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By the Joybuy Editorial Team
Are you dreaming of an authentic salted egg yolk bun, fresh from the steamer, with a golden, molten core that oozes out at the first bite?? This little delicacy, usually enjoyed at a dim sum restaurant, often seems impossible to make at home. But think again! The frozen dim sum market is now filled with high-quality options that let you experience that unique sweet and savoury flavour without ever leaving your kitchen.
This guide is here to help you choose your next steamed Chinese bun. We've sifted through numerous products available online to help you uncover the perfect one, whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or just curious.
To find a top-tier Asian bun online, there are a few key criteria to keep an eye on. Follow our guide!
The secret to a great liu sha bao (the Cantonese name for this bun) lies in its filling. Take a look at the ingredients list: the presence of real salted egg yolk is a sign of quality. A good filling should offer a perfect balance between the sweetness that provides richness and the saltiness from the egg yolk that delivers its signature umami flavour. Some recipes also include butter or milk powder for an even creamier, more indulgent core.
The dough of a steamed bun should be light, airy, and slightly springy. It serves as the perfect vessel for the filling and shouldn't be too dense or dry. Wheat flour is the base, but some innovative products add ingredients like bamboo charcoal powder for a striking visual contrast with the golden filling, or sweet potato powder for extra softness.
The biggest advantage of frozen dim sum is, of course, its convenience. Steaming is almost always the recommended cooking method. A good product should be ready to cook straight from the freezer, with no thawing required. The cooking time is also a good indicator: typically, 8 to 12 minutes is all it takes to get a perfectly hot bun with a molten core.
We've selected a few gems, each with its own unique character, to help you make your choice.
Why we love it: This bun immediately stands out with its black bamboo charcoal dough, which creates a spectacular visual contrast with the golden filling. Freshasia, a brand renowned in the UK for its Asian products, delivers an authentic recipe inspired by the best Hong Kong restaurants.
Highlights:
Who is it for? For those seeking an experience that's as visual as it is delicious, and who love the authentic, powerful flavour of salted egg yolk typical of Hong Kong tea houses.
Why we love it: Guanhua offers an ultra-indulgent version with its "flowing sand" filling. The addition of butter to the recipe provides unparalleled creaminess and richness, resulting in one of the creamiest molten cores available.
Highlights:
Who is it for? For adventurous foodies who adore rich, creamy textures. If you're a fan of generous fillings and a buttery flavour, this molten core bun is made for you.
Why we love it: Sanquan is a leading name in traditional frozen foods. This bun represents a more classic take on the Asian dessert. With its light, airy white dough and custard-style filling, it's closer to a nai huang bao (custard bun) and offers a milder flavour.
Highlights:
Who is it for? Perfect for families with children or for those who prefer a milder, less divisive version than the traditional salted egg yolk bun. It's an excellent entry point into the world of Cantonese steamed buns.
The salted egg yolk bun is just one of the many gems in the dim sum universe. To explore a wider variety of flavours, from BBQ pork buns (Char Siu Bao) to shrimp dumplings (Har Gow), many other frozen options are available to help you create a full-fledged feast.
? Discover our full range of frozen buns and breads
Although they look similar, the difference is all in the filling. The liu sha bao (literally "quicksand bun") is made with salted duck egg yolk. This is what gives it its unique sweet-and-savoury taste and its liquid, almost volcanic texture when hot. The nai huang bao, on the other hand, is a custard bun. It is generally sweeter, with a thicker filling that doesn't flow.
The easiest and most effective method is steaming. There's no need to thaw the buns. Place them directly in a steamer basket (lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking) over a pot of boiling water. Cover and steam for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on their size and the package instructions. We strongly advise against using a microwave, as it tends to dry out the dough and cook the filling unevenly.
Specialty Asian grocery platforms, like Joybuy, offer a growing selection of frozen dim sum, including the famous salted egg yolk bun. Buying online gives you access to brands and products often unavailable in regular supermarkets, with the convenience of home delivery that ensures the cold chain is maintained.