Nikuman
Nikuman is a beloved Japanese steamed bun filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, onions, ginger, and soy sauce, all encased in a soft, fluffy wheat dough. Originating from Chinese baozi, it became a popular street food and convenience store staple in Japan, often enjoyed as a quick snack or light meal.
🍳 View the full Nikuman recipe →
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
A typical nikuman is moderately high in carbohydrates from the dough and provides a good amount of protein from the pork filling, with a calorie count roughly between 200-300 per bun. It also offers key nutrients like B vitamins from the meat and some minerals from the vegetables.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 190 kcal |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Carbs | 22 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
| Potassium | 180 mg |
| Phosphorus | 90 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 2.5 mg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.2 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.3 mcg |
| Zinc | 1.2 mg |
| Selenium | 10 mcg |
Per 1 bun (80 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, nikuman represents a perfect example of Japanese 'yoshoku'—Western-influenced cuisine adapted from Chinese origins—becoming an iconic part of everyday life. Nutritionally, its steaming method helps retain moisture and tenderness without added fats, making it a relatively lighter fried snack option.
AI estimate may be inaccurate · Terms