Recipe - A Savory Delight In Every Bite Pork Steamed Buns

Pork Steamed Buns, also known as Char Siu Bao, are a classic Chinese delicacy that features tender and juicy pork filling encased in a soft and fluffy bun. These steamed buns are a popular dim sum dish, enjoyed as a snack or part of a meal. In this article, we will guide you through the preparation and cooking process of Pork Steamed Buns, allowing you to savor the delicious flavors of this savory delight in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Preparation and Cooking Time: approximately 2-3 hours, including the time needed for the dough to rise.

Ingredients

For the dough:

2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons of instant yeast
1 tablespoon of sugar
½ teaspoon of salt
¾ cup of warm water
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

For the pork filling:

1 pound of boneless pork shoulder or pork belly, diced
2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
1 tablespoon of honey
1 teaspoon of five-spice powder
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
2 green onions, finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Method

- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt for the dough. Mix well.

- Slowly add warm water to the dry ingredients while stirring continuously until a soft dough forms.

- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.

- While the dough is rising, prepare the pork filling. In a pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.

- Add the diced pork to the pan and cook until browned and cooked through.

- In a small bowl, mix together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and five-spice powder. Pour this sauce over the cooked pork and mix well to coat.

- Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped green onions and remove the filling from heat. Let it cool.

- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into equal-sized portions and shape them into small balls.

- Flatten each dough ball with your palm and roll it out into a circle, leaving the center slightly thicker than the edges.

- Place a spoonful of the pork filling in the center of each dough circle. Gather the edges and pinch them together to seal, forming a bun shape.

- Arrange the prepared buns on a parchment-lined steamer basket or tray, leaving some space between them for expansion during steaming.

- Steam the buns over high heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until they become fluffy and cooked through.

- Remove the steamed buns from the steamer and serve them hot as a delightful snack or part of a meal.