Snack · Appetizer · Chinese ·

Cantonese Sweet and Savory Char Siu Bao Buns

Name: Cantonese Sweet and Savory Char Siu Bao Buns
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 150 min
Total time: 200 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Snack
Ingredients: All-purpose flour, 3 cups; Instant yeast, 1 tsp; Sugar, 2 tbsp; Warm water, 1 cup; Vegetable oil, 2 tbsp; 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; Parchment paper squares; Water

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

4.3(962 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·January 10, 2026

Cantonese Sweet and Savory Char Siu Bao Buns — Snack served and photographed from above

Prep

50 min

Cook

2 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Dough

For the Char Siu Filling

For the Steaming

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 248 kcal
Protein: 10.75 g
Carbs: 30.58 g
Fat: 9 g
Fiber: 1.13 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 2978 kcal
Protein: 129 g
Carbs: 367 g
Fat: 108 g
Fiber: 13.5 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
All-purpose flour 3 cups	1365	39	279	3	12
Instant yeast 1 tsp	11	1.5	2	0	0
Sugar 2 tbsp	96	0	24	0	0
Warm water 1 cup	0	0	0	0	0
Vegetable oil 2 tbsp	240	0	0	28	0
Pork shoulder 1 pound, finely diced	960	84	0	72	0
Honey 2 tbsp	128	0	34	0	0
Hoisin sauce 1 tbsp	35	1	8	0.5	0
Soy sauce 2 tbsp	20	2	1	0	0
Sesame oil 1 tsp	40	0	0	4.5	0
Oyster sauce 1 tbsp	9	0.5	2	0	0
Onion 1, finely chopped	44	1	10	0	1.5
Cornstarch slurry 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp water	30	0	7	0	0
Parchment paper squares	0	0	0	0	0
Water	0	0	0	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Char Siu

1
Combine marinade ingredients
In a bowl, combine honey, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce.
2
Marinate pork
Marinate the diced pork in this mixture for at least one hour.
3
Cook pork and onion
Sauté the marinated pork over medium heat until cooked. Add the onion and cook until translucent.

Preparing the Dough

1
Mix dry ingredients
In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and instant yeast.
2
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.
Tip: Do not let the dough dry out while resting. Keep it covered with a damp cloth.
3
Portion dough
Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll into balls.
Tip: Use a kitchen scale to ensure all dough pieces are the same size for even cooking.

How to Make Cantonese Sweet and Savory Char Siu Bao Buns

Total time: 3 h 20 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Shaping the Bao
Flatten each dough ball, place a spoonful of pork filling in the center, and pinch edges to seal.
2
Steaming the Bao
Place buns on parchment squares in a steamer. Steam over boiling water for 15 minutes.
3
Testing for Doneness
Buns should feel soft and fluffy. If they are still sticky, steam for an additional 5 minutes.