Soft, pillowy buns filled with tender, flavorful braised pork are the ultimate comfort food! These steamed buns, or “bao,” feature a sweet and savory braised pork filling that melts in your mouth, wrapped in a fluffy, slightly sweet dough. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe will have you craving seconds!
Ingredients
For the Braised Pork Filling
- 1 lb pork belly (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1-inch piece of ginger (peeled and sliced)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce (for deeper color and flavor)
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or rice wine)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water (or chicken broth)
- 2 green onions (cut into sections)
- 1 star anise (optional, for aromatic flavor)
For the Bao Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup milk (warm)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder