Japanese Inspired Steamed Pork Buns

May 13, 2010

Although we often associate pork in steamed buns with china, it's also a Japanese street food delicacy. If you love pulled pork, you'll instantly be addicted to these delicious portable treats; you can wrap them up and take them to work, or serve them fresh and hot out of the steamer at a party. You can make them any size too, larger buns are good for family meals, and smaller buns will make cute cocktail canapes!

Method

For the Steamed Buns:

• 300g Plain Flour
• 2 tsp Sugar
• Pinch of Salt
• 1 Tsp Baking Powder
• 1 Tsp Instant Yeast
• 1 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
• 150ml Water

For the Filling:

• 2-3 Shiitake Mushrooms
• 50ml Water
• 1 Chopped Spring Onion
• Salt and Pepper to Taste
• 1 lb Ground Pork
• 1 Tsp Ground Ginger
• 1 Tsp Ground Garlic
• 1 Tsp Ground Chili
• 1 Tsp Mirin

Method

• To make the dough add all the dry ingredients to a bowl and mix together, then add the water slowly whilst mixing.
• Knead the dough until it forms into a soft ball.
• Knead for 15-20 further minutes, then leave to rest in a warm place in a bowl to rise.
• In a large bowl, mix together all the filling ingredients and knead together to mix well.
• When the dough is ready split it into 10 even pieces.
• Flatten each dough ball into a pizza base shape, then fill with 1-2 Tbsp of the pork mix. Fold and twist the dough over to form a bun.
• When complete with all the buns, place in a steamer for 10 minutes, but adjust the timing for the size of your buns.
• Enjoy!