Seremban Shao Bao (Chinese BBQ Pork Buns)

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Tham Jessica (@jessieinthekitchen)

Delicious Chinese BBQ pork buns with a flaky crust and flavorful chicken filling.

Seremban Shao Bao (Chinese BBQ Pork Buns) recipe
Prep Time
1hr 0min
Cook Time
35min
Total Time
1hr 35min

Ingredients

20 Servings
(1 serving = 1 piece)

Filling

  • Chicken Thigh
    Chicken Thigh
    350g
  • Cooking Oil
    Cooking Oil
    1tbsp
  • Minced Garlic
    Minced Garlic
    1tbsp
  • Minced Shallots
    Minced Shallots
    3tbsp
  • Green Peas
    Green Peas
    50g
  • Corn Starch
    Corn Starch
    1tsp
  • Water
    Water
    2tsp
  • Oyster Sauce
    Oyster Sauce
    1tbsp
  • Dark Soy Sauce
    Dark Soy Sauce
    1/2tsp
  • Light Soy Sauce
    Light Soy Sauce
    2tsp
  • Pepper
    Pepper
    1/4tsp
  • Five Spice Powder
    Five Spice Powder
    1tbsp
  • Sesame Oil
    Sesame Oil
    1tsp
  • Sugar
    Sugar
    50g
  • Salt
    Salt
    1pinch

Oily Skin Dough

  • All Purpose Flour
    All Purpose Flour
    215g
  • Ghee or Butter
    Ghee or Butter
    60g
  • Sugar
    Sugar
    30g
  • Cold Water
    Cold Water
    56g

Pastry Dough

  • All Purpose Flour
    All Purpose Flour
    160g
  • Butter
    Butter
    100g

Egg Wash

  • Egg
    Egg
    1piece
  • Some White Sesame Seeds
    Some White Sesame Seeds

How to make Seremban Shao Bao (Chinese BBQ Pork Buns)

Filling

  1. Step 1

    Cut the chicken thigh into cubes and slightly mince it. Combine all the chicken seasoning sauce ingredients in a small bowl.

  2. Step 2

    In a saucepan over medium heat, sauté minced shallots and garlic in oil until fragrant. Add the chicken and cook until white. Stir in the seasoning sauce, green peas, and simmer.

  3. Step 3

    Mix corn starch with water to thicken the gravy. Stir in sesame oil, mix well, and set aside to cool.

  4. Step 4

    Once cooled, refrigerate the filling.

Oily Skin Dough

  1. Step 1

    Sieve the flour and sugar. Blend ghee into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Knead in cold water to form a soft dough. Rest the dough for 30 minutes.

  2. Step 2

    Control water carefully to achieve the right dough consistency for wrapping and sealing the filling.

Pastry Dough

  1. Step 1

    Sieve the flour in a bowl. Blend butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Knead until smooth. Refrigerate for later use.

Assemble for the Shao Bao

  1. Step 1

    Flatten and roll out a portion of the oily skin dough, wrap in a portion of the pastry dough, and seal tightly. Repeat for all portions.

  2. Step 2

    Roll each wrapped dough into an oval shape, then roll up from the short side. Let rest for 15 minutes.

  3. Step 3

    Flatten and roll each dough into a round disc. Place filling in the center, pleat the dough while rotating to seal tightly.

    Step 4.1: Flatten and roll each dough into a round disc
  4. Step 4

    Brush with egg wash, sprinkle sesame seeds, and bake at 190°C for 35 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy hot or at room temperature.

    Step 4.1: Brush with egg wash, sprinkle sesame seeds, and bake at 190°C for 35 minutes or until golden brown
    Step 4.2: Brush with egg wash, sprinkle sesame seeds, and bake at 190°C for 35 minutes or until golden brown

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

131.9kcal (6.6%)

Protein

7.7g (15.3%)

Carbs

14.8g (5.36%)

Sugars

4.0g (8%)

Healthy Fat

3.5g

Unhealthy Fat

4.0g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

FAQS

  1. What is the best way to store leftover Seremban Shao Bao?

    To store leftover Seremban Shao Bao, allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply steam or bake until warmed through.

  2. Can I make Seremban Shao Bao with a vegetarian filling?

    Yes, you can easily adapt the Seremban Shao Bao recipe to be vegetarian-friendly. Substitute the chicken with a mix of finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, or a variety of vegetables like bell peppers and carrots. Use vegetarian oyster sauce or soy sauce to maintain the flavor profile. Just ensure to season the filling well to enhance the taste.

  3. What are some good side dishes to serve with Seremban Shao Bao?

    Seremban Shao Bao pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving them with a light cucumber salad, steamed bok choy, or a spicy dipping sauce made from soy sauce and chili oil. For a more substantial meal, you can also serve them alongside fried rice or noodles.

  4. How can I achieve the perfect dough consistency for wrapping the buns?

    To achieve the perfect dough consistency for wrapping your Seremban Shao Bao, it's crucial to control the amount of water you add. Start with the recommended amount and knead until the dough is soft but not sticky. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more water, a teaspoon at a time. Resting the dough for at least 30 minutes will also help improve its elasticity and make it easier to work with.

  5. What can I use instead of ghee in the Seremban Shao Bao recipe?

    If you don't have ghee on hand, you can substitute it with unsalted butter or vegetable shortening. Both options will work well to create a flaky crust. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil can also be used, but it may impart a slight coconut flavor to the buns.

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Tham Jessica

(@jessieinthekitchen)

I loved to cook and enjoyed learning about all sort of cuisines. Today, I am still in the kitchen and every chance I get, I...

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