Hong Kong-style Stuffed Buns

Ingredients

While the original Cuban Pan con relleno is typically made with ingredients like roasted pork, ham, and pickles, the Hong Kong-style Stuffed Buns adapt the concept by incorporating minced pork, shrimp, mushrooms, and Chinese spices. The cooking technique also differs, as the Cuban version is usually pressed and grilled, while the Hong Kong-style buns are steamed. We alse have the original recipe for Pan con relleno, so you can check it out.

• For the dough: For the dough:
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 200g minced pork 200g minced pork
• 100g shrimp, peeled and deveined 100g shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 50g mushrooms, finely chopped 50g mushrooms, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• For the garnish: For the garnish:
• 1 green onion, finely chopped 1 green onion, finely chopped

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt for the dough. Gradually add warm water while stirring until a soft dough forms. 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.
2. 2.
   In the meantime, prepare the filling. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced pork and cook until browned. Add shrimp, mushrooms, garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, and white pepper. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the shrimp is cooked through and the flavors are well combined. Remove from heat and let it cool.
3. 3.
   Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a small circle, leaving the center slightly thicker than the edges. 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, leaving a small opening at the top.
4. 4.
   Place the stuffed buns on individual parchment paper squares and arrange them in a steamer basket. Cover the steamer and let the buns rise for another 15 minutes.
5. 5.
   Steam the buns over high heat for 15-20 minutes until they are puffed up and cooked through. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for garnish.
6. 6.
   Serve the Hong Kong-style Stuffed Buns warm and enjoy their delightful flavors.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Shrimp — Make sure to devein the shrimp before using them in the filling to remove any grit or impurities.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier filling, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
• You can customize the filling by adding additional vegetables like finely chopped carrots or water chestnuts for extra crunch.
• To save time, you can prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use.
• 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.
• Leftover buns can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a steamer or microwave before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Hong Kong-style Stuffed Buns as a main course accompanied by a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. They can also be enjoyed as a snack or appetizer.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Stuffed Buns on a serving platter, garnish with additional chopped green onions, and serve them with a side of soy sauce or chili sauce for dipping. The golden-brown buns with their enticing aroma will surely impress your guests.