CHA SIU BAO (SWEET BARBECUE PORK BUNS)

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Cha Siu Bao (Sweet Barbecue Pork Buns) image

Cha siu bao are a traditional Chinese dish and one of my fiancee's favorites - she introduced me to them. Bao is the Chinese word for bun; cha siu describes the filling. I had several recipes, none of which turned out perfectly; this is a composite of 2 recipes, and I think I've got it. These are somewhat time-consuming to make, but are well worth it on special occasions. Prep time includes time for the bao to rise.

Provided by ChrisMc

Categories     Breads

Time 2h40m

Yield 8 bao

Number Of Ingredients 19

10 ounces cooked char siu pork (Chinese barbecue pork)
4 tablespoons mushrooms, chopped
1/3 cup water
3 teaspoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
red food coloring
2 teaspoons canola oil
2 garlic cloves, crushed
4 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
10 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon oil
3 cups flour

Steps:

  • You can use my recipe for char siu (#34265) or make it with a mix- both powdered and liquid mixes are available at Asian food stores.
  • I like the Noh brand, personally.
  • Chop the char siu and mushrooms finely.
  • Combine the water and cornstarch and stir into the char siu and mushrooms.
  • Add salt, soy sauce, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, and sugar, and add enough food coloring to color the mixture a bright red.
  • Heat the oil and lightly cook the garlic, then add the rest of the filling mixture and cook until thick.
  • To make the bao dough, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the water and let stand for 5 minutes.
  • Combine water with salt, milk and oil; stir in flour.
  • Knead 5-10 minutes or until dough is smooth.
  • Divide dough into 8 even balls.
  • Press a cavity into each ball, and spread the ball into a 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick cup.
  • Fill the cup with 1/8 of the filling mixture, and press the edges closed to seal the bao.
  • Cut waxed paper in 4-5 inch squares and place each bao on a piece of paper, sealed side down.
  • Place bao in a steamer basket, cover, and let rise for 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in size.
  • Bring the water under the steamer to a boil and steam bao for 10 minutes.

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