Low Sodium Char Siu Bao (Cantonese BBQ Pork Buns)

Satisfy your craving for Cantonese cuisine with these Low Sodium Char Siu Bao, a heart-healthy twist on the traditional BBQ pork buns. Fluffy and pillowy steamed buns are filled with a rich, savory pork mixture made with reduced-sodium soy sauce, hoisin, and oyster sauces. By cutting back on sodium without compromising flavor, this recipe is perfect for those watching their intake while still indulging in authentic Chinese flavors. With a tender homemade dough and a perfectly seasoned filling, these bao deliver the irresistible combination of sweet, savory, and umami-packed goodness in every bite. Great for dim sum spreads, meal prep, or a comforting snack, these BBQ pork buns are a must-try for home cooks seeking a healthier take on a Chinese classic.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

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Image of Low Sodium Char Siu Bao (Cantonese BBQ Pork Buns)

Prep Time:90 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

500 grams All-purpose flour
10 grams Instant yeast
80 grams Sugar
250 milliliters Warm water
30 milliliters Vegetable oil
10 grams Baking powder
30 milliliters Reduced sodium soy sauce
15 milliliters Hoison sauce
15 milliliters Oyster sauce
30 grams Sugar for filling
1 Garlic clove, minced
300 grams Boneless pork shoulder, diced
10 grams Cornstarch
30 milliliters Water for cornstarch slurry

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, mix the flour, instant yeast, and sugar. Gradually add the warm water and mix to form a dough.

Step 2

Add vegetable oil into the dough and knead for about 8 minutes until smooth. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 3

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a pan, combine low sodium soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.

Step 4

Add minced garlic and diced pork shoulder to the pan, and cook for 15 minutes or until the pork is tender.

Step 5

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the pork mixture, cooking until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 6

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball.

Step 7

Flatten each dough ball into a circle, place a spoonful of pork filling in the center, and gather the edges to seal the bun.

Step 8

Place the buns seam-side down on parchment squares, cover with a damp cloth, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 9

Steam the buns over high heat for 15 minutes.

Step 10

Serve warm and enjoy your Low Sodium Char Siu Bao!

Portion size

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1319.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3375.8

Total Fat 92.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 25.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 17.1g
Cholesterol 210mg	0%
Sodium 3015.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 520.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.4g	0%
Total Sugars 116.7g
Protein 113.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 132.9mg	0%
Iron 27.1mg	0%
Potassium 1633.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 24.7%

Protein: 13.5%

Carbs: 61.7%