Mini Pork Belly Bao Buns

These Mini Pork Belly Bao Buns are soft, fluffy, and packed with bold flavors. Tender, caramelized pork belly is stuffed into steamed bao buns, topped with crisp pickled cucumbers, fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of hoisin sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or a light meal, these bao buns bring a balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors in every bite.

Makes 8-10 Mini Bao Buns

For the Pork Belly

1 lb pork belly, skin removed

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp hoisin sauce

1 tbsp honey or brown sugar

1 tsp sesame oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp grated ginger

½ tsp Chinese five-spice powder

½ cup chicken broth or water

For the Bao Buns

10 store-bought or homemade bao buns (steamed)

1 tbsp sesame oil (for brushing)

For the Pickled Cucumbers

1 small cucumber, thinly sliced

¼ cup rice vinegar

1 tbsp sugar

½ tsp salt

For Garnish & Serving

¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves

1 tbsp sesame seeds

2 tbsp hoisin sauce (for drizzling)

Lime wedges (optional)

Prepare the Pork Belly

Slice pork belly into ½-inch thick pieces.
In a bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and five-spice powder.
Marinate the pork belly in this mixture for at least 30 minutes (overnight for best flavor).
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place pork belly in a baking dish with chicken broth or water, cover with foil, and bake for 1.5 hours.
Uncover, increase temperature to 400°F (200°C), and bake for another 15 minutes until caramelized.

Make the Pickled Cucumbers

Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a bowl until dissolved.
Add sliced cucumbers and let them pickle for at least 20 minutes.

Steam the Bao Buns

Steam store-bought or homemade bao buns in a bamboo steamer for 5-7 minutes until soft.
Lightly brush with sesame oil for added shine and flavor.

Assemble the Bao Buns

Open each bao bun and place a slice of caramelized pork belly inside.
Top with pickled cucumbers, fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of hoisin sauce.
Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for extra crunch.

Serve and Enjoy!

Arrange on a serving platter with lime wedges.
Serve immediately while warm!

Pro Tips

For extra crispiness, sear the pork belly in a hot pan before serving.
Add thinly sliced scallions or crushed peanuts for more texture.
Pair with a cold beer, iced green tea, or a sake cocktail for the perfect pairing!

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