Bao Buns (2 types!)

Method

BAGELS

1. In a small mixing bowl, add the water and mix in the sugar until it completely dissolves. 
2. Add in the yeast and let it rest for 10 minutes.
3. In a large mixing bowl, add in the flour, baking powder and mix thoroughly.
4. Add in the yeast mixture, milk, oil and mix together with a wooden spoon until it begins to come together.
5. Knead in the bowl for 5 minutes.
6. Empty the dough on a lightly dusted work bench and knead the dough for a further 10 minutes.
7. Place the dough in a dusted mixing bowl, cover with a tea towel and let it rest for 90 minutes.
8. Lightly dust a work bench and roll the dough out to a rough circle, 1cm thick. 
9. Add the 2 Tbsp of vegetable oil to the dough and evenly spread on the entire surface. This will stop the dough from sticking together. 
10. Using a cookie cutter about 10cm in diameter, cut out circles.
11. Place each circle on a square piece of baking paper, fold the circle in half and gently roll the top surface of the bao bun to make it smooth. 
12. Cover the bao buns with a tea towel and let it rest for 30 minutes. 
13. Place the bao buns in a bamboo steamer and over a pot of boiling water, steam for 12 minutes. 

PULLED MUSHROOMS

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C. 
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, soy sauce, mushroom oyster sauce, Chinkian sauce, rice cooking wine, chilli oil, Chinese five spices, salt, pepper and add in the shredded mushrooms.
3. Thoroughly mix together, cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. 
4. Place the marinated mushrooms on a baking tray lined with baking paper and bake, turning halfway, for 25 minutes. Set aside.

FRIED TOFU

1. In a medium pan on medium heat, add the oil, chilli and cook for 1 minute or until aromatic.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute or until aromatic.
3. Add the tofu and cook for 3 minutes, making sure every side of the tofu is lightly seared. 
4. Add soy sauce, Chinese five spices, salt, pepper and cook for a further 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.

ASSEMBLY

1. Gently open a bao bun, spread 1 tsp Dibble Chipotle Mayo on the inside, add your choice of Pulled Mushrooms or Fried Tofu.
2. Add 1 carrot stick, 2 slices of radishes, pickled onions, 1/2 tsp of coriander, 1/2 tsp of spring onions then topped with more Dibble Chipotle Mayo and 1/2 tsp sesame seeds.
3. Enjoy!