Japanese Steamed Pork Bun

Transport yourself to the bustling streets of Tokyo with this comforting and flavorful Japanese Steamed Pork Bun recipe. These fluffy, pillowy buns filled with juicy pork and aromatic seasonings are a popular street food snack in Japan. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through creating these delightful buns in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the world of Asian cuisine, these steamed buns are sure to impress your taste buds and bring a taste of Japan to your table.

Title: Japanese Steamed Pork Bun

Ingredients:
– For the Bun Dough:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon instant yeast
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup warm water

– For the Pork Filling:
– 1/2 pound ground pork
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 green onion, finely chopped

Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt for the bun dough. Gradually add the warm water while stirring until a dough forms.
2. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough back in the bowl, cover with a damp towel and let it rest for 1 hour in a warm place to rise.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the ground pork, minced garlic, soy sauce, mirin, oyster sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, salt, pepper, and chopped green onion for the pork filling. Set aside.
4. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and divide it into equal-sized portions. Roll each portion into a ball and flatten into a small disk.
5. Spoon a generous amount of the pork filling into the center of each dough disk. Pleat the edges of the dough to seal the filling inside and shape into a smooth bun.
6. Place each filled bun on a small piece of parchment paper and arrange them in a steamer basket, leaving space between each bun to allow for expansion during steaming.
7. Bring water to a boil in a steamer pot and place the basket of buns inside. Steam the buns for 15-20 minutes until the dough is cooked through and the filling is hot.
8. Carefully remove the steamer basket from the pot and let the buns cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these Japanese Steamed Pork Buns warm with your favorite dipping sauce or on their own.

These Japanese Steamed Pork Buns offer a delightful combination of soft, fluffy dough and savory pork filling that will surely leave you craving more. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply looking to expand your culinary skills, these homemade buns are a delicious choice that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Japan. Experiment with different fillings and variations to make these buns your own signature dish. Say konnichiwa to a new family favorite with these delectable Japanese Steamed Pork Buns!