Hoisin Beef-Stuffed Chinese Buns with Spicy Chili Sauce

Mantao Isi Hoisin Beef: A Delectable Fusion Delight

Elevate your dining experience with this exquisite recipe for Mantao Isi Hoisin Beef, a fusion dish that marries the tender flavors of hoisin beef with the soft, fluffy charm of Chinese steamed buns, or mantao. Perfect for a special occasion or a flavorful weeknight dinner, this recipe is both flavorful and visually appealing.

Ingredients:

For the Hoisin Beef:

• 350-400 grams of sukiyaki beef, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon Ngoh Hiang spice blend (Chinese five-spice powder)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 onion, diced (1 cm pieces)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

For the Spicy Sauce:

• 3 red bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste for heat)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3-4 teaspoons chopped scallions
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

For Garnish and Assembly:

• 8 Chinese steamed buns (mantao), halved vertically like burger buns
• Thinly sliced scallions (for garnish)
• Fresh coriander or celery leaves
• Toasted and chopped peanuts

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Beef:

   • In a bowl, combine the sukiyaki beef with hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, honey, Ngoh Hiang spice blend, ground black pepper, and diced onion. Mix well to ensure the beef is evenly coated with the marinade.
   • Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the beef to tenderize.

2. Prepare the Spicy Sauce:

   • In a small bowl, mix together the chopped chilies, minced garlic, chopped scallions, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Set aside.

3. Cook the Beef:

   • Remove the marinated beef from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
   • Heat a grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grill with oil to prevent sticking.
   • Grill the beef for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and slightly charred. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

4. Steam the Mantao:

   • Prepare a steamer by bringing water to a boil. Place the mantao in the steamer basket and steam for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are hot and soft.

5. Assemble the Dish:

   • Slice each steamed mantao bun vertically to create a pocket.
   • Fill each mantao with the grilled hoisin beef, adding a drizzle of the spicy sauce, and a sprinkle of garnishes including sliced scallions, coriander or celery leaves, and chopped peanuts.

6. Serve:

   • Arrange the filled mantao on a serving platter and serve immediately. These buns are best enjoyed fresh and warm.

This recipe yields 8 delicious mantao buns filled with flavorful hoisin beef, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy the delightful combination of savory beef, spicy sauce, and fresh garnishes all nestled in a soft steamed bun.