Classic Manapua Steamed Buns Hawaiian Style
Transport yourself to the tropics with these Classic Manapua Steamed Buns, a beloved Hawaiian-style treat that's perfect for any occasion! These pillowy-soft buns, filled with a sweet and savory char siu pork mixture, are a delightful fusion of traditional Chinese bao and the vibrant flavors of Hawaii. The dough is made with a blend of all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and a hint of sweetness from granulated sugar, creating the perfect vessel for the rich, umami-packed filling featuring char siu pork, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and hoisin. Steam these buns to fluffy perfection and enjoy them warm—they’re perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a main dish! Whether you’ve tried manapua on the islands or are discovering them for the first time, this recipe is a must-try for lovers of global cuisine.
Try SnapCalorie's FREE AI assisted nutrition tracking free in the App store or on Android.
Scan with your phone to download!
Ingredients
- 4 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons Instant yeast
- 1 cup Whole milk
- 0.5 cup Warm water
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 2 cups Char siu pork (barbecue pork), diced
- 2 tablespoons Oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Water (for cornstarch slurry)
- 2 tablespoons Green onions, finely chopped
Directions
Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, sugar, instant yeast, and kosher salt.
Step 2
In a small saucepan, warm the milk over low heat until it's lukewarm (about 100-110°F). Add warm water and vegetable oil to the milk.
Step 3
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Step 4
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 5
While the dough is rising, make the filling. In a medium skillet over medium heat, combine char siu pork, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce. Stir and let it heat through.
Step 6
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Add it to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the green onions. Let the filling cool completely.
Step 7
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and knead it lightly. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape each piece into a ball.
Step 8
Flatten each ball into a 4-inch circle. Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the filling in the center of each circle. Gather the edges of the dough and pinch them together to seal, forming a bun. Place each bun seam-side-down on a small square of parchment paper.
Step 9
Cover the buns with a damp towel and let them rest for 20 minutes to rise slightly.
Step 10
Fill a steamer with water and bring it to a boil. Arrange the buns (on their parchment squares) in the steamer, making sure they don’t touch. Steam in batches for 12-15 minutes each batch.
Step 11
Remove the buns from the steamer and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your freshly steamed Manapua!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1672.5g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 4239.3 |
| Total Fat 96.8g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 28.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 17.4g | |
| Cholesterol 267.9mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5263.6mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 672.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 16.3g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 265.5g | |
| Protein 158.4g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 107.4IU | 0% |
| Calcium 504.9mg | 0% |
| Iron 30.7mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2315.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories