Ham Bao III

Christmas 2023 recipe.
Takes 3 hours and 30 minutes to make

Ingredients

1 tsp	yeast
3/4 C	warm water
2 C	flour
1 C	corn starch
5 TBLS	sugar
1/4 C	canola or vegetable oil
2-1/2 tsp	baking powder
1 to 2 tsp	water (optional)
PORK  FILLING
1 TBLS	oil
1/3 C	shallots or red onion
1 TBLS	sugar
1 TBLS	light soy sauce
1-1/2 TBLS	oyster sauce
2 tsp	sesame oil
2 tsp	dark soy sauce
1/2 C	chicken stock
2 TBLS	flour
1-1/2 C	Chinese Roast Pork (diced)

Preparation

1. Dissolve yeast in warm water.
   
   
2. Sift flour and cornstarch, add yeast mixture with sugar and oil. Mix in mixer with a dough hook until smooth dough ball is formed. Cover with damp cloth and let rest for 2 hours. (Baking powder is added later)
   
   
3. Add baking powder to the dough and during mixture on low setting. Add 1 to 2 tsp water if the dough is too dry. Gently knead the dough until it becomes smooth again. Cover with damp cloth and let it rest for another 15 minutes. In the meantime, cut parchment paper into 4x4 inch squares.
   
   
4. Prepare steamer by bringing water to a boil.
   
   
5. Assemble buns: Roll dough into long tube and divide into 10 equal pieces. Press each piece into disc about 4.5" in diameter. Should be thicker in the center and thinner around edges. Add some filling and pleat the buns until closed on the top.
   
   
6. Place each bun on a parchment paper square and steam. Be sure boiling water doesn't touch buns. Be sure the water is boiling. Steam each batch for 12 minutes over high heat.

Pork Filling: 

Heat 1 T oil in wok over high heat.  Add pork and stir-fry until browned.  Add onion, garlic & ginger and fry until soft.  Stir cornstarch mixture, then add.  Cook, stirring until sauce boils & thickens.  Let cool.