Gua Bao (Taiwanese Steamed Pork Buns)
Discover the soft, pillowy delight of Gua Bao, a beloved Taiwanese street food. These steamed buns are filled with tender, flavorful pork belly, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a touch of savory sauce. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, Gua Bao combines textures and flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Buns:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
For the Pork Belly:
- 1 pound pork belly, skin removed
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice wine
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, sliced
- 1 cup water
For the Assembly:
- Pickled mustard greens or pickled cucumber
- Fresh cilantro
- Crushed roasted peanuts
- Hoisin sauce or chili sauce
Instructions
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Make the Buns
In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Add yeast mixture and vegetable oil. Knead until a smooth dough forms, about 8–10 minutes. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size. Punch down the dough and divide it into 8–10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an oval shape, fold in half, and place on parchment paper. Steam the buns over boiling water for 10–12 minutes until fluffy.
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Cook the Pork Belly
Slice the pork belly into 1-inch thick pieces. In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, hoisin sauce, five-spice powder, garlic, ginger, and water. Bring to a simmer. Add pork belly, cover, and braise on low heat for 1–1.5 hours until tender. Remove pork and let cool slightly, then slice thinly.
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Assemble the Gua Bao
Open a steamed bun gently and spread a little hoisin sauce inside. Add slices of pork belly, pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, and crushed peanuts. Serve immediately while warm.
Serving
Enjoy Gua Bao as a delicious handheld snack or as part of a larger meal. Pair with a light soup or Asian-inspired salad for a full Taiwanese experience. The combination of soft bun, savory pork, and fresh, tangy toppings creates a perfect balance of flavors.
