Tofu Steamed Buns

Step 1

Make the dough:Add the flour, instant yeast packet, and salt in to a large bowl or food processor. Pulse or mix a few times until combined.

Step 2

Heat the water on low or microwave for a minute or so until the water reaches the appropriate temperature. It should be approximately 120-130 degrees.

Step 3

Add the water and the oil to the dry mixture and stir a few times until combined. The dough will be  soft and slightly sticky.

Step 4

Lightly flour a surface and knead the dough for 7-10 minutes.

Step 5

Return the dough to a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a damp towel. Let rise for 1 hour.

Step 6

Make the filling: Drain the package of tofu and lightly squeeze out some of the water. Mince the red onion and chop the tofu in to very small cubes. I like to do tiny squares and some crumbled.

Step 7

Add 1 tbsp of oil to a pan heated on medium-high. Add the tofu and red onion and cook until the tofu is lightly browned and the onion is soft.

Step 8

Whisk together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl then add to the pan. Let the sauce simmer until the tofu has absorbed all of it. About 10-15 minutes. Turn off heat and set aside to cool.

Step 9

Fill the buns: Punch the dough right in the middle to release air. Dump the dough out on to a clean surface and knead a few more times about 30 seconds and roll in to a log.

Step 10

Cut the dough in to 12 even pieces. Roll each piece in to a ball. Cover with a towel and let rest on the table for 10 minutes. Use a rolling pin and roll each ball of dough in to a flat circle between 1/4in to 1/2in thick.

Step 11

Fill each bun with a heaping 2 tablespoons of the tofu filling and close the bun however you choose to. I simply sealed mine and rolled into balls. Place the filled buns on a baking tray.

Step 12

Cover and rest for 30 more minutes.

Step 13

Steam the buns: Use a steamer basket of choice: I used a bamboo steamer. Add water to the wok or pan and bring to a boil. Place the steamed buns in to the steamer basket with room in-between them- place lid on the steamer basket and then on to the water and reduce to a simmer. Steam for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat but let sit with the lid on for 5 minutes (don't open it!)