Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- 8 gua bao buns
Special equipment needed:
- Steamer basket
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, and water. Mix well until the sugar has dissolved.
2. Add the sweet potato cubes to the mixing bowl and toss until they are fully coated with the marinade.
3. Transfer the sweet potato cubes to a steamer basket and steam for 10-12 minutes or until they are tender.
4. While the sweet potatoes are steaming, prepare the gua bao buns according to package instructions.
5. Once the sweet potatoes are done steaming, remove them from the steamer basket and set aside.
6. To assemble the gua bao, open each bun and stuff it with a few pieces of sweet potato.
7. Top the sweet potato with chopped scallions, cilantro, and peanuts.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
- Steaming temperature: 212°F (100°C)
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 350
- Total fat: 12g
- Saturated fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total carbohydrates: 54g
- Dietary fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of sweet potatoes, you can use butternut squash or pumpkin.
- Instead of brown sugar, you can use honey or maple syrup.
- Instead of soy sauce, you can use tamari or coconut aminos.
- Instead of rice vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
- Instead of sesame oil, you can use olive oil or vegetable oil.
- Instead of scallions, you can use red onions or shallots.
- Instead of cilantro, you can use parsley or basil.
- Instead of peanuts, you can use cashews or almonds.
Variations:
- Add some sliced jalapenos or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Top the gua bao with some pickled vegetables for extra tanginess.
- Use hoisin sauce instead of soy sauce for a sweeter flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cut the sweet potato cubes into small pieces so that they cook evenly.
- You can also roast the sweet potatoes in the oven instead of steaming them.
- To make the gua bao buns softer, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 10-15 seconds.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover sweet potato gua bao in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the sweet potato gua bao, wrap them in foil and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the sweet potato gua bao on a platter with some extra chopped scallions, cilantro, and peanuts on the side.
Garnishes:
- Garnish the sweet potato gua bao with some sesame seeds or microgreens.
Pairings:
- Serve the sweet potato gua bao with some hot and sour soup or vegetable stir-fry.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve the sweet potato gua bao with some steamed rice or quinoa.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sweet potatoes are too hard, steam them for a few more minutes until they are tender.
- If the gua bao buns are too dry, brush them with some melted butter or oil before stuffing them with the sweet potatoes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before handling any food.
- Store any leftover sweet potato gua bao in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
- Reheat any leftover sweet potato gua bao to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before eating.
Food history:
- Gua bao is a popular Taiwanese street food that consists of a steamed bun filled with various ingredients such as pork belly, chicken, or tofu.
Flavor profiles:
- The sweet potato gua bao is sweet, savory, and slightly nutty.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the sweet potato gua bao as an appetizer or a light lunch.
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Region: Taiwanese