WOK-LESS YEAST-LESS STEAMED BUNS

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Wok-Less Yeast-Less Steamed Buns image

I have recently discovered steamed buns (Chai Bau) and I have scoured the internet looking for recipes that I can use to make them at home; however, every recipe I found required a Wok with a steam plate which is something I do not own. Then I discovered this recipe which does not require a Wok but can be done in a dutch oven instead if desired/needed it also does not require yeast.

Provided by dragon reader

Categories     Breads

Time 40m

Yield 12-14 Buns, 12-14 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

3/4 cup sugar
1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110 )
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons baking powder
1/4 cup lard
1 tablespoon lard
1 1/2 lbs boneless lean pork, cut into 1/4 cubes
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
4 teaspoons sugar, divided
4 tablespoons soy sauce, divided
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon dry sherry
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion, diced
24 parchment paper, squares 3x3-inch

Steps:

  • Dough:.
  • Dissolve sugar in warm water.
  • Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl, making a well in the center of the flour then pour the baking powder in the well.
  • Gradually pour in the water solution, stirring until all the ingredients are well combined.
  • Knead with lard, adding a little at a time, into the dough until smooth and elastic.
  • Cover and set aside.
  • Filling:.
  • Put the cut up pork in a large bowl and season with garlic, ginger, 2 teaspoons sugar, and 2 Tbs. soy sauce.
  • Mix well and set aside.
  • In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons sugar, cornstarch, 2 Tbs. soy sauce, sherry and water.
  • Stir well to make a slurry and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, heat a 12" Dutch oven or wok over high heat, add oil and heat until starting to smoke.
  • Stir fry pork mixture until browned, about 5 minutes.
  • Add onion and stir fry 2 more minutes until onions are limp.
  • Stir in cornstarch mixture and cook until thickened and bubbly.
  • Cool mixture to room temperature or refrigerate to chill.
  • Set aside.
  • Divide the dough and filling into 24 equal portions.
  • Flatten each portion of dough and roll into a 4" circle, leaving the center twice as thick as the edges.
  • Cup one circle of dough and place 1 portion of the filling in the center, pressing the filling down with the thumb.
  • With your other thumb and index finger, gather and pleat the edges of the dough up around the filling in loose folds, meeting at the top.
  • Twist the top of the dough to firmly seal.
  • Place on a piece of parchment paper, twisted side up.
  • Arrange buns on a cake rack in a 12" Dutch oven or the bottom rack of a Camp Chef UDO14 (Ultimate Dutch oven) then the top rack.
  • Let rise 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Carefully pour 1 cup hot water into Dutch oven, not getting water on the buns.
  • Cover and simmer over medium heat until water is evaporated or 10 to 15 minutes. Serve hot.

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