Pan Fried Pork Buns

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour (2 cups)
• Active dry yeast (2 teaspoons)
• Sugar (1 tablespoon)
• Warm water (3/4 cup)
• Vegetable oil (3 tablespoons (for frying))
• Sesame oil (1 tablespoon)
• Soy sauce (2 tablespoons)
• Green onions (2, finely chopped)
• Ground pork (1 pound)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes, or until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add the flour and create a well in the center. Pour the yeast mixture into the well and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped green onions, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
5. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten it with a rolling pin into a circle about 4 inches in diameter.
6. Place a generous spoonful of the pork mixture in the center of each circle. Carefully gather the edges of the dough and pinch them together to seal the bun, ensuring no filling escapes.
7. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the buns seam-side down in the skillet, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown.
8. Gently flip the buns and add 1/2 cup of water to the skillet. Cover with a lid and let them steam for about 10 minutes, or until the water has evaporated and the buns are cooked through.
9. Serve the buns hot, ideally with a side of soy sauce or chili oil for dipping.