Bao Buns & Orange Chicken

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Fluffy Bao Buns Recipe

There’s something magical about biting into a soft, pillowy bao bun. These steamed delights, originating from Chinese cuisine, have become a favorite for their versatility—perfect for stuffing with savory fillings or enjoying plain. Whether you’re making these for a special occasion or a casual meal, this recipe will guide you to create bao buns that are light, airy, and absolutely delicious. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

  • ⅓ cup lukewarm water
  • ½ cup lukewarm milk
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 4 tablespoons sugar (divided: 1 tablespoon + 3 tablespoons)
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a cup, combine the lukewarm milk, water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir well and let it proof for 5-10 minutes, until bubbly.
  2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: Add the oil to the yeast mixture and mix well.
  3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar. Mix thoroughly.
  4. Form the Dough: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Knead until you achieve a soft, smooth dough.
  5. Let it Rise: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and allow it to rise in a warm place until it triples in size (approximately 2 hours).
  6. Shape the Buns: Divide the dough into balls and roll them out. Use a circular cutter to cut out circles.
  7. Prepare the Buns for Steaming: Brush each circle lightly with oil, then fold it in half. Gently press the folded edge with a rolling pin to seal slightly. Cover the buns and let them rise for another 15-30 minutes.
  8. Steam the Buns: Place the buns in a steamer (lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking) and steam for 10-12 minutes over medium heat.
  9. Cool Before Serving: Let the buns rest in the steamer for 3 minutes before carefully removing them to avoid deflating.

These fluffy bao buns are ready to be filled with your favorite. Enjoy them warm for the best experience!


Zesty Orange Chicken Recipe

This Orange Chicken recipe is a delightful blend of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, perfect for a comforting homemade meal. With tender, air-fried chicken coated in a luscious orange sauce, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Pair it with rice, bao buns, or flatbread for a complete and satisfying meal. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 350g boneless chicken
  • Salt, as needed
  • 1-2 teaspoons paprika powder
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • A pinch of baking soda

For the Orange Sauce:

  • 250 ml orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon jaggery (or brown sugar)
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Chili flakes, as needed
  • Salt, as needed
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 2 teaspoons ginger, crushed
  • 1 spring onion (white and green parts separated)
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • Sesame seeds and grated carrot, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a bowl, marinate the chicken with salt, paprika, soy sauce, oil, cornstarch, and baking soda. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Air-fry the chicken at 205°C for 18-20 minutes, until golden and crisp.

2. Make the Orange Sauce:

  1. In a small bowl, mix together the orange juice, jaggery, soy sauce, vinegar, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and cornstarch. Set aside.
  2. Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the white part of the spring onion, crushed garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and bring it to a boil, stirring continuously.
  4. Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

3. Combine and Garnish:

  1. Add the air-fried chicken to the pan and toss well to coat evenly in the sauce.
  2. Turn off the heat and garnish with sesame seeds, grated carrot, and the green parts of the spring onion.

Serve this vibrant and flavorful Orange Chicken warm with your choice of rice, bao buns, or flatbread. Enjoy!


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