Homemade Ba Wan with Savory Pork Filling

Ingredients

• For the dough: For the dough:
• 2 cups (240g) glutinous rice flour 2 cups (240g) glutinous rice flour
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240ml) water 1 cup (240ml) water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 1 pound (450g) ground pork 1 pound (450g) ground pork
• 1/2 cup bamboo shoots, finely chopped 1/2 cup bamboo shoots, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, finely chopped 1/2 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon five-spice powder 1/4 teaspoon five-spice powder
• For the sauce: For the sauce:
• 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon chili oil (optional) 1/2 teaspoon chili oil (optional)
• For garnish: For garnish:
• Fresh cilantro, chopped Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Toasted sesame seeds Toasted sesame seeds

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 32g, 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, all-purpose flour, water, and salt. Knead the mixture until a smooth dough forms. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the ground pork, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, white pepper, and five-spice powder. Ensure that all the ingredients are well combined.
3. 3.
   Take a small portion of the dough and roll it into a thin circle, about 3 inches in diameter. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of the dough circle.
4. 4.
   Fold the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges together to seal the Ba Wan.
5. 5.
   Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.
6. 6.
   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Gently drop the Ba Wan into the boiling water and cook for about 10 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
7. 7.
   While the Ba Wan are cooking, prepare the sauce by combining soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chili oil (if desired) in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
8. 8.
   Once the Ba Wan are cooked, remove them from the water using a slotted spoon and serve them hot. Drizzle the sauce over the Ba Wan and garnish with fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Glutinous rice flour — Make sure to use glutinous rice flour specifically, as it provides the desired chewy texture for the Ba Wan.
• Ground pork — Opt for lean ground pork to reduce the fat content in the filling.
• Bamboo shoots — If using canned bamboo shoots, rinse them thoroughly to remove any excess saltiness.
• Mushrooms — Choose fresh mushrooms such as shiitake or cremini for the best flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a thin and even dough, roll it out using a rolling pin or a tortilla press.
• If the dough is too sticky, lightly dust your hands and work surface with glutinous rice flour.
• Experiment with different fillings such as shrimp, chicken, or vegetarian options to suit your preferences.
• Serve Ba Wan with a side of pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast.
• Leftover Ba Wan can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated by steaming or pan-frying.

Serving advice

Serve Ba Wan hot as a main dish or as part of a dim sum spread. Accompany it with the sauce, fresh cilantro, and toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Ba Wan on a serving platter, ensuring they are neatly folded and sealed. Drizzle the sauce over the top and sprinkle with fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds for an appetizing presentation.