Cantonese Sweet and Savory Char Siu Bao Buns

Name: Cantonese Sweet and Savory Char Siu Bao Buns
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 12 buns
Cuisine: Snack
Ingredients: All-purpose flour; Instant yeast; Sugar; Warm water; Vegetable oil; Pork shoulder; Honey; Hoisin sauce; Soy sauce; Sesame oil; Oyster sauce; Onion; Cornstarch slurry; Parchment paper squares; Water

Fluffy steamed buns filled with savory barbecue pork

Experience a taste of Cantonese cuisine with these delightful char siu bao buns that masterfully balance sweet and savory flavors.

2 h 30 min
12 buns
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Dough

All-purpose flour

3 cups

Instant yeast

1 tsp

Sugar

2 tbsp

Warm water

1 cup

Vegetable oil

2 tbsp

For the Char Siu Filling

Pork shoulder

1 pound, finely diced

Honey

2 tbsp

Hoisin sauce

1 tbsp

Soy sauce

2 tbsp

Sesame oil

1 tsp

Oyster sauce

1 tbsp

Onion

1, finely chopped

Cornstarch slurry

1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp water

For the Steaming

Parchment paper squares

Water

Preparation

Marinating the Char Siu

Combine marinade ingredients

In a bowl, combine honey, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce.

Marinate pork

Marinate the diced pork in this mixture for at least one hour.

Cook pork and onion

Sauté the marinated pork over medium heat until cooked. Add the onion and cook until translucent.

Preparing the Dough

Mix dry ingredients

In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and instant yeast.

Knead and rest dough

Gradually add warm water and vegetable oil, kneading until a smooth dough forms. Let it rest for an hour until doubled in size.

Do not let the dough dry out while resting. Keep it covered with a damp cloth.

Portion dough

Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll into balls.

Use a kitchen scale to ensure all dough pieces are the same size for even cooking.

Cooking Process

Shaping the Bao

Flatten each dough ball, place a spoonful of pork filling in the center, and pinch edges to seal.

Ensure to tightly seal the bao to retain moisture and flavor during the steaming process.

Steaming the Bao

Place buns on parchment squares in a steamer. Steam over boiling water for 15 minutes.

Testing for Doneness

Buns should feel soft and fluffy. If they are still sticky, steam for an additional 5 minutes.

Plating & Serving