Homemade Char Siu Steamed Buns
These pillowy Homemade Char Siu Steamed Buns are filled with sweet-savory Chinese BBQ pork and wrapped in soft, fluffy dough. They’re the ultimate comfort food—perfect for dim sum lovers or anyone craving a satisfying homemade bao with bold umami flavor.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 360 g 12.7 oz all-purpose flour, plus extra
- 20 g 0.7 oz skim milk powder
- 4 g 0.1 oz baking powder
- 5 g 0.1 oz instant dry yeast
- 35 g 1.2 oz sugar
- 35 g 1.2 oz vegetable oil, plus extra for greasing
- 200 g 7 oz warm water
Filling:
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 tbsp finely diced onion
- 2 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 400 g 14 oz Chinese BBQ pork, diced
- 1/2 cup char siu sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 100 ml water
- 2 tbsp cornflour mixed with 2 tbsp water
- Sea salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix flour, milk powder, baking powder, yeast, and sugar.
- Add warm water and oil. Stir, then knead for 10 minutes until smooth.
- Cover and let rise 1 hour.
- Heat oil in a skillet. Add onion, garlic, and salt. Cook 3–4 minutes.
- Add pork, sauces, sugar, and water. Simmer, then stir in cornflour slurry.
- Cook until thick. Cool on tray in freezer for 15 minutes.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://mischacrossing.com/homemade-char-siu-steamed-buns/
Notes
- You can make the dough ahead and refrigerate after the first rise—bring to room temp before rolling.
- Char siu can be homemade or store-bought from your local Asian market.
- For extra shine, lightly brush steamed buns with oil right before serving.