If you’ve ever found yourself staring into your freezer, debating between something quick or something delicious, Trader Joe’s Teriyaki Mushroom Mini Bao Buns might just be the answer to your mealtime dilemma. These little buns are like tiny, pillowy clouds stuffed with a savory, umami-packed surprise—basically, the dumpling equivalent of finding money in your pocket. And the best part? They’re vegetarian, but so satisfyingly rich and meaty that even the most dedicated carnivore might start questioning their life choices.
What are Bao buns?
Bao buns, or “baozi,” are a staple of Chinese cuisine, known for their soft, pillowy texture and ability to encase a variety of flavorful fillings. They can be sweet or they can be savory, but they are all this soft pillowy texture and they are stuff in the middle with something. They are then made by steaming.
Trader Joe’s Teriyaki Mushroom Mini Bao Buns take this concept and infuse it with bold, savory flavors in a vegetarian-friendly package, actually they are Vegan with a capital V. Combining the saltiness and sweetness of teriyaki, the umami notes of miso, the meatiness of mushrooms, and the delightful fluffiness of a bao bun, these mini buns may be small, but each bite is packed with flavor.
The Taste & Texture
Trader Joe’s supplier in Vietnam crafts these bao buns with a balanced mix of sliced oyster, king oyster, and shiitake mushrooms, alongside chopped carrots, onions, and spring onions in a traditional flavor profile. The vegetables are sautéed in a rich and aromatic teriyaki miso sauce, creating a filling that promises to delivers sweet, savory, and umami flavors in every bite, at least that’s what they say on the Trader Joe’s website. The uncooked bao dough itself is dense yet slightly sweet, transforming into a light and fluffy texture when steamed or microwaved, making it the perfect vessel for the flavorful filling.
The mushrooms and the vegetables are all pre-cooked so all you are doing is making sure that the dough gets cooked properly and everything warms up. Because everything is precooked in the bao, you don’t have to worry about it being undercooked or hard and chewy. The mix of flavors is spot on with the bao I have had at dumpling restaurants around me here in the Seattle area, but never in a small package like this. Most bao would be like 3 inches in diameter.
Cooking & Convenience
These mini bao buns are ready in minutes, making them a fantastic option for a quick snack or light meal. While steaming produces the best texture, microwaving them wrapped in a damp paper towel is a faster alternative that still results in a satisfying bite. They’re stellar as an appetizer, a small entrée, or even as part of a dim sum spread alongside Trader Joe’s many other dumpling, gyoza or other Asian products like Chicken Shu Mai or other frozen favorite.
Value
Trader Joe’s presents these bao buns in an pleasing package that stands out in the frozen aisle with it’s bright yellow packaging that screams “buy me!”. With a fair portion size and a reasonable price of around $4.79 per bag, they offer great value for the quality of ingredients and flavors packed inside. It doesn’t hurt that they are also Vegan which is a major selling point.
Final Verdict
Trader Joe’s Teriyaki Mushroom Mini Bao Buns are an excellent addition to any freezer, offering a convenient, flavorful, and plant-based option that satisfies. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with a tangy dipping sauce like Trader Joe’s Gyoza Dipping Sauce, these bao buns are a must-try for bao lovers, mushroom enthusiasts, and fans of quick, delicious bites.
Trader Joe's Mini Vegan Bao Buns
Trader Joe’s Vegan Mini Bao Mushroom Buns are a great addition to their frozen Asian lineup of other dumpling type foods. They had a great depth of flavor considering there was no meat. They are easy to prepare and aren’t that expensive!
Pros
Easy to make
Good price
Vegan
Cons
Vegan?
Sweet
