BBQ Bill’s Ultimate Spam Bao Buns: A Flavor Explosion

By BBQ Bill

If you love bao buns and crave that smoky, savory goodness of BBQ, then this recipe is for you. Today, I’m sharing my famous BBQ Spam Bao Buns—a fusion of sweet, smoky, and umami flavors wrapped in a soft, pillowy bun. Perfect for backyard cookouts, game day, or just when you want something ridiculously delicious.

This recipe includes homemade bao buns, a smoky BBQ-glazed Spam filling, and a tangy slaw for crunch. I’ll walk you through every step, including exact cooking times and temperatures, so you get perfect results every time.

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Ingredients

For the Bao Buns (Makes 8-10 buns)

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp instant yeast

• 2 tbsp sugar

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ cup (120ml) warm water

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• ½ tsp baking powder

• 1 tbsp milk (for brushing)

For the BBQ Spam Filling

• 1 can (12 oz) Spam, sliced into ½-inch thick strips

• ½ cup BBQ sauce (I recommend a smoky, sweet variety)

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Tangy Slaw

• 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or purple)

• ½ cup shredded carrots

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tsp sugar

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

Optional Garnishes

• Sliced green onions

• Sesame seeds

• Extra BBQ sauce for drizzling

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Bao Dough

Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes resting) | Cook Temp: Steam at 212°F (100°C)

1. Mix the dry ingredients – In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.

2. Add wet ingredients – Slowly pour in warm water and oil while stirring until a shaggy dough forms.

3. Knead the dough – Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. First rise – Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

5. Add baking powder – Punch down the dough, sprinkle baking powder, and knead for another 2 minutes.

6. Shape the buns – Divide into 8-10 equal pieces, roll into balls, then flatten into 4-inch ovals. Brush with milk, fold in half, and place on parchment paper.

7. Second rise – Let them rest for 15 minutes while you preheat your steamer.

2. Steam the Bao Buns

1. Bring water to a boil in a steamer (or use a large pot with a steaming rack).

2. Steam the buns for 10-12 minutes at 212°F (100°C).

3. Remove and cool slightly before filling.

3. Prepare the BBQ Spam

Time: 15 minutes | Cook Temp: Medium-high heat (375°F / 190°C)

1. Slice Spam into ½-inch thick strips.

2. Mix glaze – Combine BBQ sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

3. Pan-fry Spam – Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Cook Spam for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy.

4. Glaze the Spam – Pour the BBQ mixture over the Spam, toss to coat, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until sticky.

4. Make the Tangy Slaw

Time: 10 minutes

1. Shred cabbage and carrots, then mix with mayo, rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.

2. Let sit for 5 minutes to soften slightly.

5. Assemble the Bao Buns

1. Open a steamed bun and fill with a few pieces of BBQ Spam.

2. Top with slaw, green onions, and sesame seeds.

3. Drizzle extra BBQ sauce if desired.

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Serving Suggestions

• Pair with: Pickled veggies, extra slaw, or crispy fries.

• Great for: Parties, lunchboxes, or a fun twist on BBQ night.

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Final Thoughts

These BBQ Spam Bao Buns are the perfect mix of sweet, smoky, and savory—with a satisfying crunch from the slaw. The soft bao buns soak up all that sticky BBQ goodness, making every bite irresistible.

Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out! Tag me @BBQBill on social media if you make them—I love seeing your creations.

Happy grilling (and steaming)!

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Total Recipe Time: ~2 hours (including dough rising)
Servings: 8-10 bao buns