Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 tablespoons Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup cooked, shredded pork
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup diced scallions
Special Equipment Needed:
- Stand mixer
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, baking powder, Chinese five-spice powder, and salt.
2. Add the vegetable oil and warm water and mix on low speed until a dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rest for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
6. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces.
7. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten it into a disc.
8. Place 1 tablespoon of the pork filling in the center of each disc.
9. Fold the edges of the dough up and around the filling, pinching the edges together to seal.
10. Place the buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
11. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Time:
Preparation Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Temperature: 375°F
Serving Size: 12 buns
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 140
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 6g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: whole wheat flour, almond flour, or oat flour
- Vegetable oil: olive oil, coconut oil, or avocado oil
- Pork: chicken, beef, or tofu
- Hoisin sauce: soy sauce or tamari
Variations:
- Add diced vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the pork filling.
- Substitute the pork filling with a vegetarian filling such as mushrooms, tofu, or tempeh.
- Use a different type of Chinese five-spice powder, such as Szechuan or Hunan.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to knead the dough for at least 5 minutes to ensure a soft and fluffy texture.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- To prevent the buns from sticking to the baking sheet, line it with parchment paper.
Storage Instructions:
The buns can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating Instructions:
The buns can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes, or in the microwave for 1 minute.
Presentation Ideas:
The buns can be served on a platter with a dipping sauce such as soy sauce or hoisin sauce.
Garnishes:
- Sliced scallions
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped peanuts
Pairings:
- Rice
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Egg rolls
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Egg drop soup
- Fried rice
- Spring rolls
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the buns are too dry, add a little more water to the dough.
- If the buns are too greasy, reduce the amount of oil used in the dough.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the pork thoroughly before adding it to the buns.
- Store the buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.
Food History:
Char siu bao is a traditional Chinese steamed bun filled with pork and Chinese five-spice powder. It is believed to have originated in the Guangdong Province of China in the 19th century.
Flavor Profiles:
The buns have a savory flavor from the pork and Chinese five-spice powder, and a sweet and tangy flavor from the hoisin sauce and honey.
Serving Suggestions:
The buns can be served as an appetizer or as a main dish.
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Region: Chinese