Shacha pork baked buns are a delicious Taiwanese pastry filled with savory pork cooked in shacha sauce, a flavorful and umami-rich condiment made from dried seafood, garlic, and spices. The buns have a soft, fluffy interior with a golden, slightly crispy crust after baking. The pork filling is tender and infused with the smoky and aromatic flavor of shacha sauce, making these buns a great snack or breakfast option.
Ingredients (Yield: 12 Buns)
For the Dough:
- 4g active dry yeast
- 10g granulated sugar
- 175ml lukewarm water
- 290g bread flour
For the Filling:
- 350g pork meat
- 15ml soy sauce
- 40g Sacha sauce
- 10g brown sugar
Other:
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp water
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling:
- Cut the meat into small cubes.
- Add soy sauce, Sacha sauce, and brown sugar; mix to coat the meat evenly.
- Store in the fridge for 30 minutes or more to marinate.
- Heat a frying pan (no need to add oil as Sacha sauce is already oily).
- Fry the meat until cooked through.
- If the meat releases juices, thicken the sauce by adding a slurry made of 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water.
- Transfer to a bowl and let it cool.
2. Make the Dough:
- In a bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and lukewarm water.
- Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until soft and smooth.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rest for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Once risen, deflate the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
3. Fold the Buns:
- Roll each piece of dough into a ball, flatten slightly, and use a rolling pin to form circles.
- Place a portion of filling in the center of each circle, pleat the edges, and seal the buns.
- Place the buns on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, ensuring spacing to prevent sticking.
4. Bake the Buns:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Brush the tops of the buns with the honey-water mixture, then sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake on the middle rack for 18–20 minutes.
5. Store and Reheat:
- Freeze any leftover buns and steam them to reheat when desired.
