Banh Bao (Vietnamese Steamed Pork Buns)

pork

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: tofu

Tofu provides a plant-based option that is budget-friendly.

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: rice flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber, while rice flour is gluten-free.

hard-boiled eggs

🥗Healthier: quail eggs

💰Cheaper: none

Quail eggs offer a unique flavor and are often used in Asian cuisine.

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: tamari

💰Cheaper: liquid aminos

Tamari is gluten-free, while liquid aminos provides a similar taste.

Boil 6 Eggs, remove the shell, and set aside.

Mince 1/2 lb. Pork and set aside.

Peel and boil a few slices of Jicama for 3 minutes, then chop to get 1/2 cup and set aside.

Soak Wood Ear Mushroom in water, then chop to get 1/4 cup and set aside.

Mince 1 tsp. Garlic and chop 2 Tbsp. Onion, then set aside.

In a large bowl, combine Pork, 1 tsp. minced Garlic, 2 Tbsp. chopped Onion, 1/4 cup chopped Wood Ear Mushroom, 1/2 cup chopped Jicama, 1 tsp. Sesame Oil, 1 Tbsp. Oyster Sauce, 1/8 tsp. Mushroom Seasoning, 1 tsp. Sugar, 1/4 tsp. Salt, and Black Pepper. Mix well and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Mix 1/2 cup Sugar and 1 cup Milk together. In a large bowl, add 1 bag Steamed Buns Flour (save about 1/4 cup for later). Knead with hands or a dough mixer, adding the Sugar Milk slowly until not sticky. Add 1 Tbsp. Oil and knead for another 10 minutes. Cover and let sit in a warm area for 45 minutes.

In a pan, add Water and 2 Chinese Sausage. Mince 1 tsp. Garlic and add to the pan. Simmer until water is absorbed, then remove and slice the sausage.

Cut the Eggs into thirds and set aside.

To prepare the fillings, roll the meat into balls, placing 1/3 Egg and 2 slices of Chinese Sausage on top. Repeat until you have 12 fillings.

After 45 minutes, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Use the reserved flour to flour your work area and roller. Roll out each piece, add fillings, pinch the top to seal, and place on wax paper.

Put in the steamer and add 1 Tbsp. Vinegar to the steamer water to help the buns look white. Steam for 20-25 minutes and serve hot.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens