Ingredients

1/4 cup sugar
1 3/4 cups warm water
1 tablespoon yeast
3 cups enriched cake flour
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons shortening
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 lb char siu pork , diced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 cups water or 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
2 teaspoons sesame oil
salt and pepper
2 tablespoons cornstarch , dissolved in
4 tablespoons water
Char Siu Bao, also known as barbecued pork buns, is a popular Chinese snack that has gained popularity around the world. It traditionally consists of a soft and fluffy dough filled with char siu pork and steamed to perfection. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes it a delicious option for any time of day. While it can be enjoyed as a snack, it can also be a filling meal when paired with a side of vegetables or soup.

Instructions

1.In a small bowl, dissolve the 1/4 cup sugar in the 1 3/4 cups warm water.
2.Sprinkle in the yeast and let stand for about 10 minutes, until foamy.
3.In a large mixing bowl, sift together the enriched cake flour and all-purpose flour.
4.Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture, shortening, and vegetable oil.
5.Mix the ingredients until a dough forms.
6.Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
7.Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
8.While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a large saucepan, combine the diced char siu pork, soy sauce, oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 1/2 cups water or chicken broth.
9.Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the liquid has reduced by half and the pork is tender.
10.Stir in the sesame oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
11.Turn the risen dough out onto a floured surface and knead briefly to remove any air bubbles.
12.Divide the dough into 24 equal portions and roll each into a ball.
13.Flatten each ball with your palm, then roll out into a 3-inch circle.
14.Place a spoonful of the pork filling in the center of each circle.
15.Gather up the edges of the dough around the filling and pinch to seal, leaving the top exposed.
16.Place each bun on a square of parchment paper and let rest for 15 minutes.
17.Place a bamboo steaming basket over a pot of boiling water.
18.Working in batches, steam the buns for 15-20 minutes, until puffed and cooked through.
19.Serve hot.

PROS

Char Siu Bao is a savory and filling snack that can be enjoyed as a meal or on the go.

The soft and fluffy dough pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory char siu pork filling.

Steaming the buns makes them a healthier option than fried snacks.

CONS

Making Char Siu Bao from scratch can be time-consuming and requires multiple steps.

The pork filling contains sugar and oyster sauce, which can increase the calorie content of the snack.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Char Siu Bao can be a good source of protein, depending on the amount of pork filling used.
The steaming process preserves the nutrients in the dough and pork filling.
However, consuming too much Char Siu Bao can lead to high calorie and fat intake.

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