Savory Steamed Pork Buns

Ingredients

• For the dough: For the dough:
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 1 pound (450g) ground pork 1 pound (450g) ground pork
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• 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 and the yeast mixture. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.
3. 3.
   Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
4. 4.
   In the meantime, prepare the filling by combining the ground pork, soy sauce, minced ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil in a bowl. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
5. 5.
   Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a ball.
6. 6.
   Flatten each dough ball with your palm and use a rolling pin to roll it into a circle, about 3 inches in diameter.
7. 7.
   Place a spoonful of the pork filling in the center of each dough circle. Gather the edges of the dough and pleat them together, sealing the filling inside.
8. 8.
   Arrange the filled buns on a steamer lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each bun to allow for expansion during steaming.
9. 9.
   Cover the steamer and let the buns rise for another 15 minutes.
10. 10.
    Steam the buns over high heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is cooked through and the filling is hot.
11. 11.
    Serve the Savory Steamed Pork Buns hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground pork — Make sure to use lean ground pork for a healthier option. If desired, you can substitute it with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter variation.
• Soy sauce — Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you're watching your sodium intake.
• Ginger — Fresh ginger adds a vibrant flavor, but you can use ground ginger as a substitute if needed.
• Garlic — For a milder garlic flavor, you can reduce the amount of garlic used or use garlic powder instead.
• Sesame oil — Toasted sesame oil provides a rich nutty flavor, but regular sesame oil can be used as a substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a fluffy texture, make sure the dough rises in a warm place free from drafts.
• If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can add a pinch of sugar to the pork filling.
• Experiment with different fillings such as shrimp, mushrooms, or vegetables to cater to different dietary preferences.
• Serve the buns with a side of soy sauce or chili sauce for dipping.
• Leftover buns can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheated by steaming for a few minutes.

Serving advice

Serve the Savory Steamed Pork Buns as a delightful appetizer or as part of a dim sum feast. They pair well with a hot cup of Chinese tea.

Presentation advice

Arrange the steamed 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.