Steamed Bao Buns with Pork Belly and Vegetables

A classic from Chinese cuisine, Bao Buns with Pork Belly and Vegetables offers a delightful balance of soft, pillowy buns filled with tender, flavorful pork belly, fresh vegetables, and a tangy sauce.

This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a combination of rich and fresh flavors, making it a favorite in Asian street food culture.

Ingredients

For the Bao Buns:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp instant yeast
1/2 cup warm water
1/4 cup milk
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1/4 tsp salt

For the Pork Belly:

1 lb pork belly, sliced into 1-inch pieces
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch ginger, grated
2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Vegetables:

1 cucumber, thinly sliced
1 small carrot, julienned
2 green onions, thinly sliced
Fresh cilantro leaves

For the Sauce:

2 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp sriracha (optional for heat)
1 tbsp rice vinegar

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bao Buns

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix in warm water, milk, and vegetable oil until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

After rising, divide the dough into 12 small balls. Roll each ball into an oval shape, lightly brush with oil, fold in half, and place on parchment paper squares. Steam the buns in a bamboo steamer over simmering water for 8-10 minutes until puffed and cooked through. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pork Belly

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pork belly slices and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until browned and crispy. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger. Pour this sauce over the pork belly and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the meat.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

Thinly slice the cucumber, julienne the carrot, and chop the green onions. Set them aside for assembling.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix hoisin sauce, sriracha (if using), and rice vinegar. This will be the drizzle sauce for the bao buns.

Step 5: Assemble the Bao Buns

Carefully open each steamed bao bun. Add a slice of pork belly, followed by fresh cucumber, carrots, green onions, and cilantro. Drizzle the sauce over the filling. Serve warm.

Tips

For a flavor twist, add pickled vegetables or kimchi to the filling.
Serve with extra hoisin or soy sauce on the side for dipping.