Baked Char Siu Bao

Baked Char Siu Bao are delightful Chinese buns filled with a healthy version of sweet and savory barbecued pork. These fluffy treats are perfect for a light meal or snack, bringing authentic flavors to your table with a nutritious twist.

Ingredients

• all-purpose flour - 200 grams
• active dry yeast - 5 grams
• warm water - 100 milliliters
• honey - 10 grams
• salt - 2 grams
• olive oil - 10 milliliters
• lean pork loin - 150 grams, finely diced
• low-sodium soy sauce - 15 milliliters
• oyster sauce - 10 milliliters
• hoisin sauce - 10 milliliters
• sesame oil - 5 milliliters
• garlic - 1 clove, minced
• green onion - 1 stalk, finely chopped
• carrot - 30 grams, grated
• water - 50 milliliters for filling

Steps

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and honey in warm water and let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth. Place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes until doubled in size.
4. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a bowl, combine diced pork, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, green onion, grated carrot, and water. Mix well and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
5. After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle about 10 cm in diameter.
6. Place a spoonful of the pork filling in the center of each dough circle. Gather the edges and pinch them together to seal the bun.
7. Place the buns seam-side down on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise for another 15 minutes.
8. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 50 mg
• Total Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Water: 0.1 L

Health Benefits

• Lean pork provides high-quality protein essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Incorporating whole ingredients like vegetables boosts fiber intake and essential nutrients.

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