Ingredients:

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (440g)
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast (7g)
  • ½ cup sugar (100g)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup warm water (240ml)
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil (45ml)
  • 1 lb ground pork (450g) or tofu for a vegetarian version
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (30ml)
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce (15ml) or vegetarian oyster sauce
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp sesame oil (5ml)
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Parchment paper squares (optional, for steaming)

Instructions:

  1. Combine flour, yeast, sugar, and baking powder in a bowl.
  2. Gradually add warm water and vegetable oil, stirring until a rough dough forms.
  3. Knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth.
  4. Place in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 1 hour.
  5. In a bowl, mix ground pork (or tofu), soy sauce, oyster sauce, green onions, sesame oil, ginger, and season with salt and pepper.
  6. Ensure the mixture is well combined and refrigerate until ready to use.
  7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a log.
  8. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
  9. Roll each piece into a circle, about 4-5 inches in diameter.
  10. Place a spoonful of filling in the center, gather the edges, and pleat to seal.
  11. Place the buns on parchment squares in a steamer, making sure they have space to expand.
  12. Steam over boiling water for 15 minutes.
  13. Remove from the steamer and let cool slightly before serving warm.