Yup. Crispy Pork Belly Bao Buns = flavor heaven in a fluffy little cloud. Think: tender, juicy pork belly with that crackly skin tucked into soft steamed bao, layered with pickled crunch, fresh herbs, and a sticky-sweet glaze. Let’s break it down:
🐷 Crispy Pork Belly Bao Buns
Ingredients (makes ~12 buns):
For the Pork Belly:
- 1½–2 lbs pork belly (skin-on, boneless slab)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp five spice powder
- ½ tsp white pepper
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
For the Glaze (optional but 🔥):
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
Quick Pickled Veggies:
- 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber, radish, or carrot (or all three)
- ½ cup rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Pinch of salt
Other Fillings:
- Steamed bao buns (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced green onions
- Sriracha mayo or gochujang aioli (optional but bomb)
Instructions:
- Prep the Pork Belly (best if done a day ahead):
- Score the skin with shallow cuts. Rub meat side with salt, five spice, and white pepper.
- Leave the skin dry — pat it and brush with rice vinegar.
- Place uncovered in the fridge overnight to dry the skin (this helps crisp it up).
- Roast the Pork Belly:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Roast pork belly, skin side up, on a wire rack over a tray for 1.5 hours.
- Crank heat to 425°F (220°C) for 20–30 mins to crisp the skin until puffed and crackly.
- Glaze (optional):
- Mix glaze ingredients in a small pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
- Slice pork belly and brush with glaze or serve it on the side.
- Quick Pickle the Veg:
- Mix vinegar, sugar, and salt. Pour over sliced veggies. Let sit for 15–30 mins.
- Steam the Bao:
- Steam according to package instructions or make your own if you’re a kitchen overachiever 😎
- Assemble:
- Open each warm bao.
- Add a slice or two of pork belly.
- Top with pickled veg, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of sauce.
💡 Vibe it up:
- Serve on a platter with extra glaze, pickles, and sauces for a DIY build-your-own bao bar.
- Pair with cold beer or iced jasmine tea.
Want a social caption that hits that bao-licious, droolworthy vibe? Or maybe a reel idea with a crispy skin ASMR moment? I’m so here for that.
