Steamed Pork Buns

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour (3 cups)
• Active dry yeast (2 teaspoons)
• Sugar (1 tablespoon)
• Warm water (1 cup)
• Ground pork (1 pound)
• Soy sauce (2 tablespoons)
• Sesame oil (1 tablespoon)
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
• Ginger (1 tablespoon, minced)
• Green onions (3, finely chopped)
• Parchment paper (for lining the steamer)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and the yeast mixture. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
3. While the dough is rising, prepare the pork filling. In another large bowl, mix together the ground pork, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and chopped green onions until well combined. Set aside.
4. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten it into a disc about 4 inches in diameter.
5. Place a generous spoonful of the pork filling in the center of each disc. Gather the edges of the dough and pinch them together to seal the bun tightly.
6. Cut out squares of parchment paper and place each bun on a piece. Arrange the buns in a steamer basket, making sure to leave space for them to expand. Cover and let rise for an additional 30 minutes.
7. Bring water to a boil in a large pot, then reduce to a simmer. Steam the buns over high heat for about 15 minutes, or until they are puffy and the filling is cooked through. Be careful not to overcook.
8. Serve the steamed buns warm, with extra soy sauce for dipping if desired.