Char Siu Bao & Filling 🧅🧄 | Manapua | Favorite treat for all ages | Authentic

char siu

🥗Healthier: chicken breast

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Chicken is leaner while ground pork is often more affordable.

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: bread flour

Whole wheat adds fiber, while bread flour can enhance texture.

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce

💰Cheaper: tamari

Low-sodium reduces salt intake, tamari is gluten-free.

hoisin sauce

🥗Healthier: plum sauce

💰Cheaper: sweet chili sauce

Plum sauce provides similar sweetness, while sweet chili is often less expensive.

Mix 6 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 cup of sugar in a bowl.

In a separate bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon of yeast in 1/2 cup of warm water; let sit until bubbly, about 5 minutes.

Heat 1 1/2 cups of milk and 1/2 cup of butter to lukewarm; beat in 3 eggs.

Pour the yeast mixture into the milk and egg mixture.

Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the wet ingredients; mix with your hand until a soft dough forms.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-10 minutes until smooth and not sticky.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by sautéing 2 diced onions in 1 teaspoon of oil until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Add 1/4 cup minced garlic and 1 pound of chopped char siu to the onions; mix well.

Pour in 1/4 cup of oyster sauce and stir to combine.

In a separate bowl, mix 1/4 cup of cornstarch with 1/2 cup of water until dissolved; add to the filling to create a gravy.

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to deflate and let it rise again briefly.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens