Steamed Bao Buns with Pork Filling

These fluffy, soft steamed buns are filled with savory braised pork, creating a perfect balance of tender meat and delicate dough. A classic Chinese breakfast treat, these bao buns can also be enjoyed at any time of the day.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp yeast
• 1 tbsp sugar
• ¾ cup warm water
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 lb ground pork
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tsp five-spice powder
• 1 tbsp chopped ginger

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in warm water. Let sit for 10 minutes.
2. Mix in the flour and vegetable oil to form a dough. Knead for 10 minutes until smooth, then let the dough rise for 1 hour.
3. In a pan, cook the ground pork with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, five-spice powder, and ginger until the pork is cooked through. Let cool.
4. Divide the dough into small portions, then flatten into circles. Place a spoonful of the pork mixture in the center, fold the dough over, and pinch to seal.
5. Steam the bao buns for 15–20 minutes until fully cooked.

Suggested Pairing:

Pair your Bao Buns with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a simple cucumber salad. A glass of hot soy milk will complement the richness of the pork filling