CHILLI GARLIC TOFU BAO

Serves 8
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Directions

  1. 1For the dough, mix the yeast, sugar, and warm water in a jug, then set aside until foamy on top.
  2. 2Mix the flour and salt in a mixing bowl, make a well in the center, and pour in the yeast mixture.
  3. 3Stir until a slightly sticky but not wet dough forms, then transfer to a clean surface and knead for 5-10 minutes until smooth.
  4. 4Return the dough to the bowl, cover, and let it rest for about an hour until doubled in size.
  5. 5Meanwhile, make the filling: add the shredded tofu to a baking tray, drizzle lightly with oil, and bake at 200°C for 25-30 minutes until golden and crispy in parts.
  6. 6Mix the chilli oil, tamari, agave, rice vinegar, water, and cornstarch (mixed with water) together to make the sauce mix and set aside.
  7. 7Sauté the sliced spring onion and minced garlic in a pan with oil for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  8. 8Pour in the sauce mix, simmer until thickened, then add the baked tofu, stir so everything is coated, and set aside to cool before using.
  9. 9When the dough has risen, transfer to a clean surface, divide it into 8 equal balls, and roll each one out into approximately 1/4 inch thick discs.
  10. 10Place about a tablespoon of filling in the center of a dough disc, then fold the edges up, pinching to seal until you have a secure bun.
  11. 11Add the buns to a pan over medium heat with enough oil to coat the bottom, pour in enough water to line the bottom, then cover immediately and steam for 10 minutes.
  12. 12Remove the lid and continue frying until the bottoms are golden and crisp.
  13. 13Serve the buns topped with chilli oil, spring onion, and sesame seeds.

Ingredients

  • 200 g firm tofu, shredded
  • 2 spring onions, sliced, greens reserved for topping
  • 2 tbsp crispy chilli oil
  • 2 tbsp tamari (or dark soy sauce)
  • 0.5 tbsp agave
  • 0.5 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 50 ml water
  • 0.5 tbsp cornstarch
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 125 g flour
  • 0.5 tsp sugar
  • 0.5 tsp yeast
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 70 ml warm water
  • oil
  • sesame seeds

Equipment

measuring jugmixing bowlwooden spoonbaking traygraterfrying pantongsknifechopping boardrolling pin