Teresa's Recipes
Gua Bao - Taiwanese Pork Belly Buns
Gua Bao, often referred to as Taiwanese pork belly buns, is a beloved street food that embodies the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The soft, pillowy steamed buns cradle tender, braised pork belly that's been lovingly infused with aromatic spices and a hint of sweetness. Each bite is elevated by the crunch of pickled mustard greens, the freshness of coriander, and the nutty richness of ground peanuts. This dish is not only a feast for the palate but also a delightful experience steeped in Taiwanese culinary history, where it has been enjoyed for generations as a comfort food and festive treat.
Ingredients
- 1 pound, cut into thick slices Pork belly
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 1/4 cup Soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Rice wine
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 2 Star anise
- 8, steamed according to package instructions Bao buns
- 1 cup, drained Pickled mustard greens
- 1/2 cup, chopped Coriander
- 1/4 cup Ground peanuts
- enough to cover the pork Water
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 8
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 28g
- Carbs: 25g
- Protein: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 8g
Instructions
- In a large skillet or pot, heat the sugar over medium heat until it melts and caramelizes, turning a golden brown.
- Carefully add the pork belly slices to the pan, browning them on all sides. This will create a rich flavor base.
- Once the pork is browned, add the soy sauce, rice wine, cinnamon stick, star anise, and enough water to cover the pork belly.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 2 hours, or until the pork belly is tender and infused with the aromatic flavors.
- While the pork is cooking, steam the bao buns according to the package instructions until soft and fluffy.
- Once the pork is ready, remove it from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- To assemble the Gua Bao, take a steamed bun and fill it with a slice of braised pork belly. Top with pickled mustard greens, a sprinkle of chopped coriander, and a generous amount of ground peanuts.
- Serve hot and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures!
Tips
- For added flavor, consider marinating the pork belly in soy sauce, rice wine, and spices for a few hours before cooking.
- You can substitute the pork belly with other proteins such as chicken or tofu for a lighter version.
- Feel free to add sliced chili or hot sauce if you enjoy a spicy kick!