Pork Belly Buns Recipes

Steps:

• Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3. Heat the oil in a flameproof casserole dish over a medium-high heat. In batches, brown the pork belly well, then transfer to a plate. Tip the sugar into the dish and cook over a medium heat until starting to dissolve and caramelise, then quickly stir in the garlic, ginger and star anise, and cook for 1 min.
• Carefully pour in the rice wine and soy sauce - watch out, it will spatter - and simmer to dissolve the sugar. Stir the pork into the caramel to coat, then add 100ml water and the five-spice, and bring to a simmer. Put the lid on and cook in the oven for 1 hr 30 mins. Remove from the oven, uncover, put on a high heat to simmer and reduce the sauce until sticky. Can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and chilled. Reheat with a splash of water.
• To make the chilli peanuts, mash most of the peanuts using a pestle and mortar, then add the rest of the nuts and roughly crush for a chunky texture. Stir through the togarashi powder. Can be made 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container.
• For the buns, tip the dry ingredients and a large pinch of salt into a food mixer fitted with a dough hook. Pour in the milk, oil and 100ml tepid water, and work the mixture for about 10 mins until smooth and elastic. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover with cling film and leave to double in size (for about 1 hr)
• Tip the dough onto a floured surface and roll into a sausage shape. Cut the sausage into 10 equal portions. Roll each portion into a bun, then use a rolling pin to roll each bun out into an oval. Lightly grease each one, then fold them over a greased chopstick or skewer and place on a lightly oiled baking tray to rest for 1 hr or until doubled in size. Remove the chopstick or skewer before steaming.
• Heat a steamer and steam the buns on circles of baking parchment in batches for about 10 mins until puffed up. Split the buns and stuff each one with a slice or two of the pork, drizzled with some of the sauce. Scatter over some coriander, cucumber and spring onions, then sprinkle with the crushed nuts and tuck in.

Steps:

• For the pork belly and marinade: Blend the gochujang, honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame seeds and sesame oil in a blender.
• Put pork belly in a roasting pan and pour marinade over. Let marinate overnight in refrigerator.
• Preheat the oven to 320 degrees F.
• Cook for 4 hours. Remove from oven and let cool. Pour off excess liquid, then place pork belly in fridge overnight. Slice into 1/4-inch pieces.
• For the bao buns: Steam or microwave bao buns until warm and soft.
• In a hot frying pan over medium heat, cook sliced pork belly to crisp up. On a serving plate, place 3 bao buns. Place a slice of crispy pork belly, a hoisin sauce drizzle, cucumber, Pickled Red Onion and cilantro leaves. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Serve hot.
• Mix together the vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, salt and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepot. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat. Pour warm mixture over red onions in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 3 to 5 days before using.

Steps:

• The Buns: In a measuring jug, place the sugar and warm water. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
• Add the active yeast, then stir and set aside for 10-15 minutes.
• In a large bowl, mix together the flour and baking powder.
• Add the yeast mixture to the bowl and stir until nearly combined.
• Add the oil, then stir until fully incorporated.
• Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface and knead for 10-15 minutes.
• Once the dough is smooth, return it to the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and leave for 1 hour until the dough has doubled in size.
• Remove the dough from the bowl and knock it back by kneading for 1 minute.
• Cut into 10 equal pieces.
• Roll each piece into a ball, place onto a lined baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap and rest for 10 minutes.
• Onto a floured work surface, flatten each ball with the palm of your hand.
• Roll out to 2 millimetres.
• Lightly brush one side with sesame oil, then fold in half and place back onto the baking sheet. Cover and rest for 20 minutes.
• Set steamer over a high heat, then steam buns for 8-10 minutes.
• The Pork: Slice the pork belly into 1 inch-thick (2 ½ cm) pieces.
• Fill a large pot with water. Put in the pork, spring onion, ginger, and cooking wine. Bring the water to boil.
• Drain the pork and discard the remaining water and vegetables. Clean and dry the pot.
• Return the pot to a high heat and add oil.
• Fry the pork until it browned.
• Add garlic, spring onion, ginger, sugar, five spice, cooking wine, and dark and light soy sauce. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
• Add the water, stir, and cover.
• Reduce to a low heat and simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour. Check and stir every 10 minutes or so and add water if the pot is getting dry.
• Bao
• Fill one bun with one slice of pork, top with coriander, pickled cabbage, and roasted crushed peanuts.
• Enjoy!