Hawaiian Steamed Beef Buns

Serves: 4

Clair Leannon

1 January 1970

Based on User reviews:

56

Spice

48

Sweetness

48

Sourness

41

mins

Prep time (avg)

4.8

Difficulty

Ingredients:

3 tbsps

Honey

2 cloves

Garlic (minced)

3 tbsps

Sherry (dry)

2 tbsps

Soy Sauce

2 tbsps

Hoisin Sauce

Directions:

1

Special equipment: A large pot with a steamer insert and wax paper For the dough: Whisk together the warm water and honey in a small bowl

2

Sprinkle in the yeast

3

Let the mixture rest until it bubbles, 4 to 6 minutes

4

Meanwhile, whisk together the flour and salt in a large bowl

5

Add the yeast mixture and sesame oil and stir with a wooden spoon until just combined

6

If the dough seems a little dry, sprinkle in a little bit of water

7

Turn the dough out onto a clean work surface

8

If the dough is a little sticky, lightly dust the surface with flour

9

Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes

10

Lightly grease a large mixing bowl with sesame oil

11

Form the dough into a ball and place it in the bowl, gently turning to coat

12

Cover with a damp clean dishtowel and let rest in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour

13

For the filling: Heat the canola oil over medium-high heat in a medium skillet

14

Add the beef and a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper

15

Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until lightly browned and no longer pink, about 2 minutes

16

Transfer the beef to a plate

17

Lower the heat to medium

18

Add the onion to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 8 minutes

19

Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 2 minutes

20

Return the beef to the skillet

21

Stir in the Chinese five spice powder and cook until very fragrant, about 20 seconds

22

Add the sherry and cook until the skillet is almost dry

23

Add the soy sauce, hoisin sauce and 1/4 cup water

24

Stir to combine and cook until the sauce has reduced and thickened, about 3 minutes

25

Cool completely

26

To make the steamed buns: Cut the wax paper into eight 3-inch squares

27

Lightly brush a baking sheet with canola oil

28

Transfer the dough to a clean work surface

29

Punch it down and divide it into 8 equal balls

30

Roll out each to a 5-inch disc, working from the center to the outer edge and turning it often to keep the middle twice as thick as the outer edge

31

Cup the disc of dough in one hand and mound 2 tablespoons of filling in the center

32

Pinch the edges of the dough together with your other hand to seal the bun, Flip the bun over so that it is seam-side down and reshape it into a smooth round dome

33

Place it on a square of wax paper to keep it from sticking

34

Repeat with the remaining dough and filling

35

Arrange the buns (and wax paper) on the prepared baking sheet 2 inches apart and cover with a damp towel

36

Set the buns in a warm place to rise until plumped and puffy, 45 to 60 minutes

37

Fill a large pot with at least 3 inches of water and bring it to a strong simmer over medium-high heat

38

Put 4 buns in the steamer insert, leaving 1 inch between them to expand

39

Drape a clean dishcloth across the top of the pot to prevent condensation from dripping from the lid onto the buns

40

(This step isn't necessary if you are using a bamboo steamer

41

) Cover the steamer and cook for 20 minutes

42

Repeat with the remaining buns

43

Serve hot