Makes 3-4 burgers
The bao. Among the latest in-trend foods out there in the market today, the bao is an undeniable force. Many eateries specializing in the Chinese filled bread, like Bao London or Bun Bao in Berlin are steadily opening its doors around the world, and finding the perfect bao today has now become a harder task than ever before. A baozi – or bao – is a steamed bun you can find in many Chinese kitchens, and the variations you can find in both the preparations and the fillings are too vast to be explained on a blog. Luckily, you are reading the recipe for the most delicious gorgonzola aioli bao burger you can make at home, so fear not, you are in for a big treat.
HOW TO MAKE THE BAO BUNS
Ingredients
525g plain flour, add some extra for dusting
1 ½ tablespoon sugar, plus a pinch
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon dried yeast
50ml milk
1 tablespoon sunflower oil, plus a little extra to grease and brush
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon baking powder
Method
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt and sugar in a large bowl. Dissolve the yeast and a pinch of salt into warm water. Add it to the flour mix together with the milk, oil, vinegar and 200ml of water. Mix it all together to a dough, and if you see it fit, add a little extra water.
When you get the dough ready, get it on to a lightly floured work surface and use a good 10-15 minutes to knead it until it feels smooth. Proceed to place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth and leave it there to rise for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Flatten the dough with your hands on a clean work surface. Sprinkle over the baking powder and knead for about 5 minutes. Roll out the dough and cut into 3-4 pieces. Using the palm of your hand, roll each piece of dough into a ball and leave it to rest for about 2-3 minutes.
Transfer the prepared buns to a steamer lined with baking paper, and heat some water in a pot over medium heat. Put the steamer over the pot and steam the buns for 20 mins until puffed up.
HOW TO MAKE THE GORGONZOLA AIOLI
Ingredients
3 tablespoons of gorgonzola cheese
1-2 teaspoons finely minced garlic
¼ cup mayonnaise
Method
In a small bowl (or a food processor, if you have one), mash the garlic, mayonnaise, and Gorgonzola together until well combined. Set aside.
HOW TO MAKE THE BAO BURGER PATTY
Ingredients
Hoisin sauce
600 grams minced lamb shoulder meat
1 onion, sliced
Arugula
Method
This step is the easiest, because we think the patty should not be tempered with at all. Frankly, that’s what we generally think. The flavor of the patty should only be credited to the quality of the meat, so please go to your butcher and get a good lamb minced. At home, just form the patties with your hands according to the sizes of the bao buns you made. Cook on the pan to your desired degree of doneness, about 3 minutes per side for medium-well. Before putting them on the buns, distribute the hoisin sauce on the insides of the buns and sprinkle with some onions and arugula for that little crunch.
Gorgonzola Aioli Bao Burger
By Eating With Your Hands on 06/15/2015
A tasty Bao Burger recipe with a touch of Gorgonzola Aioli.
Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 3-4
