Baked Siopao (Filipino Meat Bun)

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Baked Siopao (Filipino Meat Bun).

1. Step 1

   Begin by warming the milk in a microwave-safe container for about 15 to 30 seconds until it reaches a lukewarm temperature.

2. Step 2

   Pour this warm milk into a spacious mixing bowl.

3. Step 3

   Next, introduce the eggs, vegetable oil, and water to the milk, blending everything together until smooth and well combined.

4. Step 4

   In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, active dry yeast, and salt.

5. Step 5

   Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the milk mixture, stirring until fully blended.

6. Step 6

   Cover the bowl and allow it to rest for 15 minutes, letting the ingredients mingle and activate.

7. Step 7

   Once rested, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.

8. Step 8

   Knead the dough for approximately 5 minutes, working it until it becomes smooth and elastic.

9. Step 9

   If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour as needed.

10. Step 10

    Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a clean bowl.

11. Step 11

    Cover it and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, which should take about 1 to 1.

12. Step 12

    5 hours.

13. Step 13

    While the dough is rising, prepare the savory filling.

14. Step 14

    In a bowl, combine the ground pork with soy sauce, sugar, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and pepper, mixing until everything is well blended.

15. Step 15

    Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté the onion, garlic, and star anise for about 2 minutes.

16. Step 16

    Add the seasoned ground pork mixture and cook, stirring frequently, until it’s browned and crumbly, roughly 4 to 5 minutes.

17. Step 17

    Pour in a splash of water, reduce the heat, and let it simmer, scraping the bottom of the pan occasionally, until the mixture is glossy but not soupy, about 10 minutes.

18. Step 18

    Once done, transfer the filling to a bowl and refrigerate it until the dough is ready.

19. Step 19

    Preheat your oven to 100°F (37°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

20. Step 20

    When the dough has risen, divide it into pieces the size of golf balls, approximately 2 inches in diameter.

21. Step 21

    Place these pieces on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there’s 1 to 2 inches of space between them.

22. Step 22

    Flatten each dough ball to about 1/4-inch thick, then spoon 1 tablespoon of filling into the center of each piece.

23. Step 23

    Gather the edges of the dough at the top, twist, and pinch to seal the bun securely.

24. Step 24

    Return each bun to the baking sheet.

25. Step 25

    Once the oven reaches temperature, turn it off and place the baking sheet with the buns inside.

26. Step 26

    Allow them to rest in the warm oven until they double in size, which should take around 30 minutes.

27. Step 27

    After this resting period, preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) while leaving the buns inside.

28. Step 28

    Bake the buns for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden brown.

29. Step 29

    Enjoy the delightful aroma as they bake, and savor the moment when you finally take them out, golden and fluffy, ready to be devoured.