Toasted Siopao

Ingredients:

Siopao Dough:
¾ cup lukewarm water
1 tablespoon instant yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
⅓ cup sugar
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Filling:
2 tablespoons cooking oil
1½ tablespoons garlic
¼ cup red onion
2 pieces star anise
½ kilo pork, menudo cuts
⅛ cup soy sauce
⅛ cup oyster sauce
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 ¾ cup water
½ cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
Salt & pepper to taste

Procedure:

Dough:
1. Place water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a bowl and stir until sugar and yeast dissolve. Set aside, allow to foam for 15 minutes.
2. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt, whisking until well combined. Add oil and yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms. Knead until smooth. Cut into equal sizes and form into balls. Place in an oiled baking sheet, cover, and let it rise for 1 to 2 hours.

Filling:
1. In a pan over medium heat, sauté garlic, onions, and star anise until fragrant and translucent. Add pork, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce.
2. Add water and allow to cook for a few minutes until pork is tender. Lower the heat and reduce in half. Thicken with cornstarch and season with salt and pepper if needed. Remove star anise and set aside.

Assembly:
1. Flatten the portioned dough into disks. Place a tablespoon of filling into the middle and wrap the buns tightly, pinching to seal.
2. Place on a tray lined with parchment paper and bake at 180˚C for 20 minutes.