Delicious Pork Belly Bao Buns (Gua Bao)
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Loading... - Ling Guang
- 09 Feb 2023
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These Pork Belly Bao Buns are made with marinated pork belly, herbs and spices, and freshly chopped vegetables, enveloped in a soft and fluffy bao bun for an exquisite Asian-inspired meal.
We love making pork belly in any form, like slow cooker pork belly, pork belly tacos, and BBQ pork belly slices. It’s not a stretch that we’re also make Gua Bao (Taiwanese Pork Belly Buns, 割包). They are amazing in every way. Soft pillowy buns, rich and tender pork belly, crispy veggies. Yum.
We start by marinating the meat in a unique blend of seasonings and sauces so the pork is both tender and packed with flavor. Don’t let the prospect of making pork belly intimidate you from this recipe. it’s actually quite simple and you don’t even have to make the Bao yourself. Give this recipe a try and enjoy Asian cuisine without leaving the house.
Ingredients You Need
For the pork
Pork Belly – You can use a pork belly roast or pork belly slices for this recipe. In any case, you will be slicing it before you cook it, so it doesn’t matter what form it starts in.
Shaoxing wine – You can find this at a Chinese or Asian store. If you can’t find it, you can leave it out or replace with cooking sherry.
Light soy sauce and dark soy sauce – Here is a set of both from Lee Kum Kee.
Brown sugar – Light or dark brown sugar.
Olive Oil – Gives the marinade and pork a bit of fat. Other oils can be used.
Chinese 5-spice Powder – It’s a mix of spices commonly used in Chinese cooking, and adds a ton of flavor to the meat. It’s best to not substitute this spice.
Garlic – Adds aroma and flavor to the pork.
Ginger – Adds aroma and flavor to the pork.
Onion – This will add a lot of flavor to the cooking broth.
Beef Broth – Use broth or use a mix of water and a bouillon cube. Feel free to experiment with other broths (i.e. chicken broth).
For the bao buns
Fresh Bao Buns – You can easily find bao buns at an Asian supermarket or specialty grocery store. If you want to make your own.
Carrot, Cucumber & Daikon – Gives a nice crunch, freshness, and sweetness to the buns.
Cilantro: used as a garnish, so it can be skipped if you don’t like cilantro.
