cooked buns with soy sauce

How to Make Chinese Siu Bao: A Step-by-Step Guide

Siu Bao, or savory pork buns, are a beloved dim sum classic. Here’s a comprehensive guide to crafting these fluffy, flavorful treats at home.

Ingredients:

For the dough: 500g all-purpose flour, 5g yeast, 10g sugar, 300ml warm water, 5g salt.

For the filling: 300g ground pork, 2 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 grated ginger, 2 chopped scallions, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, and a pinch of white pepper.

Steps:

1. Make the dough: Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water, let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Mix with flour and salt, knead into a smooth dough. Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.

2. Prepare the filling: Combine all filling ingredients in a bowl. Marinate for 20 minutes.

3. Shape the buns: Punch down the dough, divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each into a circle, place 1 tbsp filling in the center, pleat the edges to seal.

4. Steam: Place buns on parchment-lined steamer trays. Let them rest for 15 minutes to proof. Steam over high heat for 15 minutes. Turn off heat and let them sit for 5 minutes before opening the lid.

Tips: For a richer flavor, add a dash of dark soy sauce to the filling. Serve hot with chili oil or vinegar. Enjoy these tender, juicy buns fresh from the steamer!