Banh Bao: Vietnamese Steamed Pork Buns with Egg and Chinese Sausage

Introduction

Banh Bao, a popular Vietnamese dish, is a delicious steamed bun filled with savory ingredients like pork, egg, and Chinese sausage. This dish is not only flavorful but also a comforting treat loved by many. Let’s explore how to make this delightful dish at home!

Ingredients

To make Banh Bao, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
• 1 packet of active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup of warm water
• 1/2 lb of ground pork
• 2 Chinese sausages, sliced
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, quartered
• 2-3 shiitake mushrooms, chopped
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions and cilantro for garnish

Directions

1. In a bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the flour and oil together. Pour in the yeast mixture and knead until a dough forms. Cover and let it rise for about 1-2 hours.
3. In a pan, sauté the onions until translucent. Add the ground pork and cook until browned. Mix in the Chinese sausages, mushrooms, oyster sauce, soy sauce, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Cook until well combined.
4. Roll out the dough and cut into small circles. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each circle. Add a quarter of a hard-boiled egg on top.
5. Gather the edges of the dough and pleat together to seal the bun. Place on a square piece of parchment paper.
6. Steam the buns for about 15-20 minutes until puffed up and cooked through.
7. Garnish with green onions and cilantro before serving. Enjoy your homemade Banh Bao with your favorite dipping sauce!

FAQ About Banh Bao: Vietnamese Steamed Pork Buns

What is Banh Bao?

Banh Bao is a traditional Vietnamese dish consisting of steamed buns filled with a savory mixture of pork, egg, Chinese sausage, mushrooms, and other ingredients.

How is Banh Bao prepared?

The dough for Banh Bao is made from a mixture of flour, water, yeast, and sugar. The filling, which typically includes seasoned ground pork, diced Chinese sausage, vegetables, and a quail egg, is then wrapped inside the dough and steamed until cooked.

What is the texture of Banh Bao like?

Banh Bao has a soft and fluffy texture, thanks to the steaming process that cooks the bun dough. The filling adds a flavorful and juicy element to the overall taste of the dish.

Is Banh Bao commonly served as a snack or meal?

Banh Bao is versatile and can be enjoyed as both a snack or a light meal. It is often consumed as a popular breakfast dish or as a delicious snack throughout the day.

Can Banh Bao be customized with different fillings?

While the traditional filling of pork, egg, and Chinese sausage is popular, Banh Bao can be customized with various ingredients such as chicken, shrimp, vegetables,