Delicious Homemade Gua Bao: A Taiwanese Street Food Staple

Ingredients

500 grams Pork belly
2 cups of Water
1/2 cup of Soy sauce
1/4 cup of Sugar
1/4 cup of Rice wine
2 Star anise
1 Cinnamon stick
2 tablespoons of Cooking oil
1 tablespoon of Flour
2 Green onions
2 cloves of Garlic
10 Bao buns
1/2 cup of Pickled mustard greens
1/4 cup of Peanuts, crushed
2 tablespoons of Sugar for the peanuts
1/2 bunch of Fresh cilantro

Steps and instructions

Combine the pork belly, water, soy sauce, sugar, rice wine, star anise, cinnamon stick, green onions, and garlic in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for about 2 hours, or until the pork is tender.
While the pork is cooking, prepare the bao buns according to the package instructions.
In a separate pan, heat the oil and add the flour, stirring to create a roux. Cook until it is a light brown color.
Remove the pork from the pot and slice into 1/2 inch thick pieces. Brush each piece with the roux and sear in a hot pan until crispy.
For the crushed peanuts, combine the peanuts and sugar in a pan and toast until the sugar has melted and coated the peanuts. Allow to cool before crushing.
To assemble the bao, spread a little bit of the pickled mustard greens on the bun, top with a slice of pork, a sprinkle of crushed peanuts, and a few sprigs of cilantro.
Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Serve immediately and enjoy.

Tools for making

Pot - A pot is needed to cook the pork belly in the braising liquid.
Pan - A pan is required to sear the pork belly slices.
Bamboo Steamer - A bamboo steamer is needed to steam the bao buns.
Knife - A knife is essential for slicing the pork belly and chopping the garlic, green onions, and cilantro.
Cutting Board - A cutting board is needed for chopping and slicing ingredients.
Tongs - Tongs are useful for flipping and handling the pork belly slices during searing.
Spatula - A spatula is required for stirring the roux and other ingredients.
Pan for Toasting Peanuts - A pan is needed to toast the peanuts for the crushed peanuts topping.
Small Bowl - A small bowl is needed to mix the crushed peanuts with sugar.
Brush - A brush is useful for brushing the pork belly slices with the roux before searing.

Recipe variations

Substitute the pork belly with chicken or tofu for a meat-free version.
Try using different types of pickled vegetables or kimchi instead of pickled mustard greens.
Add a spicy kick by including chili paste or sriracha sauce to the marinade or serving it as a condiment.
Experiment with different spices and herbs such as five-spice powder or Thai basil to add unique flavors to the pork.
For a healthier option, use whole wheat flour or a combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flour for the bao buns.
Add a twist by using a different sauce or dressing, like hoisin sauce or a sesame-based dressing, to drizzle over the assembled bao.
Include additional toppings such as sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, or sliced radishes for added freshness and crunch.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour or substitute the bao buns with lettuce wraps.
Try different protein options such as beef brisket, pulled pork, or even seafood like crispy fish or shrimp.
Experiment with different marinades, such as a teriyaki glaze or a sweet and sour sauce, to infuse unique flavors into the protein.

Recipe overview

Gua Bao, also known as Taiwanese Pork Belly Buns, is a popular street food that has gained international recognition for its delightful combination of flavors and textures. In this recipe, tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly is simmered in a flavorful broth, then seared to perfection and served in soft, fluffy bao buns. Each bun is garnished with tangy pickled mustard greens, sweet and crunchy crushed peanuts, and fresh cilantro for a truly unforgettable snack or meal. Despite the complex flavors, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make at home. Get ready to transport your taste buds to the streets of Taiwan!

Common questions

Can I use a different meat instead of pork belly? Yes, you can use other cuts of meat such as chicken or beef, but keep in mind that it may affect the taste and texture of the final dish.
How can I make the bao buns from scratch? To make bao buns from scratch, you will need to prepare a dough using all-purpose flour, yeast, sugar, salt, oil, and warm water. Knead the dough, let it rise, then shape it into small rounds and steam them until fluffy.
What can I use instead of pickled mustard greens? If you can't find pickled mustard greens, you can substitute with other pickled vegetables such as pickled radish or kimchi.
Can I make the pork ahead of time? Yes, you can cook the pork ahead of time and refrigerate it. When you're ready to serve, you can reheat the pork slices in a pan to crisp them up before assembling the bao.
Can I freeze the bao buns? Yes, you can freeze the bao buns. Make sure to place parchment paper between each bun to prevent them from sticking together. Thaw the buns before steaming or reheating them.

Serving dishes and utensils

Knife - For slicing the pork belly and other ingredients
Cutting board - To provide a stable surface for cutting and preparing ingredients
Large pot - To cook the pork belly in
Pan - For searing the pork belly and toasting the peanuts
Basting brush - For brushing the roux onto the pork belly
Tongs - To handle the hot pork belly and bao buns
Spatula - For stirring the roux and flipping the pork belly
Small pan - For toasting the peanuts with sugar
Plates - For serving the assembled gua bao
Serving platter or board - To display and serve the gua bao

Origin stories

Gua Bao, a delectable fusion of sweet, sour, salty, and crunchy elements, has deep roots in the culinary heritage of Taiwan. Traditionally, it is known as "Taiwanese Hamburger" due to its unique composition resembling a hamburger. However, this delightful food item has a history way older than the western fast food it's compared with. An interesting fact about Gua Bao is that it was originally designed as 'food for the gods,' offered in religious ceremonies, before it gradually found its way into the everyday cuisine of the people. This humble street food delicacy, packed with flavors, continues to be a beloved part of Taiwanese culture, and has found recognition worldwide, reflecting the global appreciation for Taiwan's rich and diverse food culture.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.