Steamed bread, a culinary staple across many Asian cultures, offers a wonderfully versatile canvas for flavour exploration. This recipe elevates the humble steamed bun to new heights with a savory filling of succulent minced meat, creating a satisfying and comforting meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. The rich, umami notes of the meat filling perfectly complement the soft, fluffy texture of the steamed bread, resulting in a harmonious balance of textures and tastes. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, pillowy bun brimming with flavour – a true testament to the simplicity and deliciousness of home-cooked meals.
This recipe for Steamed Bread with Minced Meat guides you through each step, from preparing the dough to achieving perfectly steamed buns filled with a flavourful meat mixture. We'll explore the secrets to creating a light and airy dough, ensuring your buns are soft and fluffy, and crafting a delicious minced meat filling that's bursting with flavour. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let's get started!
Tools Needed
- Steamer
- Knife
- Bowl
- Frying pan
Ingredients
- Ground meat: 200g
- Carrots: 50g
- Cassava: 100g
- Soaked black fungus: 30g
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Sugar: 2 teaspoons
- MSG: 1/2 teaspoon
- Minced shallots: 1 tablespoon
- Pepper: 1/3 teaspoon
- Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Old bread: 4-5 loaves
- Green onions: 70g
- Cooking oil
- Fish sauce: 60ml
- Minced garlic: 1 tablespoon
- Chili: 1 tablespoon
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
- Brown sugar: 100g
- Filtered water
- Lettuce
- Herbs
- Fried onions
- Peanuts
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Combine ground meat (half lean, half fat), carrots, cassava, and black fungus. Add salt, sugar, MSG, minced shallots, pepper, and oyster sauce. Stir-fry until the meat is loose but not overcooked.
- Finely chop green onions. Heat cooking oil in a pan, add green onions, and cook until fragrant. Set aside.
- Cut the bread into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine fish sauce, minced garlic, chili, lemon juice, brown sugar, and filtered water. Mix well and let it sit for 1 hour before serving.
Step 2. Steam the Bread
- Lightly spray water on the bread pieces before steaming until soft.
Step 3. Prepare the Sweet and Sour Fish Sauce
- Combine fish sauce, minced garlic, chili, lemon juice, brown sugar, and filtered water. Mix well and let it sit for 1 hour before serving.
Step 4. Assemble and Serve
- Place the steamed bread on a plate. Top with the stir-fried meat mixture, fried onions, and peanuts. Add lettuce and your favorite herbs.
- Serve and enjoy! Dip the bread rolls in the sweet and sour fish sauce.
Read more: Vietnamese Sponge Wedding Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Use a mix of lean and fatty meat for a more flavorful and juicy dish.
- Using old bread adds a unique texture and taste.
- Adjust the spices in the sweet and sour fish sauce according to your preference.
- The scallion oil will maintain its green color even after a day.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 600-800
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbs: 70-90g
- Protein: 20-25g
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of meat in the filling?
Absolutely! Ground pork, chicken, or even beef can be substituted for the minced meat. Adjust seasoning to complement your chosen meat.
2. How do I store leftover steamed bread?
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a steamer or microwave before serving.
3. What can I substitute for the sweet and sour fish sauce?
While the fish sauce provides a unique flavour, you can try a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, and a pinch of chili flakes for a similar sweet and sour profile.
This recipe for Steamed Bread with Minced Meat and Sweet and Sour Fish Sauce offers a delightful fusion of textures and flavors, resulting in a truly satisfying and memorable meal. The combination of the soft, fluffy bread and the savory, tangy sauce creates a perfect balance that will leave you wanting more. Enjoy this delicious and relatively easy-to-make dish as a comforting meal or a unique culinary experience.