St. Louis-style Steamed Buns

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional German Dampfnudeln are transformed into St. Louis-style Steamed Buns by incorporating the flavors of St. Louis cuisine. The original dish is typically served plain or with a sweet sauce, while the St. Louis version features a savory filling of barbecue pulled pork, caramelized onions, and barbecue sauce. This adaptation embraces the barbecue culture of St. Louis and adds a unique twist to the traditional German dish. We alse have the original recipe for Dampfnudeln, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (470ml) all-purpose flour 2 cups (470ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon (15g) sugar 1 tablespoon (15g) sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 1 tablespoon (7g) active dry yeast 1 tablespoon (7g) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 pound (450g) St. Louis-style barbecue pulled pork 1 pound (450g) St. Louis-style barbecue pulled pork
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced and caramelized 1 large onion, thinly sliced and caramelized
• 1/2 cup (120ml) St. Louis-style barbecue sauce 1/2 cup (120ml) St. Louis-style barbecue sauce

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 60g, 10g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
3. 3.
   Add the yeast mixture, milk, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
4. 4.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   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.
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball.
7. 7.
   Flatten each dough ball and place a spoonful of barbecue pulled pork, caramelized onions, and barbecue sauce in the center.
8. 8.
   Gather the edges of the dough and pinch them together to seal the filling inside. Place the filled buns on a parchment-lined steamer basket.
9. 9.
   Cover the steamer basket with a damp cloth and let the buns rise for another 30 minutes.
10. 10.
    Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Place the steamer basket on top of the pot, making sure the water doesn't touch the buns.
11. 11.
    Steam the buns for 15-20 minutes until they are puffed up and cooked through.
12. 12.
    Remove the buns from the steamer and let them cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Barbecue pulled pork — Use homemade or store-bought St. Louis-style barbecue pulled pork for authentic flavor.
• Caramelized onions — Slowly cook the thinly sliced onions in butter or oil over low heat until they turn golden brown and sweet.
• St. Louis-style barbecue sauce — Look for St. Louis-style barbecue sauce in specialty stores or make your own by combining ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a dash of hot sauce to the barbecue pulled pork filling.
• Serve the St. Louis-style Steamed Buns with a side of coleslaw for a refreshing contrast.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the pulled pork with grilled vegetables or tofu.
• Experiment with different barbecue sauce flavors to customize the taste according to your preference.
• These buns are best enjoyed fresh and warm, so serve them immediately after steaming.

Serving advice

Serve the St. Louis-style Steamed Buns as a main course accompanied by a side of coleslaw and pickles. They can also be served as appetizers or party snacks. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions for added freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the St. Louis-style Steamed Buns on a platter, showcasing their golden-brown exterior. Serve them with a drizzle of barbecue sauce on top for an appetizing presentation. Consider using a bamboo steamer basket for an authentic touch.