Shengjian Bao

Savor the delightful crunch of Shengjian Bao, a Chinese street food favorite filled with juicy ground pork and aromatic ginger. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends!

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 250 grams ground pork
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger, finely grated
• 1 teaspoon green onions, chopped
• 1 cup water (for steaming)

Method

1. 1

   In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy.

2. 2

   In a large mixing bowl, add the flour and gradually pour in the yeast mixture. Knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover and let it rise for 30 minutes.

3. 3

   In another bowl, mix ground pork, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and green onions until well combined.

4. 4

   After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle about 4 inches in diameter.

5. 5

   Place a tablespoon of the pork filling in the center of each dough circle. Gather the edges and pinch to seal the bao.

6. 6

   Heat a pan with a little oil over medium heat. Place the buns in the pan, flat side down, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until golden.

7. 7

   Add water to the pan (about 1 cup) and cover immediately. Steam the buns for about 15 minutes until cooked through.

8. 8

   Remove the lid and let the buns cook for an additional 2 minutes to crisp the bottom. Serve hot with soy sauce for dipping.