bbq pork buns recipe.

 

🥟 Char Siu Bao (Chinese BBQ Pork Buns) Recipe

"Fluffy Char Siu Bao (Chinese BBQ pork buns) recipe — soft steamed buns with sweet-savory BBQ pork filling. Authentic Hong Kong dim sum at home!"

Char Siu Bao, also called Chinese BBQ Pork Buns, are one of the most famous dishes in Hong Kong dim sum. These fluffy steamed buns are filled with sweet and savory barbecue pork (char siu) and steamed until soft and pillowy.

Making Char Siu Bao at home is easier than you think! With this step-by-step guide, you’ll get authentic restaurant-quality buns perfect for dim sum brunch or family gatherings.

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⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fluffy, cloud-like buns with juicy BBQ pork filling
• Authentic Cantonese dim sum style
• Family-friendly recipe that freezes well
• Perfect for snacks, parties, and dim sum nights

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• ½ cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
• 1 tbsp oil
• Pinch of salt

For the Char Siu Filling:

• 1 cup char siu (Chinese BBQ pork), diced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
• 1 tbsp sugar

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix yeast, warm water, and sugar. Let sit until foamy (5 minutes).
2. Add flour, oil, and salt. Knead until smooth.
3. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. Heat soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and sugar in a pan.
2. Add diced char siu pork. Stir well.
3. Add cornstarch slurry to thicken. Cool before using.

Step 3: Assemble the Buns

1. Divide dough into 10 portions. Roll each into a ball, then flatten.
2. Place 1 tbsp filling in the center. Pinch edges to seal.
3. Place buns seam side down on parchment squares.

Step 4: Steam the Buns

1. Arrange buns in a steamer, leaving space to expand.
2. Steam over boiling water for 12–15 minutes until fluffy.
3. Serve hot with tea or dipping sauce.

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🍴 Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Har Gow (shrimp dumplings), Siu Mai, and Cheung Fun for a dim sum feast.
• Serve with Chinese tea for an authentic touch.
• Freeze extras and re-steam for a quick snack.

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💡 Tips for Perfect Char Siu Bao

• Don’t overfill buns, or they may burst while steaming.
• Always let dough rise properly for soft buns.
• Use char siu made from pork shoulder for the juiciest filling.

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❓ FAQs

Q1: Can I bake Char Siu Bao instead of steaming?
Yes! They become golden, glossy baked pork buns (cha siu bao).

Q2: Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes, BBQ chicken works well with the same sauce.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months. Re-steam before serving.

Q4: Do I need a bamboo steamer?
No, a metal or electric steamer works too.

Q5: Can I make the filling ahead?
Yes, prepare it up to 3 days in advance.

🥟 Similar Recipes to BBQ Pork Buns (Char Siu Bao) :

1. Lotus Seed Paste Buns (Lian Rong Bao)

Sweet steamed buns filled with creamy lotus seed paste — a classic Cantonese dim sum dessert.

2. Custard Buns (Nai Wong Bao)

Soft steamed buns with a rich, creamy egg custard filling that melts in your mouth.

3. Pineapple Buns (Bolo Bao)

A bakery classic — soft buns topped with a crunchy, golden cookie crust (no pineapple inside, despite the name!).

4. Red Bean Buns (Dou Sha Bao)

Fluffy steamed buns filled with sweet red bean paste, often enjoyed as breakfast or dim sum dessert.

5. Chicken Curry Buns (Ga Lei Bao)

Savory buns filled with a fragrant chicken curry — a fusion dim sum favorite.