Barbecue Pork Buns

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the Oven

   1 min

   Heat your oven to 200°C (or 180°C for fan ovens). This step is crucial for ensuring your buns bake evenly and develop a nice golden crust. Make sure the oven is fully preheated before placing the buns inside for optimal results.

2. 2

   Mix Dough Ingredients

   8 min

   In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar with white bread mix thoroughly. Gradually incorporate water according to the package instructions, using a wooden spoon to mix until a cohesive dough forms. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. After kneading, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with oiled cling film, and allow it to rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, which may take about an hour.

3. 3

   Cook the Filling

   2 hr

   In a skillet, heat sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the bacon slices and cook them until they become crispy, which should take around 5 minutes. Once crispy, introduce the chopped ginger and garlic to the pan, sautéing for an additional minute until fragrant. Finally, mix in soy sauce, clear honey, and tomato purée, cooking until everything is well combined and heated through. You can prepare this filling up to 3 days ahead of time for convenience.

4. 4

   Shape the Buns

   7 min

   After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air and knead it briefly. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, rolling each into a smooth ball. Flatten each ball slightly and place a teaspoon of the prepared filling in the center. Carefully gather the edges of the dough together, pinching them to seal, and place the bun seam-side down on a baking sheet. Cover the buns with oiled cling film and allow them to rise for about 30 minutes until they look fluffy and puffy.

5. 5

   Bake the Buns

   30 min

   Brush the tops of the buns with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Serve these delightful buns warm alongside your favorite dipping sauce. For convenience, you can freeze the buns after the second rise for up to 1 month or bake them a day ahead and reheat when needed.