Introduction to Gua Bao<\/h2>\r\nGua Bao is a popular Taiwanese snack that consists of a fluffy steamed bun filled with various delicious ingredients. The main component of Gua Bao is the soft, pillowy bun, which is folded like a taco to hold the filling. Traditionally, Gua Bao is filled with braised pork belly, pickled mustard greens, crushed peanuts<\/a>, cilantro, and a drizzle of savory sauce. However, you can customize the filling according to your preferences.\r\nIngredients<\/h2>\r\nTo make delicious Gua Bao, you will need the following ingredients:\r\n\r\n \t- For the Gua Bao Buns:\r\n
\r\n \t- 2 cups all-purpose flour<\/li>\r\n \t
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast<\/li>\r\n \t
- 1 tablespoon sugar<\/li>\r\n \t
- 1\/2 teaspoon salt<\/li>\r\n \t
- 1\/2 cup warm water<\/li>\r\n \t
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- For the Braised Pork Belly Filling:\r\n
\r\n \t- 1 pound pork belly, sliced<\/li>\r\n \t
- 1\/4 cup soy sauce<\/li>\r\n \t
- 1\/4 cup rice wine<\/li>\r\n \t
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar<\/li>\r\n \t
- 2 cloves garlic, minced<\/li>\r\n \t
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated<\/li>\r\n \t
- 2 cups water<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- For the Assembly:\r\n
\r\n \t- Pickled mustard greens<\/li>\r\n \t
- Crushed peanuts<\/li>\r\n \t
- Fresh cilantro<\/li>\r\n \t
- Hoisin sauce<\/li>\r\n \t
- Sriracha sauce<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Preparing the Gua Bao Buns<\/h2>\r\nMixing the Dough<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nIn a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually add warm water while stirring the mixture. Continue mixing until a dough forms.\r\nKneading and Proofing<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nTransfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour or until it doubles in size.\r\nShaping the Buns<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nPunch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape them into round balls. Use a rolling pin to flatten each ball into an oval shape, about 1\/4 inch thick. Brush the surface of each oval with vegetable oil, then fold it in half.\r\nSteaming the Buns<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nPlace each folded bun on a small piece of parchment paper and steam them in a steamer basket for about 10-12 minutes until they become fluffy and cooked through.\r\n\r\n![\"Delicious](\"https:\/\/beplantwise.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/makeperfect_stockfood_13409313_hires_braised_pork_belly_bao_buns_with_crushed_peanuts_ukhr.jpg\")
\r\nMaking the Braised Pork Belly Filling<\/h2>\r\nPreparing the Pork Belly<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nIn a pot of boiling water, blanch the sliced pork belly for a few minutes to remove excess fat. Drain the pork belly and set it aside.\r\nBraising the Pork Belly<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nIn the same pot, add soy sauce, rice wine, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and water. Stir to combine the ingredients. Add the blanched pork belly and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours until the pork belly becomes tender and the sauce thickens.\r\nAssembling the Gua Bao<\/h2>\r\nPreparing the Gua Bao Components<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nSlice the braised pork belly into thin pieces. Wash and dry the fresh cilantro. Crush the peanuts. Drain and chop the pickled mustard greens.\r\nBuilding the Gua Bao<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nTake a steamed bun and open it gently. Spread a small amount of hoisin sauce and sriracha sauce on the inner side of the bun. Place a few slices of braised pork belly on top. Add a pinch of crushed peanuts, a few pickled mustard greens, and a sprig of fresh cilantro.\r\nFolding and Serving<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nFold the bun in half, just like a taco, and press it gently to hold the filling in place. Repeat the process for the remaining buns. Serve the Gua Bao immediately while they are still warm and enjoy!\r\nOptional Additions and Variations<\/h2>\r\n\r\n \t- For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the pork belly with marinated tofu or saut\u00e9ed mushrooms.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Experiment with different sauces such as teriyaki sauce or peanut sauce for a unique flavor profile.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Add a slice of cucumber or pickled daikon radish for extra crunch and freshness.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Discover Tales Afar Game<\/a><\/blockquote>
- \r\n \t
- For the Gua Bao Buns:\r\n
- \r\n \t
- 2 cups all-purpose flour<\/li>\r\n \t
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast<\/li>\r\n \t
- 1 tablespoon sugar<\/li>\r\n \t
- 1\/2 teaspoon salt<\/li>\r\n \t
- 1\/2 cup warm water<\/li>\r\n \t
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- For the Braised Pork Belly Filling:\r\n
- \r\n \t
- 1 pound pork belly, sliced<\/li>\r\n \t
- 1\/4 cup soy sauce<\/li>\r\n \t
- 1\/4 cup rice wine<\/li>\r\n \t
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar<\/li>\r\n \t
- 2 cloves garlic, minced<\/li>\r\n \t
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated<\/li>\r\n \t
- 2 cups water<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- For the Assembly:\r\n
- \r\n \t
- Pickled mustard greens<\/li>\r\n \t
- Crushed peanuts<\/li>\r\n \t
- Fresh cilantro<\/li>\r\n \t
- Hoisin sauce<\/li>\r\n \t
- Sriracha sauce<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Preparing the Gua Bao Buns<\/h2>\r\n
Mixing the Dough<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nIn a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually add warm water while stirring the mixture. Continue mixing until a dough forms.\r\n
Kneading and Proofing<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nTransfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour or until it doubles in size.\r\n
Shaping the Buns<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nPunch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape them into round balls. Use a rolling pin to flatten each ball into an oval shape, about 1\/4 inch thick. Brush the surface of each oval with vegetable oil, then fold it in half.\r\n
Steaming the Buns<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nPlace each folded bun on a small piece of parchment paper and steam them in a steamer basket for about 10-12 minutes until they become fluffy and cooked through.\r\n\r\n
\r\nMaking the Braised Pork Belly Filling<\/h2>\r\n
Preparing the Pork Belly<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nIn a pot of boiling water, blanch the sliced pork belly for a few minutes to remove excess fat. Drain the pork belly and set it aside.\r\n
Braising the Pork Belly<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nIn the same pot, add soy sauce, rice wine, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and water. Stir to combine the ingredients. Add the blanched pork belly and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours until the pork belly becomes tender and the sauce thickens.\r\n
Assembling the Gua Bao<\/h2>\r\n
Preparing the Gua Bao Components<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nSlice the braised pork belly into thin pieces. Wash and dry the fresh cilantro. Crush the peanuts. Drain and chop the pickled mustard greens.\r\n
Building the Gua Bao<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nTake a steamed bun and open it gently. Spread a small amount of hoisin sauce and sriracha sauce on the inner side of the bun. Place a few slices of braised pork belly on top. Add a pinch of crushed peanuts, a few pickled mustard greens, and a sprig of fresh cilantro.\r\n
Folding and Serving<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nFold the bun in half, just like a taco, and press it gently to hold the filling in place. Repeat the process for the remaining buns. Serve the Gua Bao immediately while they are still warm and enjoy!\r\n
Optional Additions and Variations<\/h2>\r\n
- \r\n \t
- For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the pork belly with marinated tofu or saut\u00e9ed mushrooms.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Experiment with different sauces such as teriyaki sauce or peanut sauce for a unique flavor profile.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Add a slice of cucumber or pickled daikon radish for extra crunch and freshness.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Discover Tales Afar Game<\/a><\/blockquote>