Dumplings & Apps

Cha Siu Bao Barbecue Pork Buns

Name: Cha Siu Bao Barbecue Pork Buns
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) pork shoulder, cut into small pieces; 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional); 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger; 1 teaspoon five-spice powder; 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast; 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water

By Imani Yarrow · June 19, 2026 · Dumplings & Apps

Prep30 min

Cook15 min

Total60 min

Serves8

Cha Siu Bao Barbecue Pork Buns — Soft, fluffy buns filled with tender barbecue pork

I still remember the first time I bit into a Cha Siu Bao, the soft and fluffy bun giving way to a tender and flavorful filling of barbecue pork. It was love at first bite, and I knew I had to learn how to make these delicious buns at home. After months of experimenting with different recipes and techniques, I'm excited to share my version of Cha Siu Bao Barbecue Pork Buns with you.

These buns are a staple of Cantonese cuisine, and are often served as a snack or appetizer at dim sum restaurants. But with this recipe, you can make them in the comfort of your own home, using ingredients that are easily available at most Asian grocery stores.

The key to making great Cha Siu Bao is to use high-quality ingredients, including tender pork and a flavorful barbecue sauce. You'll also need to make the dough for the buns from scratch, but don't worry - it's easier than you think. With a little practice, you'll be making these buns like a pro in no time.

One of the things I love about this recipe is that it's perfect for special occasions or everyday meals. You can make a big batch of buns and freeze them for later, or serve them fresh out of the oven. Either way, they're sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

So let's get started and make some delicious Cha Siu Bao Barbecue Pork Buns! With this recipe, you'll be able to create these tasty buns in the comfort of your own home, and enjoy the delicious flavors of Cantonese cuisine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These buns are perfect for special occasions or everyday meals
They're easy to make and require minimal ingredients
The pork filling is tender and flavorful, and the buns are soft and fluffy
You can make a big batch of buns and freeze them for later
They're a great way to enjoy the flavors of Cantonese cuisine at home
They're perfect for serving at parties or gatherings
They're a fun and delicious twist on traditional barbecue

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Cha Siu Bao is to use a combination of high-quality ingredients and proper technique. The pork filling is made with tender and flavorful ingredients, including hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and five-spice powder. The dough for the buns is made with a combination of all-purpose flour, yeast, and water, and is allowed to rise for several hours to give it a light and airy texture.

The barbecue sauce is also an important component of the dish, and is made with a combination of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. It's sweet, savory, and slightly spicy, and adds a depth of flavor to the pork filling that's hard to resist.

The technique used to make the buns is also important, as it involves a combination of folding and twisting the dough to create the characteristic shape of the buns. This not only makes the buns look more appealing, but also helps to create a soft and fluffy texture that's perfect for soaking up the flavorful pork filling.

Finally, the buns are steamed to perfection, which helps to cook the pork filling through and give the buns a tender and fluffy texture. The result is a delicious and authentic Cha Siu Bao that's sure to please even the most discerning palate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delicious buns, you'll need a few basic ingredients, including pork, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and all-purpose flour. You'll also need some specialized ingredients, such as five-spice powder and rice vinegar, which can be found at most Asian grocery stores.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality items that are fresh and flavorful. This will help to ensure that your buns turn out delicious and authentic.

1 lb (450g) pork shoulder, cut into small piecesPork shoulder is a great cut of meat for this recipe, as it's tender and flavorful. You can also use other cuts of pork, such as pork loin or pork belly, but pork shoulder is the most traditional choice.
2 tablespoons hoisin sauceHoisin sauce is a sweet and savory condiment that's commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It adds a rich and depthful flavor to the pork filling, and is a key ingredient in this recipe.
2 tablespoons soy sauceSoy sauce is a salty and umami-rich condiment that's commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It adds a savory flavor to the pork filling, and helps to balance out the sweetness of the hoisin sauce.
2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional)Oyster sauce is a savory and umami-rich condiment that's commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It adds a depthful flavor to the pork filling, and is a key ingredient in many traditional Chinese recipes.
2 tablespoons rice vinegarRice vinegar is a mild and slightly sweet condiment that's commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It adds a bright and refreshing flavor to the pork filling, and helps to balance out the richness of the hoisin sauce.
2 tablespoons vegetable oilVegetable oil is a neutral-tasting oil that's commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It's used to cook the pork filling and add flavor to the buns.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a pungent and flavorful ingredient that's commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It adds a savory flavor to the pork filling, and helps to balance out the sweetness of the hoisin sauce.
1 tablespoon grated fresh gingerFresh ginger is a spicy and flavorful ingredient that's commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It adds a bright and refreshing flavor to the pork filling, and helps to balance out the richness of the hoisin sauce.
1 teaspoon five-spice powderFive-spice powder is a blend of spices that's commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the pork filling, and helps to balance out the sweetness of the hoisin sauce.
1 cup (120g) all-purpose flourAll-purpose flour is a versatile and neutral-tasting ingredient that's commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It's used to make the dough for the buns, and helps to create a soft and fluffy texture.
1/4 teaspoon saltSalt is a savory and flavor-enhancing ingredient that's commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It adds a savory flavor to the pork filling, and helps to balance out the sweetness of the hoisin sauce.
1/4 teaspoon sugarSugar is a sweet and flavor-enhancing ingredient that's commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It adds a sweet flavor to the pork filling, and helps to balance out the savory flavors of the soy sauce and oyster sauce.
1/2 teaspoon active dry yeastActive dry yeast is a type of yeast that's commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It's used to make the dough for the buns, and helps to create a light and airy texture.
1/2 cup (120ml) warm waterWarm water is used to make the dough for the buns, and helps to create a soft and fluffy texture.

Ingredients for Cha Siu Bao Barbecue Pork Buns

Equipment You’ll Need

Large mixing bowlMeasuring cups and spoonsElectric mixerDough scraperBamboo steamerInstant-read thermometerSharp knife

How to Make Cha Siu Bao Barbecue Pork Buns

1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pork, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and five-spice powder. Mix well to combine, until the pork is evenly coated with the sauce.
2
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
3
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Mix well to combine, until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
4
Add the warm water to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
6
Preheat a steamer basket by filling it with water and bringing it to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and place a bamboo steamer over the water.
7
Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces, depending on how large you want your buns to be. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten it slightly into a disk shape.
8
Place a tablespoon or two of the pork filling in the center of each dough disk. Fold the dough over the filling to form a bun shape, and press the edges together to seal the bun.
9
Place the buns in the steamer basket, leaving about 1 inch of space between each bun. Cover the steamer with a lid and steam the buns for 12-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and fluffy.
10
Remove the buns from the steamer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve the buns warm, garnished with sliced scallions and a drizzle of soy sauce (if desired).
11
To freeze the buns, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the buns to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply steam the buns for 5-7 minutes, or until they are warmed through.

Expert Tips

Make sure to use high-quality ingredients, including fresh pork and flavorful sauces.
Don't overmix the dough, as this can make the buns tough and dense.
Use a thermometer to ensure that the water is at the right temperature for steaming the buns.
Don't overcrowd the steamer basket, as this can cause the buns to stick together.
Experiment with different fillings and sauces to find your favorite flavor combinations.
Consider using a stand mixer to knead the dough, as this can save time and effort.
If you don't have a bamboo steamer, you can use a metal steamer basket or even a foil packet with holes poked in it.
To add extra flavor to the buns, try brushing them with a little bit of soy sauce or hoisin sauce before steaming.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not letting the dough rise long enough, which can result in dense and tough buns.
Overmixing the dough, which can make the buns tough and dense.
Not using enough filling, which can result in buns that are too small and not flavorful enough.
Not steaming the buns for long enough, which can result in buns that are not cooked through.
Not using a thermometer to ensure that the water is at the right temperature for steaming the buns.
Not leaving enough space between the buns in the steamer basket, which can cause them to stick together.

Variations and Substitutions

Try using different types of meat, such as chicken or beef, for a unique flavor profile.
Experiment with different sauces and seasonings, such as hoisin sauce or five-spice powder, to add extra flavor to the buns.
Add some diced vegetables, such as cabbage or carrots, to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use a different type of flour, such as whole wheat or rice flour, to create a unique texture and flavor.
Try steaming the buns for a shorter or longer amount of time to see how it affects the texture and flavor.
Consider using a different type of steamer, such as a metal steamer basket or a foil packet with holes poked in it, to see how it affects the buns.
Add some extra flavorings, such as sesame oil or soy sauce, to the dough or filling for extra flavor.

What to Serve With Cha Siu Bao Barbecue Pork Buns

These buns are perfect for serving as a snack or appetizer, and can be paired with a variety of dipping sauces, such as soy sauce or hoisin sauce. They're also great for serving as a main course, paired with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a bowl of noodle soup.

Some other ideas for serving these buns include:

Serving them with a side of pickled vegetables, such as cucumbers or carrots, for a refreshing and flavorful snack.

Pairing them with a bowl of congee, a traditional Chinese rice porridge, for a comforting and filling breakfast.

Serving them with a side of steamed dumplings, such as har gow or siu mai, for a delicious and varied dim sum meal.

Serve with a side of stir-fried vegetablesPair with a bowl of noodle soupServe with a side of pickled vegetablesPair with a bowl of congeeServe with a side of steamed dumplings

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store the buns, you can place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply steam them for a few minutes to reheat before serving.

You can also freeze the buns for up to 3 months. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the buns to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer.

To reheat frozen buns, simply steam them for 5-7 minutes, or until they are warmed through.

It's also a good idea to label the container or bag with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of how long the buns have been stored.

In addition to refrigerating or freezing the buns, you can also store them at room temperature for a short period of time. Simply place them in an airtight container and keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pork is best for this recipe?

Pork shoulder is a great cut of meat for this recipe, as it's tender and flavorful. You can also use other cuts of pork, such as pork loin or pork belly, but pork shoulder is the most traditional choice.

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can use a different type of flour, such as whole wheat or rice flour, to create a unique texture and flavor. However, keep in mind that using a different type of flour may affect the texture and flavor of the buns.

How do I know when the buns are cooked through?

The buns are cooked through when they are fluffy and tender, and the filling is hot and flavorful. You can also check the internal temperature of the buns, which should be at least 165°F (74°C).

Can I freeze the buns?

Yes, you can freeze the buns for up to 3 months. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the buns to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer.

How do I reheat frozen buns?

To reheat frozen buns, simply steam them for 5-7 minutes, or until they are warmed through.

Can I use a different type of steamer?

Yes, you can use a different type of steamer, such as a metal steamer basket or a foil packet with holes poked in it, to steam the buns. However, keep in mind that using a different type of steamer may affect the texture and flavor of the buns.

What's the best way to serve the buns?

The buns are perfect for serving as a snack or appetizer, and can be paired with a variety of dipping sauces, such as soy sauce or hoisin sauce. They're also great for serving as a main course, paired with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a bowl of noodle soup.

Can I make the buns ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the buns ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Simply steam them for a few minutes to reheat before serving.

How do I store the buns?

To store the buns, you can place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the buns for up to 3 months. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the buns to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer.

The Full Recipe

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