Steamed BBQ Pork Buns Recipe: Char Siu Bao With a Twist

You’re ready to elevate the classic Char Siu Bao to the next level. Start by crafting the perfect steamed pork bun dough, using yeast, warm water, sugar, flour, and oil, and letting it rise until doubled in size. Then, create a mouthwatering Char Siu Bao filling by cooking roast pork, onion, and seasonings together, and experimenting with ingredients like bell peppers and mushrooms. Assemble the buns with care, ensuring no air pockets, and steam them to perfection. With these basics mastered, you’re prepared to put your own creative spin on this beloved dim sum dish, opening up a world of flavor possibilities.

Introduction

Discover the Delicious World of Steamed BBQ Pork Buns

Get ready to explore the amazing world of steamed BBQ pork buns, a classic dim sum dish that combines soft, fluffy dough with rich, savory roast pork.

A Rich History

Steamed buns have been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries. They bring people together, often served at family gatherings and celebrations. The cultural significance of steamed BBQ pork buns lies in their ability to unite people.

Variations Galore

As you explore the world of steamed BBQ pork buns, you’ll find many variations. Some recipes use traditional char siu roast pork, while others feature alternative proteins. You can also add sweetened condensed milk or hoisin sauce to enhance the flavor. Some recipes even use baked or grilled buns instead of steaming.

The Essence Remains

Regardless of the approach, the essence of steamed BBQ pork buns remains the same – a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more.

Steamed Pork Bun Dough

Making Perfect Steamed Pork Bun Dough

To make the perfect steamed BBQ pork buns, you need to start with the right dough. This involves mixing yeast with warm water, sugar, flour, and oil to create a smooth, elastic mixture.

Four Essential Steps to Perfect Dough

Activate the Yeast: Let the yeast sit in warm water for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly.

Let it Rise: Let the dough rest for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This allows the yeast to ferment and the dough to rise.

Get the Right Consistency: Mix the flour, sugar, and oil in the right balance to create a smooth, elastic dough that’s easy to work with.

Let it Rest: After kneading, let the dough rest for 10-15 minutes to relax the gluten and make it easier to shape.

Char Siu Bao Filling

Preparing the Char Siu Bao Filling

Now that your dough is resting, it’s time to prepare the char siu bao filling. This filling is the heart of your steamed BBQ pork buns, and its flavor profile can be tailored to your taste.

Cooking the Filling

To make the filling, you need to cook the roast pork, onion, and seasonings together. This mixture will be savory and sweet. You can experiment with different ingredients to give your buns a unique twist. Some ideas include:

• Adding diced bell peppers
• Adding mushrooms

Tips for Enhancing Flavor

To get the most flavor out of your filling:

• Cook the onion until it’s caramelized to bring out its natural sweetness.
• Add a splash of soy sauce or oyster sauce to deepen the umami flavor.

Get creative with your seasonings:

• Add a pinch of five-spice powder
• Sprinkle some sesame oil

Assembly of Steamed BBQ Pork Buns

Assembling Steamed BBQ Pork Buns

To make delicious steamed BBQ pork buns, start by placing a small spoonful of char siu bao filling in the center of a dough circle, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Be gentle when handling the dough to avoid making the buns tough.

Follow These Steps for a Neat and Tidy Bun:

• Place the dough circle on a clean surface, with the filling in the center.
• Fold the dough over the filling, making sure to seal the edges by pressing them gently with your fingers.
• Use your thumbs to create a pleat in the dough, folding it towards you.
• Press the pleat gently to seal the bun, making sure there are no air pockets.

Tips for Success:

• Handle the dough gently to avoid making the buns tough.
• Be patient when assembling the buns.
• Make sure to mix the filling ingredients well and taste as you go.

With a little practice, you’ll be a pro at assembling these steamed BBQ pork buns!

Steaming Process

Steaming Process

To make perfect steamed BBQ pork buns, you need to steam them correctly. Place the assembled buns in a bamboo steamer lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each bun. This allows them to expand evenly during steaming.

Steaming Techniques

To get the perfect texture, follow these steaming steps:

1. Place the steamer over boiling water.
2. Cover it with a clean towel to prevent condensation from dripping onto the buns.
3. Steam the buns for 12 minutes, rotating the steamer halfway through to ensure even cooking.
4. During steaming, the heat infuses the buns with flavor while retaining moisture, resulting in a tender, soft texture.
5. You can experiment with different steaming times to find your ideal balance of texture and flavor infusion.
6. Mastering the steaming process will help you create exceptional steamed BBQ pork buns that will impress anyone!