Smoky BBQ Pork Belly Gua Bao

Smoky BBQ Pork Belly Bao Buns

Recipe by Jonathan HolmesCourse: MainCuisine: PorkDifficulty: Medium

Servings

10

servings

Prep time

1

hour 

Cooking time

8

hours 

20

minutes

Calories

600

kcal

Ingredients

• For the Bao Buns:

• All-Purpose Flour: 450 g (3 ¾ cups)

• Caster Sugar: 30 g (2 tbsp)

• Salt: 2.5 g (½ tsp)

• Instant Dried Yeast: 10 g (2 tsp)

• Whole Milk: 45 ml (3 tbsp)

• Warm Water: 250 ml (¾ cup + 2 tbsp)

• Unsalted Butter: 45 g (3 tbsp), very soft

• Olive Oil: 15 ml (1 tbsp)

• For the Smoky BBQ Pork Belly:

• Pork Belly Slices: 1 kg (2.2 lbs), cut in half

• BBQ Rub: as needed for seasoning

• Apple Juice or Honey: for the wrap (optional)

• BBQ Sauce: as needed for glazing

• For the Toppings:

• Fresh Coriander (Cilantro): 1 small bunch, roughly torn

• Red Chillies: 2, sliced into thin strips

• Spring Onions (Scallions): 4, sliced into thin strips

• Sesame Seeds: 15 ml (1 tbsp)

• Toasted Cashew Nuts: 30 ml (2 tbsp), chopped

Directions

• Pork Belly:
• Season pork belly slices generously with BBQ rub.
• Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C).
• Smoke for about 3 hours or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
• Wrap in foil or butcher paper with a splash of apple juice or honey.
• Return to smoker until internal temperature is around 200°F (93°C), about 1-2 hours more.
• Rest for 20-30 minutes post smoking.
• Chop and toss in a pan with BBQ sauce over low heat until glazed.
• Bao Bun:
• Mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a bowl.
• Mix milk, water, and butter in a jug, then combine with flour mixture.
• Knead for 10 minutes, let rise for 90 minutes.
• Divide, roll into ovals, brush with oil, fold, and let rise for 60 minutes.
• Steam for 15 minutes.
• Assemble the Gua Bao:
• Open steamed buns, fill with BBQ pork belly, and add toppings.

The Fascinating Science Behind Smoky BBQ Gua Bao

Embarking on a culinary adventure with our Smoky BBQ Gua Bao recipe isn’t just about tantalizing your taste buds – it’s a journey through a world of fascinating science. Let’s dive into the remarkable science that makes this dish not just delicious but intriguingly complex.

1. The Magical Rise of Bao Buns
   • Yeast, the Tiny Alchemist: Ever wondered how a sticky dough transforms into fluffy buns? Thank the tiny yeast organisms! As they feast on the sugars, they release carbon dioxide and alcohol in a process known as fermentation. This is what gives the bao buns their airy lift. Fun fact: Yeast has been used in baking for thousands of years, and each tiny cell is a powerhouse of activity!
   • The Art of Gluten: Kneading isn’t just a workout for your arms; it aligns the gluten proteins in the flour, creating a stretchy network that traps the yeast’s gas bubbles. This is why the buns are both chewy and tender – a delightful contradiction in the world of textures!
2. The Chemistry of Smoked Pork Belly
   • A Symphony of Smoke: Smoking meat isn’t just for flavor; it’s a complex chemical ballet. Smoke contains compounds like phenols and carbonyls, which not only impart a smoky taste but also help preserve the meat. The low and slow smoking allows the Maillard reaction to work its magic, creating a rich mosaic of flavors on the surface of the pork belly.
   • Salt’s Secret Role: While adding taste, salt also subtly alters the protein structure of the meat, making it more tender and moisture-rich. It’s like a spa treatment for the pork, preparing it to absorb all those delicious smoky flavors.
3. The Delicate Dance of Steaming Buns
   • Why Steam, Not Bake?: Steaming bao buns might seem unusual, but this method ensures a moist, tender texture that baking can’t replicate. The steam’s heat cooks the buns gently and evenly, giving them their signature softness. It’s like each bun is cocooned in its own little cloud!
4. Glaze – The Final Touch
   • The Caramelization Charm: Applying heat to the sugars in the BBQ sauce creates a symphony of flavors – this is caramelization in action. This not only adds depth to the sauce but also gives it a beautiful sheen. It’s the culinary equivalent of putting the final polish on a masterpiece.
5. A Harmony of Flavors and Textures
   • Balancing Act: The true art of this dish lies in balancing the sweet, salty, umami, and spicy flavors. Each bite is a testament to how contrasting flavors can come together to create a harmonious whole.
   • Contrast is Key: Just like in a good story, contrast is essential in food. The crispy, smoky pork against the soft, pillowy buns; the crunch of the toppings – it’s a play of textures that keeps every bite exciting.
6. The Nutritional Ensemble
   • More than Just Tasty: Beyond its delightful flavors, this dish offers a mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, along with an array of vitamins and minerals from its diverse ingredients. It’s a reminder that indulgence can come with a dose of nutrition.

In crafting the Smoky BBQ Gua Bao, you’re not just cooking – you’re conducting a scientific symphony, where every ingredient plays its part, and every technique matters. It’s a delicious reminder of how science is woven into the fabric of our everyday lives, especially in the kitchen. So, the next time you take a bite of this delectable dish, remember, you’re not just savoring flavors – you’re experiencing the wonder of science in action!