Chinese Steamed Barbecue Pork Buns (Char Siu Bao)

Step 1

For preparing the dough:

Step 2

Warm the rice milk in a small pot for around 2 minutes, then turn off the heat. Add in the extra virgin olive oil and agave sugar and mix well until all the agave sugar has dissolved.

Step 3

Place all the dry ingredients including the yeast into a large mixing bowl.

Step 4

Attach the mixing bowl to an electric mixer and then attach the dough hook. Using low speed, mix for about 30 seconds or until ingredients are well combined.

Step 5

Continue on low speed, gradually pour the warm rice milk mixture in step 1 into the well in the large bowl for about 2 minute.

Step 6

Stop mixing and then use a rubber spatula to scrape the sides of the mixing bowl.

Step 7

Mix on low setting for another 5 minutes or until you get a smooth dough.

Step 8

Divide the dough into 2 portions. Seal in ziplock bags and let the dough rest on the benchtop to rise for 30 minutes.

Step 9

For rolling out the dough:

Step 10

Dust the work surface with some gluten free flour.

Step 11

Remove 1 bag of dough from the ziplock bag at a time, divide the dough equally into 13 large balls around 83g (3oz) each. Repeat until all the dough are finished.

Step 12

Flatten each ball into a disc or patty and shape each patty into 4 inch round dough with the middle thicker than the edges.

Step 13

For filling the dough:

Step 14

In a small bowl, mix and combine well the barbecue pork pieces with the barbecue sauce.

Step 15

Place some pork fillings onto each dough and wrap and pinch the dough together. Ensure that they are tightly sealed and shape into a smooth ball.

Step 16

For cooking the buns:

Step 17

Arrange each dough onto a piece of baking/parchment paper with the sealed side facing down.

Step 18

Heat up a wok with a steaming rack with some water and place the bamboo steamer on top of the steaming rack. Steam the buns for 20 minutes on high heat in batches. Ensure that there is sufficient water in the wok for the whole steaming process. Repeat until all the buns are cooked. You can use any type of steamer.

Step 19

Remove and place the cooked buns on a cooling rack. Best serve warm.

Step 20

You can also store the buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat by steaming on high heat for 5 minutes or in microwave for 1½ minutes or until buns are soft.