Pork Belly Bao Recipe
Steamed buns with marinated pork belly.
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Ingredients
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Pork Belly Marinade
Bao Buns
Garnishes
Method
Marinating the Pork Belly
- 1
Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and black pepper to create a marinade.
- 2
Marinate the Pork Belly
Cut the pork belly into thick slices and place them in a zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring that it is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Preparing the Bao Buns
- 3
Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, yeast, and baking powder. Add warm water and vegetable oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- 4
Knead the Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- 5
Shape the Buns
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten into a disc. Pinch the edges to create a small pouch.
- 6
Steam the Buns
Place the shaped buns on parchment paper in a steamer basket, leaving space for them to expand. Steam over boiling water for about 10-15 minutes until fluffy.
Cooking the Pork Belly
- 7
Cook the Pork Belly
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Remove the pork belly from the marinade and place it on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the pork is caramelized and cooked through.
- 8
Slice the Pork Belly
Once cooked, remove the pork belly from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Then slice it into thin pieces.
Assembling the Bao
- 9
Assemble the Bao
Take a steamed bao bun, place a few slices of pork belly inside, and top with chopped cilantro, sliced cucumbers, and Sriracha if using.
- 10
Serve
Serve the pork belly bao warm and enjoy!