Pan Fried Steamed Buns

I’m always on the search for delicious steamed buns. If you’ve never had them they are filled little buns with ground meat and then pan fried and steamed. They are a popular street food in Shanghai. When you have a little extra time give these a try they are light and fluffy with the perfect chew and then a crispy crunchy bottom that will have you wanting more.

Dough

• 4 tbsp. sugar
• 1/2 cup warm whole milk
• 1/3 cup warm water
• 1 package or 2 1/2 tsp. dry active yeast
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp. salt

Filling

• 1 lb. ground turkey (or favorite ground meat)
• 5-6 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
• 1/2 inch ginger, peeled and minced
• 3/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp. brown sugar
• 2 tbsp. honey
• 2 tsp. sesame oil
• salt and black pepper
• scallions, sesame seeds or pickles for garnish

Siracha Mayo

• 1/2 cup mayo
• 2-3 tbsp siracha
• 2 tbsp. honey

Directions

Starting with the dough- In a large stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, combine the sugar, milk, water, and yeast and let that sit for about 5 minutes until it gets nice and bubbly. Then add in the flour and salt and mix until the dough starts to come together. Then knead for about 5 minutes until it’s a smooth dough.

Place back into a greased bowl cover and let sit in a warm spot until doubled in size about 1 1/2-2 hours.

Meanwhile make the filling, in a large skillet with a little oil brown the ground turkey. Then in a small bowl combine the garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, and sesame oil. Mix until it’s all combined. Once the meat starts to brown add in the soy mixture and let it cook for another couple minutes. Then remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Siracha mayo- In a small bowl just mix together the mayo, siracha and honey until smooth.

To assemble, when the dough is ready, punch it down and dump onto a work surface. Cut the dough into about 16-18 pieces. Working with one at a time, roll into a small 5 inch circle, and continue with the rest.

Place one in the center of your palm and fill with about 1 tbsp. the ground turkey. Pleat the dough around the filling to seal it up and set aside while you finish the rest.

Place the buns in a 10 inch nonstick skillet with about 2 tbsp oil, seam side down. Place over medium low heat for about 6-8 minutes until the bottoms start to turn golden. Gently lift one to see then place it back. Once they are golden add in 1 cup of water and cover with a greased cover, so it doesn’t stick. Let them steam for about 8-10 minutes or until the water is all evaporated. Once they are done cooking carefully place a plate over the pan and flip them over. Drizzle the siracha mayo over the top along with the scallions and enjoy!!