Description
Enjoy these irresistible steamed buns, a classic Asian delicacy featuring soft, fluffy dough filled with a flavorful ground pork mixture. Perfect for a main course, these homemade bao buns combine a delicate balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic ingredients, steamed to perfection for a tender bite every time.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Filling
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the warm water and vegetable oil, then mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead and Proof: Knead the dough for about 8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Make the Filling: While the dough is rising, mix the ground pork with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and chopped green onions until well combined.
- Incorporate Baking Powder: Punch down the risen dough and knead in the baking powder thoroughly to help with puffiness.
- Shape the Buns: Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle. Place a spoonful of the pork filling in the center of each circle, then pleat the edges and pinch to seal the buns tightly.
- Rest the Buns: Place each bun on a square piece of parchment paper. Cover and let them rest for 15 minutes to slightly proof before steaming.
- Steam the Buns: Arrange the buns in a steamer basket over boiling water. Steam for 12 to 15 minutes until the buns are puffed up and the filling is fully cooked.
- Serve: Carefully remove the buns from the steamer and serve them warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken or mushrooms for the pork to suit different dietary preferences.
- Wrap the steamer lid with a clean cloth to prevent condensation from dripping onto the buns, maintaining their soft texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Asian
