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Sheet Pan Carnitas Bao Buns: Steaming Buns at Home

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Sheet Pan Carnitas Bao Buns: How to Steam Buns at Home Without a Steamer

Craving fluffy, soft steamed buns but don't have a steamer? This genius recipe is your solution! These delightful buns are perfect for game day snacks or party appetizers and can be easily multiplied to serve more people.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 package (16 ounces) frozen bao buns

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine the pork, oil, orange juice, soy sauce, water, brown sugar, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
  3. Spread the pork mixture onto a sheet pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and browned.
  4. While the pork is baking, place the frozen bao buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  5. Bake the bao buns for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through.
  6. To assemble the bao buns, place a few pieces of pork in each bun and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cabbage, carrots, cilantro, and hoisin sauce.
  7. Enjoy!

Tips:

  • If you don't have a sheet pan, you can also use a large roasting pan.
  • To make the bao buns ahead of time, bake them according to the instructions and then let them cool completely. Store the buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the buns in the oven or microwave until heated through.
  • You can also use this recipe to make other types of steamed buns, such as chicken bao buns or vegetable bao buns.

Enjoy these delicious sheet pan carnitas bao buns - no steamer required!