Ease of Preparation: Hard
Yield: 6 buns
These Pork Bao Buns (Char Siu Bao if you want to impress your friends…) combine sweet-spicy roast pork, savory hoisin sauce, fluffy steamed buns, and crisp fresh veggies in a Chinese-style brunch bite that will convert you to Dim Sum dining for life! Our recipe is easy for a home cook to assemble and even easier to enjoy!
Ingredients:
Roast pork (char siu):
- 1 pound (454 g) boneless pork butt, cut into long 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick slices
- ¾ cup (180 mL) prepared Char Siu Sauce
- ¼ cup (60 mL) soy sauce
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ cup honey
For the sandwiches:
- 6 prepared bao buns
- 2 tablespoons hoisin
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- Scallions, cut on a long thin bias
- Shredded daikon, carrots
- Chilies, sliced thin
Special Equipment:
- Bamboo steamer
Method:
For the pork:
In a baking pan, massage the char siu sauce, soy, ginger, and honey into the pork, cover and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat oven to 250 F (120 C).
Transfer to a pan fitted with a rack, reserving the marinade, and roast in for 2.5 hours, basting the meat with the reserved marinade halfway through.
Every 30 minutes, turn the meat and baste.
Turn the oven up to 425 F (220 C) and cook for 10 minutes until nicely charred. Remove from the oven and let rest.
When cool enough to handle, slice the meat, then keep warm for the sandwiches.
For the sandwiches:
Line the steamer basket with paper or cabbage leaves, arrange the prepared buns and steam for 5-6 minutes.
Whisk together hoisin, oyster sauce, soy and vinegar to make a sauce. Arrange the warm roast pork on the buns with the sauce, garnish with scallions, chilies, daikon, and carrots, and serve hot.