Name: Sheng Jian Bao (Pan-Fried Pork Buns)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1.5 tablespoons ginger, minced (Provides warm, aromatic flavor.); 0.25 cup hot water (Helps bring the dough together.); 250 g all-purpose flour (The backbone of the buns, can be swapped for gluten-free flour.); 50 g cornstarch (Gives a lovely tender and fluffy texture.); 4 g instant yeast (Helps the dough rise, no activation needed.); 5 g sugar (Feeds the yeast and aids browning.); 150 g warm water (Essential for perfect dough consistency.); 15 g vegetable oil (Keeps the dough moist.); 227 g ground pork (A flavorful protein base.); 1.5 teaspoons light soy sauce (Adds savory depth.); 0.5 teaspoon dark soy sauce (Provides rich color and umami.); 2 teaspoons Shaoxing wine (Gives an authentic flavor.); 0.5 teaspoon salt (Enhances flavor balance.); 0.25 teaspoon sugar (Adds a hint of sweetness.); 0.25 teaspoon ground white pepper (Adds subtle heat.); 4 pieces green onions, sliced (Brings freshness and crunch.); 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil (Adds unique nuttiness.); 4 tablespoons vegetable oil (Helps crisp the buns.); 0.5 cup hot water, separated (Essential for steaming.); Chopped green onions for garnish (optional) (Adds fresh, crispy crunch.); Roasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional) (Adds delightful crunch.)

This Sheng Jian Bao (Pan-Fried Pork Buns) comes together in about 30 minutes and is cooked on the stovetop for a quick weeknight meal that your family will love! Switch up the protein or veggies to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends! These buns are not just a dish; they’re a hug in food form, a cozy bite that will warm up your evenings!

Let’s Gather Our Ingredients!

For the Dough:

1 ½ tablespoons ginger, minced
¼ cup hot water
250 g (1 ⅔ cup) all-purpose flour
50 g (⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon) cornstarch
4 g (¾ teaspoon) instant yeast
5 g (1 teaspoon) sugar
150 g (⅔ cup) warm water
15 g (1 tablespoon) vegetable oil

For the Filling:

227 g (8 oz) ground pork
1 ½ teaspoons light soy sauce
½ teaspoon dark soy sauce (or soy sauce)
2 teaspoons Shaoxing wine
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon sugar
¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
4 green onions, sliced
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

To Cook the Buns:

4 tablespoons vegetable oil
½ cup hot water, separated
Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Roasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

How to Make Sheng Jian Bao (Pan-Fried Pork Buns)

Alright, let’s get cooking! Ready? Because the smell of these buns is about to take over your kitchen in the best way possible!

Step 1: Prepare the Ginger Water

Start by mixing the minced ginger with ¼ cup of hot water and let it steep for about 10 minutes. This gives you a flavorful base for your dough. Who could resist that heavenly ginger aroma wafting through the air?

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, instant yeast, and sugar. Slowly pour in your ginger-infused water and 150g of warm water, along with the oil. Stir everything together until it forms a sticky dough. After that, knead it on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This is the part where you flex those muscles!

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In another bowl, mix the ground pork with the light and dark soy sauces, Shaoxing wine, salt, sugar, white pepper, sliced green onions, and sesame oil. Make sure to mix well until everything is combined. I like to use my hands for this, feels nice and personal! But don’t over mix; just enough for that juicy, flavorful filling!

Step 4: Assemble the Buns

Now comes the fun part, assembling! Divide your dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a small circle (about 3 inches wide). You want them to be thick enough but also pliable. Place a spoonful of your filling in the center and pinch the edges together, twisting to seal tightly. You’re making little parcels of happiness!

Step 5: To Cook the Buns

Heat 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place your buns seam-side down into the pan, don’t overcrowd! Let them fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown and crispy. Then, gently pour in the ½ cup of hot water, cover immediately, and steam for about 8-10 minutes. You want the buns to fluff up and absorb all that delicious steam.

When the water has evaporated and the buns are cooked through, take off the lid and let them fry for another minute, ensuring that crunchy bottom stays crispy.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve!

Once they’re done, flip them out onto a plate and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve them hot, trust me, your family will be waiting eagerly!

Why I Love This Recipe!

This is genuinely my go-to recipe for weekend family dinners. Every time I make these, I can’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment as I watch my kids dive in, their eyes lighting up! I’m a real sucker for anything comforting, and, honestly, what’s better than biting into a hot, juicy bun filled with flavor? And the best part is, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand in the fridge! I usually have my kids help roll the dough out, it’s a fun bonding experience!

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Gyoza (Asian Dumplings), my Spam Musubi with Egg, or my Spicy Tuna Rice B a lls recipes! These are all fantastic options for busy weeknight meals.

Why This Recipe Works

Comfort Food : Loaded with Tons of Flavor

Believe me, there’s something about the combination of crispy and fluffy with a savory filling that feels like a warm hug. Like, it’s the ultimate comfort food! Perfect for those days when you just want to relax and indulge.

Customizable : Use Whatever Ingredients You Have

The beauty of Sheng Jian Bao is its flexibility! You can swap the pork for chicken, add veggies like mushrooms or bok choy, or even make a completely vegetarian filling. The possibilities are endless! It’s nice to have a recipe that allows for some experimentation, perfect for those creative nights in the kitchen.

Quick & Easy : Comes Together in Under 30 Minutes

This meal is a true lifesaver for those busy weeknights, less than 30 minutes from start to finish! It’s a fun, interactive dinner that the whole family can enjoy together. Plus, the delicious aromas might even lure your family away from their screens!

Serving & Storage

Serving Suggestions

These pork buns are fantastic on their own, but you can serve them with a simple soy dipping sauce or a spicy chili oil for some heat! A side of steamed green vegetables adds a lovely freshness to your meal, makes it feel a tad fancy!

Storage

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to cool them completely before sealing them away!

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, simply place them in a skillet with a lid and add a splash of water. Heat them over low heat until warmed through. You can also steam them again if you want to keep that soft texture.

Freezer Friendly?

Yes! You can freeze uncooked buns and steam or fry them fresh when you’re ready to eat. Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper!

As you can tell, this Sheng Jian Bao (Pan-Fried Pork Buns) is a delightful recipe loaded with flavor, warmth, and tons of potential. I hope you enjoy making this dish in your kitchen as much as I do! Happy cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily recipes inspiration that brings warmth to your table!