Frozen Sweet Baozi: A Guide to Choosing Steamed Buns

Craving a touch of Asian sweetness without spending hours in the kitchen? The frozen baozi, a small Asian steamed bun, is the perfect solution for an out-of-the-ordinary dessert or snack. Soft, comforting, and ready in minutes, it comes in a multitude of flavours, from the most classic to the most surprising.

Our editors have tested the best options on the market for you. Follow our guide to find the sweet baozi that will delight your taste buds and discover our tips for choosing them well.

How to Choose the Best Frozen Baozi?

To find the Chinese steamed bun that will win you over, a few criteria are all you need to make the right choice.

1. The Filling: The Heart of the Flavour

The filling is the soul of the baozi. While savoury versions are more well-known, the sweet variations are just as worthy of your attention. The taro bao, with its sweet, purplish purée, or the red bean and matcha bao, which combines the vegetal bitterness of green tea with the roundness of azuki beans, are sure bets. Ask yourself what you're in the mood for: a fruity flavour, a creamy texture, or a touch of originality?

2. The Dough: The Secret to a Perfect Steamed Bun

The secret to a great Chinese steamed bun lies in its dough. It must be a pristine white, light, and ultra-soft after steaming, without ever becoming sticky or dry. The quality of the wheat flour and the manufacturer's skill are essential to achieving that characteristically airy texture, which envelops the filling like a cloud.

3. Ease of Preparation

The real advantage of a frozen Asian dessert is its speed. Most baozi are designed for quick steaming, with no thawing required. A quick look at the package instructions is all it takes: they generally need 8 to 12 minutes. This is the key criterion for an impromptu gourmet break.

Top Frozen Baozi Recommendations

After a taste test, here are the products that won over our editors. Perfect for a dessert, an original breakfast, or a gourmet snack.

FRESHASIA Taiwanese Taro Bun 390g

Why we love it: This bun showcases taro, a tuber with a mild and subtly nutty flavour, a staple in Asian desserts. Its filling, made with quality taro (15%), offers a smooth and creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the soft dough.

Key features:

• Creamy filling: A smooth and fragrant taro purée.
• Soft dough: A light, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Quick preparation: Ready in 8 to 10 minutes by steaming, no thawing needed.

Who is it for? Ideal for a gentle introduction to a signature flavour of Asian desserts. A reliable choice for curious palates looking to discover the taste of taro.

Guanhua Yipin Matcha and Red Bean Bun 360g

Why we love it: This baozi combines two iconic flavours of Japanese and Chinese pastry. Its dough, delicately scented with matcha powder, holds a generous sweet red bean filling, where a few whole beans add a pleasant texture. The balance between the vegetal bitterness of matcha and the sweetness of the red bean is perfectly executed.

Key features:

• Flavour combination: The red bean and matcha bao duo is a timeless classic.
• Textured filling: The presence of whole red beans adds a delightful texture.
• Elegant appearance: Its natural green colour makes it a dessert that's as beautiful as it is delicious.

Who is it for? For matcha tea lovers and those looking for a sweet dim sum with a bold character, off the beaten path.

Guanhua Yipin Snow Mountain Taro Buns 360g

Why we love it: More than just a simple taro bao, this dessert first captivates with its poetic, snow-capped peak design. Its dough is exceptionally airy, and its taro purée filling is smooth and luscious. A product that pleases the eye as much as the palate, ideal for a snack or brunch where presentation makes all the difference.

Key features:

• Elegant presentation: Its "snow mountain" shape is highly original.
• Airy texture: A dough with a rare lightness and softness.
• Balanced flavour: The taro filling is creamy and perfectly sweetened.

Who is it for? For those who appreciate aesthetics and are looking for a Chinese steamed bun that is as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for surprising guests at teatime or at the end of a meal.

Intrigued by Taro?

Beyond these buns, this unique flavour comes in many forms: drinks, ice creams, and many other pastries. To explore all our frozen delights that feature taro, take a look at our selection.

Discover all our frozen taro products

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do you cook a frozen baozi?

Steaming is by far the best method. Place the still-frozen baozi in a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water. Cover and steam for 8 to 12 minutes, according to the package instructions. They are ready when the dough is well-puffed, hot, and soft to the touch.

What is the difference between a baozi and a sweet dim sum?

The term "dim sum" refers to a wide variety of small Cantonese dishes served in portions, especially for breakfast or lunch (the famous yum cha). A baozi is therefore a type of dim sum. A sweet dim sum can be a baozi (like those with taro or red bean), but it can also be an egg tart, a steamed cake, or other sweet treats.

How should you store these Chinese steamed buns?

They must be stored in the freezer at -18°C or colder to preserve their freshness and texture. Once thawed, do not refreeze them. Always follow the storage instructions on the packaging.