Love baked BBQ pork buns but never seem to make them perfectly? We’ve all been there – the oven is on, the pork is cooking, and then we realize that we forgot to put the buns in. Or maybe they come out a little too dry. You’ll get the perfect baked BBQ pork bun every time with these tips!
Baked BBQ Pork Buns: What Is It
Baked BBQ pork buns are among the most popular and delicious Chinese snacks. They are made of a soft and fluffy white bun stuffed with a savory filling of barbecued pork. The buns are then baked until golden brown and crispy. These buns are often served as part of a Dim Sum meal, snack, or appetizer. They can also be found at many Chinese bakeries and restaurants.
There are many different ways to make baked BBQ pork buns, but the most common method is to use a dough made of flour, yeast, water, and sugar. The filling is usually made with barbecued pork, but other ingredients such as mushrooms, onions, and cabbage may also be used. The dough is first kneaded until it is smooth and elastic. Then, it is left to rise in a warm place for about an hour.
Once it has doubled in size, it is divided into small balls. The filling is made by cooking the pork (or other ingredients) in a BBQ sauce. Once it is cooked, the filling is placed into the center of each dough ball. The balls are then rolled out and flattened before being placed onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. They are then baked in a preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Once they are out of the oven, they can be served warm or cold. They can also be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to a week. Baked BBQ pork buns are a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic Chinese snack. Whether you make them yourself or buy them from a bakery or restaurant, they will be a hit with everyone!
These buns are inspired by the Chinese steamed buns traditionally filled with pork. These buns are inspired by the Chinese steamed buns traditionally filled with pork. They are baked, not steamed. The result is a delicious snack perfect for parties or when you’re in the mood. We first had these buns at a Chinese restaurant in Los Angeles, and they quickly became one of our favorite things to order.
We’ve been making them at home ever since, and they always disappear quickly! We loved the combination of the sweet barbecue sauce with the savory pork filling and that they were baked instead of steamed.
The Ingredients And Flavors Of This Unique Dish
Baked BBQ pork buns are a unique dish that combines the flavors of pork and barbecue sauce. The pork is baked in the oven and then served inside a soft bun with barbecue sauce. This dish is perfect for parties or get-togethers because it can be made ahead of time and served at room temperature. The pork for this dish is marinated in barbecue sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and spices.
This gives the pork a sweet and savory flavor, perfect for the BBQ Pork Buns. The pork is then baked in the oven until it is cooked through. Once the pork is cooked, it is shredded and mixed with more barbecue sauce. The buns for this dish are soft and fluffy, and they absorb the flavor of the pork and barbecue sauce. The buns can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to be used.
When you are ready to serve the baked BBQ pork buns, simply reheat the buns in the oven and fill them with the pork mixture. The baked BBQ pork buns are a unique and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of pork and barbecue sauce. This dish is perfect for any occasion, and it is sure to be a hit with your guests. Give this dish a try at your next party or get-together, and you will not be disappointed.
Tips For Pairing Baked BBQ Pork Buns With Other Dishes
There are a few things to consider when pairing baked BBQ pork buns with other dishes. First, the pork buns should be the star of the show. Second, the other dishes should be complementary in flavor and texture. Here are some tips for pairing baked BBQ pork buns with other dishes:
– Sides: Serve the pork buns with steamed rice and a simple vegetable side dish.
– Main dishes: Pair the pork buns with grilled or roasted meat, such as chicken, beef, or lamb.
– Desserts: Serve the pork buns with a sweet dessert, like fruit or cake.
How To Bake BBQ Pork Buns That Are Crispy And Tender
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for surface
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons sugar, divided
- 3 tablespoons vegetable shortening, cut into small pieces, and frozen for 15 minutes
- 2 large egg yolks, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/4 cup barbeque sauce, plus more for serving
- 1/2 pound pork shoulder, cooked and shredded
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and 2 tablespoons of sugar in a large bowl. Stir in egg yolks and milk until a soft dough forms. Add frozen shortening pieces and rub them into the flour mixture with your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Turn out dough onto a floured surface and knead for 1 minute. Divide dough into 12 pieces and shape each into a ball. Arrange balls on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, whisk together baking soda and vinegar. Brush the tops of buns with the mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Bake until golden brown, about 10 minutes more. Remove from oven and brush tops with barbeque sauce.
These baked BBQ pork buns are perfect for a quick and easy dinner. The instructions are simple, resulting in a delicious, hearty meal. Serve with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy!
How To Make BBQ Pork Buns At Home
When it comes to baking delicious BBQ pork buns, there is no one-size-fits-all recipe. However, a few key tips and tricks will help you achieve perfect results every time. Here is the ultimate guide to making baked BBQ pork buns perfectly cooked, juicy, and full of flavor.
Make Sure The Pork Is Properly Cooked
The first and most important step to making perfect BBQ pork buns at home is to ensure that the pork filling is properly cooked. The pork should be cooked until tender and can easily be shredded with a fork. If you are using raw pork, cook it in a slow cooker or Instant Pot until it is tender enough to shred. If you are using cooked pork, simply shred it with a fork or chop it into small pieces.
Use A Good Quality Barbecue Sauce
There are so many different barbecue sauces on the market these days, and not all of them are created equal. It is important to use a good quality sauce that you know and trust for barbecue sauce. Use a sauce that you know will taste great with the pork buns.
Add Some Extras
Once you have the pork and barbecue sauce, you can add extras to take these buns to the next level. Some ideas include chopped green onions, diced pineapple, or Hoisin sauce. Try different flavors until you find something you love. These buns are great with a side of steamed rice or fresh vegetables.
Pack The Buns Tightly
When packing the buns, it is important to pack them as tightly as possible. This will help ensure that they hold together well and do not fall apart when you eat them. You will first need to determine how many buns you want to make to do this. Then, take the appropriate amount of ground pork and form it into small balls. Once you have done this, take a small spoon and carefully place each pork ball into a bun.
Be sure to press it down firmly so that it is well-packed. When all of the buns are filled, you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate them.
Be Sure To Brush The Tops With Egg Wash
After the buns have been stuffed and packed, brush the tops with an egg wash. This will help to give them a nice golden brown color when they are baked.
Choose The Right Pork
When it comes to baked BBQ pork buns, you want to choose a cut of pork that is fatty and well-marbled. This will help ensure that your buns are juicy and full of flavor. Some good cuts of pork to use include pork shoulder, pork belly, or boneless ribs.
If you can’t find any of those cuts of pork, then you can also use a leaner cut like pork loin. Just add some extra fat to the recipe (like bacon grease) to help keep the buns moist.
Season The Pork Well
The key to any good BBQ dish is proper seasoning. This is especially true for baked BBQ pork buns. Make sure to season your pork generously with salt, pepper, and your favorite BBQ spice blend.
Bake At A High Temperature
One of the keys to perfect baked BBQ pork buns is cooking them at a high temperature. This will help render out the fat and create a crispy exterior. We recommend cooking the buns at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for best results.
Remove The Buns From The Oven When They Are Slightly Underdone
It is important to remove the baked BBQ pork buns from the oven when they are slightly underdone. This will help ensure that they are moist and juicy. If you cook them for too long, they will dry out and become tough.
Allow The Buns To Cool Slightly Before Serving
After removing the buns from the oven, allow them to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help ensure that they are easy to eat and won’t fall apart. Serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy!
Bake The Buns Until Golden Brown
The last step is to bake the buns until they are golden brown and slightly puffed up. Be sure to keep an eye on them not to get too dark. We like to place them on a wire rack to cool slightly, so the bottoms don’t get soggy. Once the buns are baked, remove them from the oven and enjoy! These are best served warm and fresh out of the oven. They can be stored in an airtight container and reheated when you’re ready! Enjoy!
Get The Perfect Texture In Your Baked BBQ Pork Buns With These Tips
If you love Chinese BBQ pork buns, you’ll want to learn how to make them at home. These tips will help you get the perfect texture and flavor in your baked BBQ pork buns. The first tip is to use the correct flour. For best results, use bleached all-purpose flour. This flour has been treated with chlorine to make it whiter and more fine-grained. It will give your buns a softer texture.
If you can’t find bleached all-purpose flour, you can use unbleached flour or cake flour. The former will give you a slightly tougher bun, while the latter will result in a more tender bun. The second tip is to proof your yeast. This ensures that your buns will be nice and fluffy. Combine it with warm water and sugar to prove your yeast, and let it sit for about 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, the mixture should be foamy.
If it’s not, your yeast is no longer active, and you’ll need to start over with new yeast. The third tip is to knead your dough well. This helps to develop the gluten in the flour, which will give your buns a chewy texture. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes before letting it rest, covered, for 30 minutes. After the dough has rested, shape it into 12 balls.
Place the balls on a lightly greased baking sheet and let them rise, covered, for 30 minutes. Just before baking, brush the tops of the buns with some beaten egg. This will give them a nice shine. Bake the buns at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes or until they’re golden brown. Enjoy your homemade buns!
Tips On How To Improve The Flavor Of Baked BBQ Pork Buns
When it comes to barbecued pork buns, the flavor is key. After all, what’s the point of eating a delicious bun if the pork inside is bland? Luckily, there are a few easy ways to amp up the flavor of your BBQ pork buns, making them even more irresistible.
Use A Good Quality Pork
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s worth mentioning. After all, the quality of the pork you use will greatly impact the flavor of your BBQ pork buns if you can opt for higher quality, well-marbled pork that has been raised without antibiotics. The pork will be more flavorful, but it will also be more tender and juicy.
Add A Flavorful Marinade Or Sauce
Another great way to add flavor to your BBQ pork buns is to add a flavorful marinade or sauce. This can help infuse the pork with additional flavor, making it even more delicious. Some great marinade or sauce options include:
- Soy sauce
- Hoisin sauce
- Char siu sauce
- Barbecue sauce
Brioche Buns Are The Best
When it comes to the actual bun, brioche buns are the way to go. These rich buttery buns are the perfect vehicle for savory barbecued pork, and they take the flavor up a notch. If you can’t find brioche buns, any good quality dinner roll or hamburger bun will do. Avoid plain white bread, as it will be too bland and wonky.
Differences Between Baked And Fried Pork Buns
There are two main types of pork buns: baked and fried. Fried pork buns are the most popular type, but baked pork buns are becoming increasingly popular. So, what’s the difference between these two types of pork buns? The biggest difference is in the cooking method. Fried pork buns are, as the name suggests, fried in oil. This gives them a crispy exterior and a soft, doughy interior.
On the other hand, Baked pork buns are baked in the oven. This gives them a slightly chewy exterior and a softer overall texture. Another difference is in the filling. Baked pork buns have a lighter filling, often made with steamed pork and vegetables. Fried pork buns typically have a more substantial filling, often made with chopped pork and vegetables.
Finally, fried pork buns are generally served hot, while baked pork buns can be served at room temperature or warm. So, which type of pork bun is right for you? If you’re looking for a quick and easy snack, fried pork buns are probably your best bet. If you’re looking for something a little healthier, or if you want to try something new, baked pork buns are a great option.
What Are The Risks Of Eating Barbecue Pork Buns
There are a few risks to consider when eating barbecue pork buns. First, the pork bun is often fried, making it greasy and unhealthy. Second, the bun’s filling (usual pork) is often very fatty, increasing your calorie intake. Finally, many people enjoy dipping their buns in sugary sauces, which can add even more calories and sugar to your diet.
If you are concerned about your health, it is important to consider these risks before eating barbecue pork buns. However, if you enjoy the taste of these buns and feel comfortable with the risks, then enjoy!
How To Store Baked BBQ Pork Buns So It Lasts Longer
Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through when ready to eat. Baked BBQ pork buns are best when they are fresh, but you can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To store, place the buns in an airtight container or bag. You can also freeze baked BBQ pork buns for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the buns in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through when ready to eat. Enjoy your fresh, delicious baked BBQ pork buns!
Baked BBQ Pork Buns: FAQs
What is the best way to reheat leftover baked BBQ pork buns?
The best way to reheat baked BBQ pork buns is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the buns on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until heated through. If you are short on time, you can also reheat the buns in the microwave. Place them on a plate and heat for 30-45 seconds until warmed through. Enjoy!
Can I freeze baked BBQ pork buns?
Yes, you can freeze baked BBQ pork buns. Place the buns in a freezer-safe bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed above when ready to eat.
What is the best way to store baked BBQ pork buns?
The best way to store baked BBQ pork buns is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
How do I know if my baked BBQ pork buns are done?
Baked BBQ pork buns are done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. To test, insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of a bun. If it reads 165 degrees, they’re done. If not, give them a few more minutes in the oven.
My baked BBQ pork buns are dry. What can I do?
If your baked BBQ pork buns are dry, you can try brushing them with a little bit of water or milk before reheating. This will help to re-moisten the buns. You can also try reheating them in a humid environment, such as a steamer or covered pot.
Conclusion
Baked BBQ pork buns are a delicious and easy-to-make homemade version of the popular Chinese dish. These buns will be a hit whether making them for a party or just for dinner!
Jen Lin-Liu is the founder of Black Sesame Kitchen. A Chinese-American writer and a nationally certified Chinese chef in Beijing. Jen is the author of two memoirs, Serve the People: A Stir-Fried Journey Through China and On the Noodle Road: From Beijing to Rome with Love and Pasta.