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Manapua

Soft, fluffy steamed buns stuffed with sweet-savory char siu pork.

⏱ 40 minPrep time
🔥 20 minCook time
🍽 10Servings
🏷 AppetizerCategory
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Soft, fluffy steamed buns stuffed with sweet-savory char siu pork.

The Chinese-Hawaiian steam bun

Fluffy steamed bao filled with sweet char siu pork — the Chinese-Hawaiian favorite sold warm from every manapua truck.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Dissolve the yeast in the warm water with a pinch of the sugar; let stand 5 minutes.
  2. Mix the flour, remaining sugar, and salt; add the yeast mixture and oil and knead 8 minutes. Cover and rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
  3. Mix the char siu with the hoisin, oyster sauce, sugar, and onion.
  4. Divide the dough into 10 pieces; flatten each into a round, spoon in the filling, and pleat closed.
  5. Steam over boiling water 15-18 minutes until puffed and glossy.
  6. Serve warm.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Don't overfill or the buns burst. Keep leftover buns covered — they dry out fast; re-steam to refresh.

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Recipe details

Prep40 min
Cook20 min
Servings10
CategoryAppetizer
PublishedAugust 16, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →