Char Siu Bao (叉烧包) are fluffy Cantonese steamed buns filled with sweet and savory BBQ pork, making them a beloved dim sum classic. Soft, pillowy, and aromatic, these buns are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dim sum meals.

The combination of slightly sweet bun dough and rich, savory-sweet char siu filling delivers a mouthwatering bite in every piece.

📝 Ingredients (Serves 3–4, makes ~12 buns)

For the Dough:

250g all-purpose flour

3 tbsp sugar

1 tsp instant yeast

120ml warm water or milk

1 tbsp vegetable oil

½ tsp salt


For the Filling:

200g char siu (Cantonese BBQ pork), diced

1 tbsp hoisin sauce

1 tsp soy sauce

1 tsp sugar

½ tsp sesame oil

1 tsp cornstarch, mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)

🔥 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.

Gradually add warm water or milk and oil, mixing to form a dough.

Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Dice char siu into small cubes.

In a pan, mix char siu with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil.

Add cornstarch slurry to thicken slightly.

Let filling cool completely before assembling buns.

Step 3: Shape the Buns

Punch down the risen dough and divide into 12 equal portions.

Roll each portion into a small circle (~8 cm diameter).

Place 1–2 tsp of filling in the center.

Gather edges of dough and pinch to seal, forming a smooth, round bun.

Step 4: Steam the Buns

Line a bamboo steamer with parchment paper or cabbage leaves.

Place buns in the steamer, leaving space between them.

Steam over boiling water for 12–15 minutes until buns are fluffy and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve

Serve hot, directly from the steamer.

Enjoy the soft, slightly sweet dough and rich char siu filling together.

🌿 Tips & Variations

Dough: Ensure dough is smooth and well-kneaded for fluffy buns.

Filling: Use leftover char siu or store-bought for convenience.

Sealing: Pinch edges tightly to prevent filling leakage during steaming.

Optional: For baked buns, brush with egg wash and bake at 180°C for 15 minutes.

🍚 Serving & Experience

Char Siu Bao are soft, pillowy, and flavorful, with a perfect balance between slightly sweet dough and savory-sweet pork filling.

They are a dim sum favorite, ideal for breakfast, brunch, or festive occasions, and showcase the delicate craftsmanship and rich flavors of Cantonese cuisine.