Pembrokeshire-style Bara Brith Cha Siu Bao

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we have replaced the traditional Chinese-style barbecue pork filling with a Welsh twist by incorporating the flavors of Bara Brith, a classic Welsh tea loaf. The addition of dried fruits, such as raisins and currants, along with mixed spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, gives the filling a unique and delightful taste. The steamed buns remain true to the original recipe, providing a soft and fluffy texture that perfectly complements the flavorful filling. We alse have the original recipe for Cha siu bao, so you can check it out.

• For the filling: For the filling:
• 500g (1.1 lb) Chinese-style barbecue pork, diced 500g (1.1 lb) Chinese-style barbecue pork, diced
• 100g (3.5 oz) raisins 100g (3.5 oz) raisins
• 100g (3.5 oz) currants 100g (3.5 oz) currants
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• For the dough: For the dough:
• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 250ml (1 cup) warm water 250ml (1 cup) warm water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• For the glaze: For the glaze:
• 1 egg, beaten 1 egg, beaten

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 15g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the diced Chinese-style barbecue pork, raisins, currants, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce. Mix well and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt for the dough. Gradually add warm water while stirring, until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball and place it 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.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a small circle, about 10cm (4 inches) in diameter.
5. 5.
   Place a spoonful of the pork filling in the center of each dough circle. Gather the edges of the dough and pinch them together to seal the filling inside, forming a bun shape.
6. 6.
   Arrange the buns on individual squares of parchment paper and place them in a steamer basket. Cover with a damp cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
7. 7.
   Meanwhile, fill a steamer pot with water and bring it to a boil. Place the steamer basket with the buns on top and steam for 15-20 minutes, or until the buns are cooked through and fluffy.
8. 8.
   Remove the buns from the steamer and brush the tops with beaten egg for a shiny glaze.
9. 9.
   Serve the Pembrokeshire-style Bara Brith Cha Siu Bao warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chinese-style barbecue pork — If you can't find pre-made Chinese-style barbecue pork, you can marinate diced pork shoulder in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder overnight, then roast it in the oven until cooked through and slightly charred.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a sweeter filling, you can add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the pork filling mixture.
• For a spicier twist, add a teaspoon of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
• If you don't have a steamer, you can use a bamboo steamer or improvise by placing a heatproof plate on top of a pot of boiling water and covering it with a lid.

Serving advice

Serve the Pembrokeshire-style Bara Brith Cha Siu Bao as a delicious snack or appetizer. They are best enjoyed warm, straight from the steamer. Pair them with a cup of hot tea or a refreshing glass of apple cider.

Presentation advice

Arrange the steamed buns on a platter, garnished with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few fresh mint leaves for an elegant touch. Serve them with small dipping bowls of soy sauce or sweet chili sauce for an extra burst of flavor.