Spicy Honey Garlic Pork Bao Buns

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

  1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
  2. Add warm milk or water and vegetable oil. Mix until a dough forms.
  3. 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

  1. In a bowl, combine pork, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, chili flakes, and cabbage.
  2. Mix well and set aside.

3. Shape the Bao Buns

  1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 10 pieces.
  2. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten into a 4-inch circle.
  3. Place a spoonful of filling in the center.
  4. Pinch and pleat the edges to seal the bun.

4. Steam the Buns

  1. Place the buns on parchment paper squares and let them rest for 15 minutes.
  2. Heat a steamer with boiling water and steam the buns for 12–15 minutes over medium heat.
  3. Turn off the heat and let the buns sit for 5 minutes before opening the lid.

5. Make the Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, sriracha, and chili flakes.
  2. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken.
  3. 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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