Baked Pork Buns

Photo: flickr user IronMal

Ingredients

4 tablespoons sugar

1/2 cup warm milk, (110 degrees f)

cup warm water, (110 degrees f)

2 teaspoons active dry yeast

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, up to 2

1 dsh salt

8 dried mushrooms, up to 10

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1/2 cup minced green onions, (including tops)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup water

4 teaspoons hoisin sauce

4 teaspoons oyster sauce

1 tablespoon sugar

2 tablespoons tsp cornstarch, mixed with 1 water

1 1/2 cups chinese bbq pork, chopped

1 egg yolk, lightly beaten

Preparation

Sweet, soft toasty-brown buns surround a tangy barbecued pork filling.

Makes 12 buns.

Cooking Time: 30 minutes.

Preparation :In a large bowl, dissolve 2 tablespoons of the sugar in milk and water.

Sprinkle yeast over top of the milk mixture and let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes or until frothy. Gradually mix in remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, flour, and salt. On a lightly floured surface, knead dough for about 5 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball and place in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until doubled. Meanwhile, soak mushrooms in enough warm water to cover for 30 minutes; drain. Cut off and discard stems; coarsely chop caps. Set aside. Cooking

Place wok or wide frying pan over high heat until hot. Add oil, swirling to coat sides. Add green onions, garlic, and mushrooms; stir-fry for 1 minute. Stir in water, hoisin sauce, and sugar; mix well. Add cornstarch solution and cook, stirring until sauce boils down and thickens. Add pork, mix well. Remove from heat and let cool. Punch down dough, then roll on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch long cylinder.

Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Tips: Traditionally, these buns are steamed over boiling water, pleated side up, for 12 to 15 minutes rather than baked. Follow the same procedure for preparing dough except do not brush tops of buns with egg yolk. Try other fillings, such as minced chicken, pork or shrimp.