Steam-fried bao buns (Sheng jian bao)

 

### Sheng Jian Bao (Steam-Fried Bao Buns) Recipe

Sheng Jian Bao, or steam-fried bao buns, are a delicious Chinese snack known for their crispy bottoms and fluffy tops, filled with juicy pork. Here’s how to make them at home.

#### Ingredients

**For the Dough:**

- **250 g (1 2/3 cups) all-purpose flour**

- **50 g (1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon) cornstarch**

- **4 g (3/4 teaspoon) instant yeast**

- **5 g (1 teaspoon) sugar**

- **150 g (2/3 cup) warm water**

- **15 g (1 tablespoon) vegetable oil**

**For the Filling:**

- **227 g (8 oz) ground pork**

- **1 1/2 teaspoons light soy sauce**

- **1/2 teaspoon dark soy sauce**

- **2 teaspoons Shaoxing wine**

- **1/2 teaspoon salt**

- **1/4 teaspoon sugar**

- **1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper**

- **4 green onions, sliced**

- **1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil**

**Cooking & Garnish:**

- **4 tablespoons vegetable oil** (for frying)

- **1/2 cup hot water** (for steaming)

- **Chopped green onions and roasted sesame seeds** for garnish (optional)

#### Instructions

1. **Prepare the Dough:**

   - In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, instant yeast, and sugar.

   - Gradually add warm water while mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth.

   - Add vegetable oil and knead again until incorporated.

   - Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

2. **Make the Filling:**

   - In a separate bowl, mix the ground pork with light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, salt, sugar, white pepper, sliced green onions, and sesame oil. Stir well until the mixture is sticky and well combined.

   - Cover and refrigerate the filling while the dough rises.

3. **Shape the Buns:**

   - Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small pieces (about 10-12).

   - Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten it into a disc about 4 inches in diameter.

   - Place about 1 tablespoon of filling in the center of each disc. Gather the edges of the dough and pinch them together to seal the bun. Ensure there are no openings.

4. **Cook the Buns:**

   - Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Arrange the buns in a single layer in the skillet.

   - Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until the bottoms are golden brown.

   - Carefully add hot water to the skillet (enough to cover about 1/3 of the buns), then cover with a lid to steam for about 8-10 minutes or until cooked through.

   - Remove the lid and allow any remaining water to evaporate while continuing to fry for another minute or two until the bottoms are crispy again.

5. **Serve:**

   - Transfer the buns to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

   - Serve hot with soy sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Enjoy your homemade Sheng Jian Bao as a delightful snack or appetizer!

Citations:

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0K5LOqpCBGo

[2] https://vocabularyoffood.com/pan-fried-pork-buns/

[3] https://www.woocancook.com/sheng-jian-bao

[4] https://omnivorescookbook.com/shen-jian-bao/

[5] https://en.christinesrecipes.com/2014/03/pan-fried-pork-buns.html

[6] https://redhousespice.com/pan-fried-pork-buns/

[7] https://tiffycooks.com/crispy-pan-fried-pork-buns-sheng-jian-bao/

[8] https://thewoksoflife.com/shanghai-pan-fried-pork-buns-shengjian-mantou/