Gua bao, often called Taiwanese hamburger, is a delightful street food offering a unique culinary experience. Imagine soft, fluffy steamed buns cradling a tender, succulent braised pork belly, its richness perfectly balanced by pickled mustard greens and a sprinkle of cilantro. This iconic Taiwanese dish is more than just a sandwich; it's a symphony of textures and flavors, a testament to the artistry of Taiwanese cuisine. The savory pork belly, slow-cooked to perfection, melts in your mouth, contrasting beautifully with the tangy crunch of the pickled vegetables and the fresh herbal notes of the cilantro.
This authentic recipe will guide you through each step, from preparing the flavorful braising liquid to perfectly steaming the bao buns. Ready to embark on a culinary adventure and create your own delicious Gua Bao? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step process below!
Tools Needed
- Clay pot (or stock pot)
- KitchenAid Mixer (or hands)
- Rolling Pin
- Steamer
Ingredients
- Pork Belly: 2 lbs
- Shallots
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Star Anise
- Cinnamon
- Bay Leaves
- 5 Spice Powder: 1/2 tsp
- White Pepper
- Sugar: 2 1/2 tbsp
- Chinese Cooking Wine: 1/4 cup
- Soy Sauce: 5 tbsp
- Dark Soy Sauce: 1 tbsp
- Water: 2-3 cups
- Active Dry Yeast
- Lukewarm Water
- Sugar (for yeast)
- All-Purpose Flour
- Roasted Unsalted Peanuts
- Sugar (for peanuts): 3 tbsp
- Pickled Mustard Green
- Cilantro
- Diced Red Chili (or Red Bell Pepper)
- Oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Braised Pork Belly
- Preheat clay pot over medium heat. Pan-fry pork belly slices (2-3 inches thick) for 1-2 minutes per side, rendering some fat. Don't brown the pork.
- Remove pork from pot. Sauté diced shallots, minced garlic, ginger, star anise, cinnamon, and bay leaves in the remaining oil until sticky.
- Add 5-spice powder, white pepper, sugar, cooking wine, soy sauce, and dark soy sauce. Add the seared pork and water, ensuring it’s submerged. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 1.5 hours.
Step 2. Make and Proof the Gua Bao Buns
- Bloom active dry yeast in lukewarm water with sugar (5 minutes).
- Add flour to the yeast mixture and knead using a KitchenAid mixer (or by hand) for 10 minutes until smooth.
- Shape the dough into a ball, and let it proof for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Punch down the proofed dough, divide into 12 pieces, roll into balls, then flatten and roll into oval sheets (1/3 inch thick). Brush half with oil, fold, and place on parchment paper.
- Proof buns in a steamer for 20-30 minutes until 1.5 times larger.
- Steam buns for 12 minutes, then let them rest in the steamer for 10 minutes before opening the lid.
Step 3. Prepare the Accompaniments
- Make peanut powder by combining roasted peanuts and sugar.
- Rinse and squeeze excess water from pickled mustard greens to reduce saltiness. Sauté in rendered pork fat.
Step 4. Assemble and Serve
- open buns, add pickled mustard greens, braised pork belly (broken in half if needed), flavorful sauce, peanut powder, cilantro, and diced chili (optional).
Read more: Easy Steamed Tofu with Shallot Sauce Recipe - Vegan Delight
Tips
- Don't over-brown the pork belly; it will dry out.
- Use instant yeast if you don't want to wait for the yeast to bloom.
- Store-bought pickled mustard greens can be salty; rinse and squeeze to adjust.
- Let the buns rest in the steamer after steaming to prevent shrinking.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 700-800 per serving
- Fat: 50-60g
- Carbs: 40-50g
- Protein: 30-40g
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork belly?
While pork belly is traditional, you can experiment! Chicken thighs or even shredded beef can work, but adjust braising time accordingly. The flavor profile will change, though.
2. How far in advance can I make the braised pork belly and the buns?
The braised pork belly is even better the next day! Make it a day ahead. The buns can be steamed a few hours in advance and stored in a sealed container.
Congratulations! You've successfully crafted authentic Taiwanese Gua Bao. Enjoy the satisfying reward of this delicious street food classic, savoring the perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite. Share your culinary triumph with friends and family – they'll be amazed by your newfound expertise!