Char Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Buns)

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 8 oz pork shoulder, finely diced
• 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, chopped(optional)
• 8 parchment paper squares

Instructions

1. 1

   Make the dough: combine flour, yeast, 2 tbsp sugar, and warm water; knead 10 minutes until smooth, then mix in oil. Cover and rise 60 minutes until doubled.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, make the filling: brown the diced pork in a skillet over medium heat, 8-10 minutes. Add garlic, hoisin, oyster sauce, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil; simmer 5 minutes. Stir in cornstarch slurry to thicken, mix in green onions, and chill 20 minutes.

3. 3

   Punch down dough, knead in baking powder, and divide into 8 balls. Rest 10 minutes.

4. 4

   Flatten each ball, add 1 tbsp filling, pleat edges to seal, and place seam-side down on parchment squares.

5. 5

   Steam over simmering water for 15 minutes until puffed and fluffy. Rest 2 minutes before serving.