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Chinese Stuffed Buns Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup chopped scallions
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp minced garlic

Special equipment needed:
- Steamer basket
- Parchment paper

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Mix well.
2. Add warm water and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let it rest for 1 hour in a warm place.
5. In a separate bowl, mix ground pork, scallions, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Set aside.
6. After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
7. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten it into a disc with your hands.
8. Place a spoonful of the pork filling in the center of each disc.
9. Gather the edges of the disc and pinch them together to seal the filling inside. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
10. Cut 12 squares of parchment paper and place each bun on a square.
11. Place the buns in a steamer basket and let them rest for 10 minutes.
12. Bring water to a boil in a pot and place the steamer basket on top. Steam the buns for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
13. Serve hot.


Time:
Preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Temperature:
Water for steaming: boiling
Serving size:
12 buns

Nutritional information:
Calories: 200
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 8g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground pork can be substituted with ground chicken, beef, or tofu.
- Scallions can be substituted with chopped onions or chives.
- Hoisin sauce can be substituted with oyster sauce or sweet chili sauce.

Variations:
- Add diced mushrooms or shredded carrots to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
- Use a different meat or vegetable filling for variety.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the dough is well-kneaded and rested for optimal texture.
- Use a steamer basket with a lid to trap steam and cook the buns evenly.
- Don't overcrowd the steamer basket to ensure proper cooking.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the buns in a steamer basket for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the buns on a bamboo steamer basket for an authentic touch.
- Garnish with chopped scallions or sesame seeds.

Pairings:
- Serve with soy sauce or sweet chili sauce for dipping.

Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed vegetables such as broccoli or bok choy.
- Fried rice or noodles.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more water.
- If the buns are not rising, make sure the yeast is fresh and the dough is resting in a warm place.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the pork filling is cooked through to avoid foodborne illness.

Food history:
- Chinese stuffed buns, also known as baozi, have been a popular street food in China for centuries.

Flavor profiles:
- The buns have a soft and fluffy texture with a savory pork filling that is slightly sweet and salty.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a snack or appetizer, or as a main dish with side dishes.

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Region: Chinese

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Aromatic, Meaty, Spicy