The steamed pork buns are beautifully soft and fluffy, with a shiny, delicate dough that encases a savory, flavorful filling. The contrast between the tender, slightly sweet dough and the rich, umami-packed pork filling creates a perfectly balanced bite in every bun.
These Chinese Steamed Pork Buns are perfect for a cozy meal or special occasion, whether enjoyed on their own or as part of a larger dim sum spread. They are surprisingly simple to make at home and are sure to impress with their tender texture and delicious filling.
Full Recipe:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup warm water
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1 tablespoon sugar
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2 teaspoons active dry yeast
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 cup milk
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce
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1 tablespoon rice wine
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1 tablespoon sugar
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1/2 pound ground pork
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1/4 cup chopped green onions
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1/2 tablespoon ginger, minced
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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1/4 teaspoon five-spice powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, milk, and the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
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Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Cover with a damp towel and let rise for about 1 hour.
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While the dough is rising, heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ginger and green onions and sauté for 2 minutes.
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Add the ground pork, soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine, sugar, five-spice powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for 8-10 minutes until the pork is fully cooked.
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Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball.
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Roll each ball into a flat circle, then place a spoonful of the pork filling in the center. Gather the edges of the dough and pinch them together to seal.
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Place the buns in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them. Steam over medium heat for 12-15 minutes, or until fluffy and cooked through.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Kcal: 200 kcal per bun | Servings: 12 buns
Introduction
Chinese steamed pork buns, or Char Siu Bao, are a beloved dim sum dish that combines soft, pillowy dough with a savory, sweet pork filling. These buns are often served at Chinese restaurants and are a popular snack during yum cha or dim sum gatherings. Making these buns at home is a labor of love, but the results are truly worth the effort. The tender dough, combined with the flavorful pork filling, delivers a delightful taste experience that will transport you to your favorite dim sum restaurant. While homemade pork buns may require some time and practice, they are a rewarding project for anyone who loves Asian cuisine and is eager to recreate this iconic dish from scratch.
The Origin of Chinese Steamed Pork Buns
Steamed pork buns have their roots in Chinese culinary traditions, particularly in Cantonese cuisine. These buns are typically filled with Chinese barbecue pork, known as Char Siu, which is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and five-spice powder. Char Siu pork is known for its signature sweet and savory flavor, which makes it the perfect filling for these fluffy steamed buns.
Dim sum, which translates to “touch the heart,” is a collection of bite-sized dishes traditionally served in small steamer baskets or on small plates. Chinese steamed pork buns are often found in dim sum restaurants, where they are served alongside other dishes like dumplings, spring rolls, and egg tarts. The process of making these buns at home allows you to experience the magic of dim sum in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Key Elements of a Perfect Steamed Pork Bun
The Dough
The dough for Chinese steamed pork buns is what gives them their signature soft and fluffy texture. It is made from a mixture of all-purpose flour, sugar, yeast, and cornstarch. The dough is kneaded until smooth and elastic, allowing it to rise and become tender during the steaming process. The key to achieving the perfect texture is to allow the dough to rise properly before shaping it into buns. Once the dough is steamed, it will puff up into soft, cloud-like buns that perfectly encase the flavorful pork filling.
The Filling
The filling for steamed pork buns is typically made with Char Siu pork, a Chinese-style barbecue pork. This pork is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and other flavorful ingredients before being roasted until tender. After the pork is cooked, it is chopped and mixed with a sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch, creating a sticky, sweet, and savory filling that is both rich and satisfying. While Char Siu pork is the traditional filling, you can experiment with other ingredients, such as roast duck, chicken, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Shaping and Stuffing the Buns
Shaping the dough and stuffing the buns can be a little tricky, but with some practice, it becomes easier. The dough is rolled out into small rounds, and a spoonful of the pork filling is placed in the center. The edges of the dough are then pleated and gathered to seal the bun, creating a round shape. The trick to a successful pork bun is making sure the filling is tightly sealed inside the dough, ensuring that the bun doesn’t open up during the steaming process.
Steaming the Buns
Steaming is the most crucial step in making Chinese steamed pork buns. The buns are placed in a bamboo steamer lined with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking. As the buns steam, the dough becomes soft and fluffy, while the filling inside becomes heated through and slightly sticky. The buns should be steamed for around 12-15 minutes, or until they spring back when touched. Once steamed, the buns are ready to be served and enjoyed.
Tips for Perfect Chinese Steamed Pork Buns
Use a Bamboo Steamer for Authentic Flavor
While any steamer can be used to cook these buns, a bamboo steamer is highly recommended for the most authentic experience. The bamboo imparts a subtle, aromatic flavor to the buns, making them taste just like the ones you’d get at a dim sum restaurant. Bamboo steamers are also great for cooking multiple buns at once, as they allow steam to circulate evenly.
Prepare the Char Siu in Advance
The Char Siu pork filling is best made in advance to allow the flavors to marinate and intensify. While you can use store-bought Char Siu, making it from scratch will elevate the flavor of your buns. If you’re short on time, you can also use a quick version of Char Siu by marinating the pork for a shorter time and cooking it in a pan.
Don’t Overstuff the Buns
When filling the buns, be sure not to overstuff them with too much filling. Overfilled buns can be difficult to seal properly and may result in a doughy, uneven texture. A small spoonful of filling is enough to create the perfect balance between dough and filling.
Allow the Dough to Rise Properly
The dough for these buns needs time to rise, so don’t rush this process. Let the dough rest and double in size to achieve a light and fluffy texture. If you’re making the dough in cold weather, place the dough in a warm environment, such as an oven with a light on, to help it rise faster.
Experiment with Fillings
While Char Siu pork is the classic filling for Chinese steamed pork buns, you can experiment with other fillings to suit your taste preferences. Consider using ground pork, chicken, or even a combination of vegetables and tofu for a meatless version. You can also add different herbs and spices to the filling for a unique twist on the traditional recipe.
Conclusion
Chinese steamed pork buns are a delightful and satisfying dish that brings the flavors of dim sum right into your home. While making these buns may take some time and practice, the results are well worth the effort. The soft, fluffy dough, combined with the savory and slightly sweet pork filling, creates a delicious and comforting treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack. Whether you’re hosting a dim sum party or simply craving a comforting meal, Chinese steamed pork buns are sure to impress. With a few helpful tips and some patience, you can make these delectable buns from scratch and enjoy the authentic taste of dim sum anytime you like.