Steamed Buns

Steamed buns, also known as baozi, are a popular Chinese dish that consist of a soft and fluffy dough filled with various savory or sweet fillings. Here’s a recipe you can try at home:

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup warm water

For the filling:

• 1 lb ground pork or beef
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and yeast.
2. Add the warm water to the bowl and stir until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour until it has doubled in size.
5. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by mixing together the ground pork or beef, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, garlic, green onions, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl.
6. After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12-15 equal pieces.
7. Roll each piece of dough into a small ball and then flatten it with your palm.
8. Spoon a small amount of filling onto the center of each piece of flattened dough.
9. Fold the dough up and over the filling to create a pleated top, and then twist and seal the bottom of the bun.
10. Place the buns on a parchment paper-lined steamer basket and let them rest for 10-15 minutes.
11. Fill a pot or wok with 2-3 inches of water and bring it to a boil.
12. Place the steamer basket on top of the pot or wok, cover it with a lid, and steam the buns for 12-15 minutes until they are puffed and cooked through.
13. Remove the steamed buns from the steamer basket and serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

These steamed buns are soft, fluffy, and filled with a delicious savory filling that is sure to satisfy your cravings. You can also experiment with different fillings, such as vegetables, seafood, or sweet flavors like red bean paste or custard. Enjoy!