Barbecue Pork Buns – Dim Sum

Barbecue Pork Buns, also known as Cha Siu Bao, are a classic dim sum dish that originated in China. These soft and fluffy buns are filled with a sweet and savory barbecue pork filling, making them a delightful treat for any time of the day. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or starter, these buns are sure to impress your guests with their unique flavor and texture. In this recipe, we will guide you through the process of making these delicious buns from scratch, including the preparation of the dough, the filling, and the final assembly and steaming of the buns.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup barbecue pork filling (see below for ingredients)
• 1/4 cup chopped scallions
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• Barbecue pork filling ingredients: 1 pound pork shoulder, 1/4 cup hoisin sauce, 1/4 cup oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tablespoon grated ginger

Preparation

1. Step 1: Activate the yeast by combining the warm water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar in a small bowl, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and remaining 2 teaspoons of sugar
3. Step 3: Add the melted butter, yeast mixture, and mix until a dough forms
4. Step 4: Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic
5. Step 5: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until it has doubled in size
6. Step 6: Prepare the barbecue pork filling by combining all the ingredients in a bowl and mixing until well combined
7. Step 7: Punch down the dough and divide it into 20 equal pieces
8. Step 8: Roll out each piece into a thin circle, about 1/8 inch thick
9. Step 9: Place a tablespoon of the barbecue pork filling in the center of each circle
10. Step 10: Fold the dough over the filling to form a bun, and press the edges together to seal
11. Step 11: Place the buns in a steamer lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each bun
12. Step 12: Steam the buns over boiling water for 12-15 minutes until they are cooked through and fluffy
13. Step 13: Serve the buns hot with your favorite dipping sauce

Chef’s Tip: To ensure that the buns are cooked evenly, make sure to leave enough space between each bun in the steamer, and also to not overcrowd the steamer

Prep: | Cook: | Servings: 20