Classic Manapua Steamed Buns Hawaiian Style
Transport yourself to the tropics with these Classic Manapua Steamed Buns, a beloved Hawaiian-style treat that's perfect for any occasion! These pillowy-soft buns, filled with a sweet and savory char siu pork mixture, are a delightful fusion of traditional Chinese bao and the vibrant flavors of Hawaii. The dough is made with a blend of all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and a hint of sweetness from granulated sugar, creating the perfect vessel for the rich, umami-packed filling featuring char siu pork, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and hoisin. Steam these buns to fluffy perfection and enjoy them warm—they’re perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a main dish! Whether you’ve tried manapua on the islands or are discovering them for the first time, this recipe is a must-try for lovers of global cuisine.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons Instant yeast
- 1 cup Whole milk
- 0.5 cup Warm water
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 2 cups Char siu pork (barbecue pork), diced
- 2 tablespoons Oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Water (for cornstarch slurry)
- 2 tablespoons Green onions, finely chopped
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, sugar, instant yeast, and kosher salt.
In a small saucepan, warm the milk over low heat until it's lukewarm (about 100-110°F). Add warm water and vegetable oil to the milk.
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
While the dough is rising, make the filling. In a medium skillet over medium heat, combine char siu pork, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce. Stir and let it heat through.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Add it to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the green onions. Let the filling cool completely.
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and knead it lightly. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape each piece into a ball.
Flatten each ball into a 4-inch circle. Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the filling in the center of each circle. Gather the edges of the dough and pinch them together to seal, forming a bun. Place each bun seam-side-down on a small square of parchment paper.
Cover the buns with a damp towel and let them rest for 20 minutes to rise slightly.
Fill a steamer with water and bring it to a boil. Arrange the buns (on their parchment squares) in the steamer, making sure they don’t touch. Steam in batches for 12-15 minutes each batch.
Remove the buns from the steamer and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your freshly steamed Manapua!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
362 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 8.1 g | 10% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.4 g | 12% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 22 mg | 7% | |
| Sodium | 440 mg | 19% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 57.1 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 22.2 g | ||
| Protein | 13.4 g | 27% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 40 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 180 mg | 4% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
