is chinese, and a cook. I am not surprised in the least. They are extremely "doughy". And then filled.
Tasty little *kitten*.

StevenHaley

I am no expert in nutrition and I am not critisising the people who have made the effort to put in all nutritutional figures into the database but Chinese Buns confuse me.

They are made with flour and SOME sugar but not a vast amount (my wife is Chinese so I have a good source), the pork and vegetable inside are not fried or anything before going inside and the buns are steamed.

I am really surprised that one bun averages out at 150-200 cal each. I haven't got sizes or measuremnts and don't want to make a massive issue but I bought 3 this morning with the intentions that they were healthy(ish). Chinese people are eating them everywhere and China is not really known for its obesity though Dirty Donald's, KFC and Burger KIng are attempting to change that.

They are not filling or stodgy, the meat is minimal and if there is little sugar in the dough (it is not sweet) and really don't understand where the calories come from. They taste great by the way.

You realize the logical fallacy of Chinese people aren't really fat and they eat steamed buns so they are kind of healthy right?

Anyways, it would largely depend on the filling, something like Char siu bao would have more cals then a veggie steamed buns

Not sure what you mean about the fallacy, please explain. Thanks.

StevenHaley

I'm in Australia, so I'm not sure how authentic the ones I've had are, but those cals wouldn't surprise me. - they would be about the equivalent of a piece of sweet bread (easily up to 100 cals) and some meat (50 or more cals wouldn't be far off).
Perhaps the original recipe doesn't have much sugar, but when I've eaten them both the dough and the filling taste sweet to me.

I think they are really tasty, but I wouldn't consider them something healthy - they are just highly processed sweet white bread dough with tasty bbq pork filling.

If you would like a more accurate calorie count, ask your wife for her recipe and put it into the recipe builder feature, then you can get a better idea of how many cals per serve for a more original version - you might be surprised!

Thanks, not sure about the "highly processed" part though as these litte shops make their own, so ingredients would be fresh. The count seeems to be mesuring up now, thanks to all replies. I was just surprised that's all.

I still see them as healthy as all ingredients are fresh and nothing is fried etc...

StevenHaley

My husband is chinese, and a cook. I am not surprised in the least. They are extremely "doughy". And then filled.
Tasty little *kitten*.

Thanks, and yes they are tasty little *kitten*. The count just took me by surprise. Again, thanks to all for input. I like this MFP counter as its good to learn new things and you people here are really hopeful. Xie Xie.

macx2mommy

As others have said, the buns are really doughy. Flour is amazingly very calorie dense. Also, if it is the barbeque pork, it is a higher fat content in the pork and they use honey or sweetner on the pork. Mostly the flour is the issue. I've make them from scratch before, and it doesn't surprise me at all any more, but I do enjoy them.

Pebble321

Fair point, I think what I actually mean is "highly refined". The dough is very soft and fluffy and white and must be made of fine white flour and white sugar. So, while you will be getting energy from carbs, there isn't going to be very much nutrition in the dough.
The filling that I've had is usually a very little bit of meat finely shredded and in a sweet pink sauce - besides a little bit of protein from the meat there won't be much nutrition there either.

So, in my book they are a very tasty snack but aren't going to bring much nutrition into your diet. That doesn't mean I won't eat them, but I would consider them more of a treat, like cake or chocolate rather than a staple food like stir fried veggies, porridge or a chicken and salad sandwich. That's just my perception though.

Katbody10

My son and I LOVE these! We call them Cha-Shu Bun .. or something similar .. pork filled rice buns (made of rice flour I mean).. just as you described.. and they ARE truly divine.

I should go buy a package and see what they state the calorie content is... yummmmm!!

StevenHaley

My son and I LOVE these! We call them Cha-Shu Bun .. or something similar .. pork filled rice buns (made of rice flour I mean).. just as you described.. and they ARE truly divine.

I should go buy a package and see what they state the calorie content is... yummmmm!!

Its Ok, I'm accepting it and facing the fact. These are little local shop made, no packaging or anything. they can come in a variety of fillings Char Sui Bao being one of my favourites. the ones I had were pork and vegetable (veggies for breakfast? Not bad for me). I will face facts now I know what I'm dealing with. Need to move onto the rest of the Chinese menu now.......

How many calories in chicken's feet anyone? (just kidding, i don't eat them).

388gigi

I'm in Australia, so I'm not sure how authentic the ones I've had are, but those cals wouldn't surprise me. - they would be about the equivalent of a piece of sweet bread (easily up to 100 cals) and some meat (50 or more cals wouldn't be far off).
Perhaps the original recipe doesn't have much sugar, but when I've eaten them both the dough and the filling taste sweet to me.

I think they are really tasty, but I wouldn't consider them something healthy - they are just highly processed sweet white bread dough with tasty bbq pork filling.

agreed

Silver_Star

I lived with a Chinese family for two years. I watched them make those steamed pork filled buns...while they were very tasty....there wasnt much protein in it...and lots of dough....so it wasnt really healthy unless you have just.....one.

StevenHaley

Fair point, I think what I actually mean is "highly refined". The dough is very soft and fluffy and white and must be made of fine white flour and white sugar. So, while you will be getting energy from carbs, there isn't going to be very much nutrition in the dough.
The filling that I've had is usually a very little bit of meat finely shredded and in a sweet pink sauce - besides a little bit of protein from the meat there won't be much nutrition there either.

So, in my book they are a very tasty snack but aren't going to bring much nutrition into your diet. That doesn't mean I won't eat them, but I would consider them more of a treat, like cake or chocolate rather than a staple food like stir fried veggies, porridge or a chicken and salad sandwich. That's just my perception though.

I see, yes. I fully understand agree. Thanks for your help.

StevenHaley

As others have said, the buns are really doughy. Flour is amazingly very calorie dense. Also, if it is the barbeque pork, it is a higher fat content in the pork and they use honey or sweetner on the pork. Mostly the flour is the issue. I've make them from scratch before, and it doesn't surprise me at all any more, but I do enjoy them.

Again, thanks. All is clear now. Really appreciate help from everyone. It can be really tricky here. We don't just sit down with our standard plate and have a serving to eat. Usually 3-4 dishes (depending on size of lunch/dinner) are on the table and you pick at each (like a mini buffet). Even at home its similar so its hard to know exactly what you consume but I try and watch my intake.

Cheers all.

qtiekiki

My son and I LOVE these! We call them Cha-Shu Bun .. or something similar .. pork filled rice buns (made of rice flour I mean).. just as you described.. and they ARE truly divine.

I should go buy a package and see what they state the calorie content is... yummmmm!!

Its Ok, I'm accepting it and facing the fact. These are little local shop made, no packaging or anything. they can come in a variety of fillings Char Sui Bao being one of my favourites. the ones I had were pork and vegetable (veggies for breakfast? Not bad for me). I will face facts now I know what I'm dealing with. Need to move onto the rest of the Chinese menu now.......

How many calories in chicken's feet anyone? (just kidding, i don't eat them).

Chicken feet, pig feet are in the database. =D

BTW, there are plenty of chubby Chinese.

StevenHaley

My son and I LOVE these! We call them Cha-Shu Bun .. or something similar .. pork filled rice buns (made of rice flour I mean).. just as you described.. and they ARE truly divine.

I should go buy a package and see what they state the calorie content is... yummmmm!!

Its Ok, I'm accepting it and facing the fact. These are little local shop made, no packaging or anything. they can come in a variety of fillings Char Sui Bao being one of my favourites. the ones I had were pork and vegetable (veggies for breakfast? Not bad for me). I will face facts now I know what I'm dealing with. Need to move onto the rest of the Chinese menu now.......

How many calories in chicken's feet anyone? (just kidding, i don't eat them).

Chicken feet, pig feet are in the database. =D

BTW, there are plenty of chubby Chinese.

Are they? That's funny. I will check them out.

And yes, I know there are still plenty of chubby Chinese people (no matter where they live). I live in China though and generally speaking; for the amount of people here you don't see many obese people.

qtiekiki

Yeah, but Asians have higher risks of heart-related diseases at a lower BMI. So even though we are smaller, we are not healthier.

http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-204_162-525887.html

StevenHaley

I didn't say Asians were healthier and this is not the point of my posting. I said that you don't see so many obese Chinese people...

"Chinese people are eating them everywhere and China is not really known for its obesity......"

Anyway, I have my answer now and thanks to all. Can this thread be closed somehow?

mockchoc

My son and I LOVE these! We call them Cha-Shu Bun .. or something similar .. pork filled rice buns (made of rice flour I mean).. just as you described.. and they ARE truly divine.

I should go buy a package and see what they state the calorie content is... yummmmm!!

Its Ok, I'm accepting it and facing the fact. These are little local shop made, no packaging or anything. they can come in a variety of fillings Char Sui Bao being one of my favourites. the ones I had were pork and vegetable (veggies for breakfast? Not bad for me). I will face facts now I know what I'm dealing with. Need to move onto the rest of the Chinese menu now.......

How many calories in chicken's feet anyone? (just kidding, i don't eat them).

Yum chicken feet! I didn't enjoy having to snip off their claws first though and it took ages to make Good luck trying to calorie count the food there! Will be a bit tricky but fun trying!!

I think the only way to close the thread is to hit the button below that says "Report post" otherwise they just drift off eventually.

splashblob

Are you talking about Char siu Bao or Zhurou Bao? I live in Asia, from what I have known, they usually add fat/lard to help with flavoring. This include all kind of Dimsum, Hakao and Shumai included.

ldabao

OMG!!! I just bought one from Lee's Sandwiches only to have eaten it and realized it had over 700 calories!?!? I admit they are more on the HUGE side of Char Siu Bao but I am shocked to learn that it has 700 calories. Lees Sandwiches has a nutritional list so assuming its correct. OK, guess that makes up my calories for the day... and its only 3PM. *sigh* BTW- Trader Joe's sells smaller ones - four per package, that are perfect little snacks and a helluva lot less calories than Lee's gigantic one. Now I know, now I know.

cosmic8o8

I am no expert in nutrition and I am not critisising the people who have made the effort to put in all nutritutional figures into the database but Chinese Buns confuse me.

They are made with flour and SOME sugar but not a vast amount (my wife is Chinese so I have a good source), the pork and vegetable inside are not fried or anything before going inside and the buns are steamed.

I am really surprised that one bun averages out at 150-200 cal each. I haven't got sizes or measuremnts and don't want to make a massive issue but I bought 3 this morning with the intentions that they were healthy(ish). Chinese people are eating them everywhere and China is not really known for its obesity though Dirty Donald's, KFC and Burger KIng are attempting to change that.

They are not filling or stodgy, the meat is minimal and if there is little sugar in the dough (it is not sweet) and really don't understand where the calories come from. They taste great by the way.

You realize the logical fallacy of Chinese people aren't really fat and they eat steamed buns so they are kind of healthy right?

Anyways, it would largely depend on the filling, something like Char siu bao would have more cals then a veggie steamed buns

In Hawaii, we call these manapua. The filling if it's charsiu is pork that is sweetened. The dough also has sugar added. There's your calories.

Ready2Rock206

As others have said, the buns are really doughy. Flour is amazingly very calorie dense. Also, if it is the barbeque pork, it is a higher fat content in the pork and they use honey or sweetner on the pork. Mostly the flour is the issue. I've make them from scratch before, and it doesn't surprise me at all any more, but I do enjoy them.

This. I'd think the 150-200 might even be a little low, but I guess it depends on the size. The ones I get are pretty big.

shellr06

I have often wondered how to make steam buns! Anyway, just an idea (remember that I haven't had one) could you thin the layer of dough to reduce the calorie intake? Might not work, but thought I would suggest it.

- Shelley

timeasterday

I have often wondered how to make steam buns! Anyway, just an idea (remember that I haven't had one) could you thin the layer of dough to reduce the calorie intake? Might not work, but thought I would suggest it.

- Shelley

Then you have Xiao Long Bao. Great, now I'm craving Xiao Long Bao!!

HardcoreP0rk

Depends on how you make them, I guess. I had bbq pork inside the buns at dim sum and they were pretty sweet. I can imagine all those calories coming from sugar.