Cha siu bao

Charsiubaau Secondary

Cha siu bao (also spelled char siu bao) is a type of Cantonese dim sum dish. It consists of a soft, fluffy bun filled with char siu, a type of Cantonese barbecue pork. The buns are typically either steamed or baked, resulting in two distinct textures and flavors.

Preparation

The dough for cha siu bao is made from a mixture of flour, yeast, sugar, and water. The filling is prepared by marinating pork in a mixture of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and other seasonings, then roasting it until it is tender and flavorful. The roasted pork is then chopped into small pieces and mixed with a thickened sauce made from the marinade.

Steamed Cha Siu Bao

Steamed cha siu bao are known for their soft, fluffy texture. The buns are placed in a steamer and cooked until they are light and airy. The steaming process gives the buns a slightly chewy texture and a glossy appearance.

Baked Cha Siu Bao

Baked cha siu bao have a golden-brown, slightly crispy exterior. The dough is brushed with an egg wash before baking, which gives the buns their characteristic shine. The baked version is often sweeter than the steamed version due to the caramelization of the sugars in the dough.

Cultural Significance

Cha siu bao is a staple in dim sum restaurants and is often enjoyed as part of a larger meal consisting of various small dishes. It is also a popular item during Chinese New Year celebrations and other festive occasions.

Variations

While the traditional filling is made with char siu, there are many variations of cha siu bao that use different types of meat or vegetarian fillings. Some common variations include:

• Chicken cha siu bao
• Vegetarian cha siu bao
• Seafood cha siu bao

Related Pages

• Dim sum
• Char siu
• Cantonese cuisine
• Chinese New Year
• Steamed bun
• Baked bun