Steamed Vietnamese Buns with Savory Filling

Ingredients

• For the dough: For the dough:
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) sugar 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5g) active dry yeast 1 teaspoon (5g) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 1/4 teaspoon (1g) salt 1/4 teaspoon (1g) salt
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 1/2 pound (225g) ground pork 1/2 pound (225g) ground pork
• 1/2 cup (75g) diced carrots 1/2 cup (75g) diced carrots
• 1/2 cup (75g) diced mushrooms 1/2 cup (75g) diced mushrooms
• 1/4 cup (40g) diced onions 1/4 cup (40g) diced onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce 2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) oyster sauce 1 tablespoon (15ml) oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) sesame oil 1 tablespoon (15ml) sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon (2g) sugar 1/2 teaspoon (2g) sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon (1g) black pepper 1/4 teaspoon (1g) black pepper
• For the garnish: For the garnish:
• Fresh cilantro leaves Fresh cilantro leaves

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 8g
• Protein: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and vegetable oil. Pour in the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. 4.
   In the meantime, prepare the filling. In a skillet, heat some oil over medium heat and sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant. Add the ground pork and cook until browned.
5. 5.
   Add the carrots and mushrooms to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes until tender. Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
6. 6.
   Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into equal-sized balls. Roll out each ball into a circle, about 4 inches in diameter.
7. 7.
   Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle. Gather the edges of the dough and pinch them together to seal the bun.
8. 8.
   Place the buns on individual squares of parchment paper and arrange them in a steamer basket. Cover the steamer and let the buns rise for another 15 minutes.
9. 9.
   Steam the buns over high heat for 15-20 minutes until they are puffed up and cooked through.
10. 10.
    Remove the buns from the steamer and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground pork — Make sure to use lean ground pork for a healthier option.
• Diced carrots — To ensure even cooking, dice the carrots into small, uniform pieces.
• Diced mushrooms — Use fresh mushrooms for the best flavor and texture.
• Soy sauce — Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer a lower sodium content.
• Fresh cilantro leaves — Rinse the cilantro leaves thoroughly and pat them dry before using as a garnish.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the ground pork with crumbled tofu or cooked lentils.
• Feel free to customize the filling by adding other vegetables such as peas, corn, or bell peppers.
• For a spicier kick, add a dash of chili sauce or sriracha to the filling mixture.
• To save time, you can prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use.
• These steamed buns can be frozen after cooking. Simply reheat them in a steamer for a few minutes before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Steamed Vietnamese Buns as a main course accompanied by a side of pickled vegetables or a fresh salad. They can also be enjoyed as a snack or appetizer.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Steamed Vietnamese Buns on a platter, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves. The vibrant colors of the filling will make the buns visually appealing. Serve them with a side of dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.