Servings: ~10 bao buns
Prep Time: 2 hours (including dough rising)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk or water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Pork Filling
- ½ lb (225g) ground pork
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- ½ cup cabbage, finely shredded (optional)
Spicy Honey Garlic Sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust spice level)
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
Instructions
1. Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add warm milk or water and vegetable oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let it rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
2. Make the Filling
- In a bowl, combine pork, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, chili flakes, and cabbage.
- Mix well and set aside.
3. Shape the Bao Buns
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 10 pieces.
- Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten into a 4-inch circle.
- Place a spoonful of filling in the center.
- Pinch and pleat the edges to seal the bun.
4. Steam the Buns
- Place the buns on parchment paper squares and let them rest for 15 minutes.
- Heat a steamer with boiling water and steam the buns for 12–15 minutes over medium heat.
- Turn off the heat and let the buns sit for 5 minutes before opening the lid.
5. Make the Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, sriracha, and chili flakes.
- Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes until glossy.
6. Serve
- Brush or drizzle the sauce over the bao buns.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions.
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