Equipment:
Small Pot, Wooden Spoon, 2 Large Bowls, Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer, Measuring Spoons, Measuring Cup, Steamer, Parchment paper, Scissors, Rolling Pin
Ingredients:
Active Dry Yeast – 1 Tablespoon
Sugar – 4 Tablespoons Divided in Half
Avocado Oil – 2 Tablespoons
Warm Water – 1/3 Cup
Warm Vanilla Yogurt – 1/2 Cup
Flour – 2 1/2 Cups
Baking Powder – 1/2 Teaspoon
Salt – 1/4 Teaspoon
Cooking Spray
*Makes about 14 buns.
Directions:
- Warm up yogurt on the stove or in a microwave. Use a very low heat setting.
- Combine yeast, 2 tablespoons of sugar, avocado oil, water and warm yogurt. Stir and let sit for 5-10 minutes so the yeast can activate.
- In a separate bowl combine flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, baking powder and salt.
- Pour the wet ingredients in with the dry ingredients and start mixing with your hand mixer on low speed. Then mix on medium for 3 to 4 minutes or knead with your hands. The dough should be elastic and really soft but not sticky.
- Form the dough into a ball, place it in a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap and let it sit for 2 hours until the dough has doubled in size.
- Place the raised dough on parchment paper and form the dough into a snake like shape and cut into little 1 inch pieces.
- Roll each piece in your hands to make a ball.
- Use the end of the rolling pin and roll the balls into 1/4 inch thick circles.
- Spray the circles with cooking spray and fold in half.
- Cover with plastic wrap so they stay moist.
- Fill up steamer with water and bring to a boil.
- Cut parchment paper into little squares to put under the dough in the steamer.
- Once the steamer is ready place each bun on a little square of parchment paper and fill up the steamer but don’t crowd the buns because they are going to expand.
- Place the cover on and steam for 8-10 minutes.
- When they are done, turn off the heat, tilt the lid so it is slightly open and let the steam slowing seep out for 2 minutes.
- Take the bao buns out and enjoy with some yummy pork belly!