Bao Buns

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup cake flour

• 3 T granulated sugar

• 1 1/4t Yeast

• 3/4 t Salt

• 2/3 Cup Warm Water

• 1 1/2 Cup Grapeseed or Olive Oil

Instructions

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the AP flour, cake flour, sugar, yeast and salt, whisk to combine.

2. Add the water and shortening and mix for 10 minutes.

3. Transfer to an oiled bowl and let sit until doubled in size (1 to 2 hours)

4. Cut eight 3 inch squares of parchment paper. Divide the dough into eight pieces. Roll each piece into a flat oval, about 6 inches by 3. Brush with sesame oil, fold in half and place on parchment square. Cover and allow buns to proof in a warm place until doubled in size 30-40 minutes.

5. Bring pot of water to boil over a bamboo steamer. Place the buns on the parchment in the steamer for about 10 to 12 minutes.

6. Once out of the steamer, they will "pry open" very easily for you to fill with your ingredients.

7. Choose either a meat or vegetable based filling (mushrooms are great for plant basers and top with pickled veg and cilantro.

8. But, honestly, they are so versatile - make them your own.