Homemade Steamed BBQ Pork Buns

Ingredients

• For the dough: For the dough:
• 300g (2 ½ cups) all-purpose flour 300g (2 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp sugar 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp active dry yeast 1 tsp active dry yeast
• 150ml (2/3 cup) warm water 150ml (2/3 cup) warm water
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 300g (10.5 oz) BBQ pork, diced 300g (10.5 oz) BBQ pork, diced
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp sesame oil 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water 2 tbsp water
• For assembly: For assembly:
• Cornstarch, for dusting Cornstarch, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 6g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

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 and baking powder. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and vegetable oil.
3. 3.
   Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   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.
5. 5.
   In the meantime, prepare the filling by combining the diced BBQ pork, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil in a bowl. Mix well.
6. 6.
   In a separate small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the pork mixture and stir until the sauce thickens.
7. 7.
   Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape each portion into a small ball.
8. 8.
   Roll out each dough ball into a circle, leaving the center slightly thicker than the edges.
9. 9.
   Place a spoonful of the BBQ pork filling in the center of each dough circle. Gather the edges of the dough and pinch them together to seal the bun.
10. 10.
    Place each bun on a small square of parchment paper dusted with cornstarch. Arrange the buns in a steamer basket, leaving space between them for expansion.
11. 11.
    Cover the steamer basket with a clean cloth and let the buns rise for another 15 minutes.
12. 12.
    Steam the buns over high heat for 15-20 minutes until they are puffed up and cooked through.
13. 13.
    Serve the Homemade Steamed BBQ Pork Buns warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• BBQ pork — If you can't find pre-made BBQ pork, you can marinate and roast your own pork tenderloin with a mixture of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder for an authentic flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a fluffy texture, make sure the dough rises in a warm place free from drafts.
• If you prefer a sweeter filling, you can add a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar to the BBQ pork mixture.
• Steaming the buns over high heat ensures they cook evenly and rise properly.
• Leftover buns can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them by steaming for a few minutes until warmed through.

Serving advice

Serve the Homemade Steamed BBQ Pork Buns as a delicious appetizer or as part of a dim sum feast. They are best enjoyed warm, straight from the steamer basket.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Steamed BBQ Pork Buns on a bamboo steamer lined with parchment paper for an authentic touch. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a pop of color.