Fluffy Steamed Char Siu Pork Buns

Steamed Pork Buns Recipe

Overview:

Steamed Pork Buns, known as “Char Siu Bao” in Chinese cuisine, are delightful fluffy buns filled with a savory mixture of Chinese barbecue pork and seasonings. This recipe, originating from a friend with a passion for Asian cooking, combines simplicity with authentic flavors, making it perfect for brunch or a light meal served with tea. These buns are steamed to perfection, preserving their soft texture and juicy filling.

Preparation Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 buns
Cuisine: Chinese
Category: Pork, Dim Sum
Keywords: Meat, Chinese, Asian, Brunch, < 60 Mins, Steam

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

   • Sift the all-purpose flour into a mixing bowl.
   • Add sugar, baking powder, and mix well.
   • Gradually pour in water while kneading the mixture until smooth.
   • Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Filling:

   • Meanwhile, prepare the filling by sautéing ground pork and finely chopped scallions in a pan with a little oil until the pork is cooked through.
   • Add water, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and cornstarch to the pan.
   • Stir well and simmer until the sauce thickens.
   • Spread the filling onto a plate to cool down quickly.

3. Assemble the Buns:

   • Once the dough has rested, roll it into a long sausage shape and cut it into 12 equal pieces.
   • Roll each piece into a ball and flatten it into a circle about 4 inches in diameter with your fingers.
   • Place a spoonful of the cooled filling in the center of each circle.
   • Gather the edges of the dough circle and pinch them together to seal the bun.

4. Prepare for Steaming:

   • Place each assembled bun on a separate piece of parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking.
   • At this point, if you want to freeze the buns for later, arrange them on a tray and place in the freezer until individually quick frozen (IQF).

5. Steaming:

   • If cooking immediately, brush each bun lightly with water to give them a shiny appearance after steaming.
   • Arrange the buns in a steamer basket, making sure to leave space between each bun as they will expand during steaming.
   • Steam over rapidly boiling water for 10 minutes, ensuring the steam is consistent and not interrupted.
   • Avoid overcrowding the steamer; you may need to steam the buns in batches if your steamer is not large enough to accommodate all at once.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Once steamed, the buns should be fluffy and piping hot.
   • Serve them warm as part of a dim sum spread or as a delightful brunch item accompanied by your favorite tea.

7. Storage and Reheating:

   • These steamed pork buns can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
   • Reheat them carefully in a microwave or steamer, ensuring not to overheat them to maintain their soft texture.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 138.2
• Fat: 2.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.6g
• Cholesterol: 1mg
• Sodium: 327.6mg
• Carbohydrates: 26.2g
  • Fiber: 0.7g
  • Sugar: 6.7g
• Protein: 2.7g

Tips for Success:

• Use high-quality Chinese barbecue pork for an authentic flavor.
• Ensure the dough is smooth and elastic after kneading to achieve fluffy buns.
• Keep the steamer lid closed during cooking to maintain consistent steam.
• If freezing, ensure the buns are well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Variations:

• Add sautéed cabbage or other vegetables to the filling for a different twist.
• Experiment with different sauces or seasonings in the filling for a personalized touch.

Steamed Pork Buns are a delightful addition to any dim sum feast or casual brunch, offering a taste of traditional Chinese cuisine with every fluffy bite. Enjoy the process of making these buns and share them with friends and family for a memorable dining experience!