Best 4 Hawaiian Manapua Char Siu Appetizer Sandwiches Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Indulge in the delectable flavors of Hawaiian Manapua Char Siu Appetizer Sandwiches, a delightful culinary creation that seamlessly blends Chinese and Hawaiian influences. These bite-sized delights, also known as Char Siu Bao, consist of fluffy steamed buns filled with savory and tender Char Siu pork, a Cantonese roasted barbecue delicacy.

This article presents a collection of carefully curated recipes that guide you through the process of crafting these delectable treats from scratch. From preparing the flavorful Char Siu pork filling to creating the soft and pillowy steamed buns, each step is explained in detail, ensuring success in your kitchen endeavors.

For those seeking a vegetarian alternative, the article offers a tantalizing Vegan Char Siu Manapua recipe, featuring a succulent filling made from soy curls and mushrooms, capturing the essence of Char Siu's umami-rich flavors without compromising on taste.

Additionally, the article delves into the realm of Air Fryer Manapua, providing a convenient and healthier way to enjoy these delectable treats. This innovative method results in golden brown and crispy buns without the need for deep frying, making them a guilt-free indulgence.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this comprehensive guide to Hawaiian Manapua Char Siu Appetizer Sandwiches will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to create these mouthwatering delicacies in the comfort of your own home. So, prepare to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the harmonious fusion of Chinese and Hawaiian flavors with every bite.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CHAR SIU BAO (MANAPUA) AS MADE BY ZHE RECIPE BY TASTY



Char Siu Bao (Manapua) As Made By Zhe Recipe by Tasty image

Craving dim sum? We've got you covered! These char siu bao, known as manapuas in Hawaii, consist of sweet and tangy barbecue pork encased in fluffy, steamed bao buns.

Provided by Zhe

Time 1h40m

Yield 5 manapuas

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 ¼ cups all purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon instant yeast
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
½ cup warm water
½ medium yellow onion
1 cup char siu, (Chinese barbecue pork)
¼ cup char siu sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons water

Steps:

  • Make the bao dough: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, vegetable oil and ⅓ cup warm water and stir to combine. Slowly add the remaining 2 tablespoons of water, mixing constantly. Knead the dough in the bowl until smooth and well combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.
  • Make the char siu filling: Dice the onion and chop the char sui into ½-inch pieces.
  • In a medium bowl, stir together the char siu sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar.
  • In a medium nonstick pan, sauté the onion over medium-low heat until translucent, 1 minute. Add the chopped char siu, sauce, and water. Stir to combine, then simmer until the sauce thickens, 2 minutes. Transfer the filling to a medium bowl and chill in the refrigerator for about 1 hour, until cool.
  • After rising, punch the dough down and knead until it is back to its original size. On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into 5 48-gram balls. Flatten and roll out each portion, making sure the middle is thick while the sides are thin. Hold a dough round in the palm of your hand and add 36 grams of the char siu filling to the center. Use your other hand to pinch the edges of the dough together up and over the filling while rotating the bao in your hand.
  • Place each bao on a small square of parchment paper. Set in a steamer basket, cover, and let rise for about 15 minutes, until slightly puffed, before steaming.
  • Fill the bottom of a steamer or double boiler with water and bring to a boil. Add the steamer basket with the bao, cover, and steam for 15 minutes, then turn off the flame and let rest in the steamer for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 136 calories, Carbohydrate 26 grams, Fat 1 gram, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 3 grams, Sugar 3 grams

CLASSIC MANAPUA (STEAMED BUNS HAWAIIAN STYLE)



Classic Manapua (Steamed Buns Hawaiian Style) image

Manapua or Baozi or Steamed Bun - whatever name you chose to call them, delicious they are!! Commercial versions have fillings like chicken mushroom, chicken curry, teriyaki chicken or beef, shoyu chicken, purple yam (ube), pork hash (bola bola), and lup choung. Some Hawaiian manapua makers offer pizza filled, turkey melt, ham and cheese omelet, teriyaki burger and spicy sausage. Imagine the flavors you could fill with your manapua. Have fun and enjoy!! NOTE: Times do not include proofing time for the dough.

Provided by Broke Guy

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 55m

Yield 12 buns

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 (1/4 ounce) package dry yeast
3 tablespoons lukewarm water
2 cups warm water
1 1/2 tablespoons cooking oil or 1 1/2 tablespoons shortening
1/4 cup sugar, shopping list
3/4 teaspoon salt
6 cups sifted flour
1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
1 cup water
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon dry sherry
1 tablespoon catsup
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 lb chinese barbeque pork, diced (Char Siu)

Steps:

  • Sprinkle yeast over 3 tablespoons lukewarm water and allow to stand until yeast softens.
  • To remaining water, add oil or shortening, sugar and salt, stirring until melted or dissolved. Cool. Add yeast mixture.
  • Place flour in a large mixing bowl or a heavy-duty mixer and add most of the liquid. Combine until flour incorporates liquid and starts to become a ball.
  • Add remaining liquid to make a very heavy dough.
  • Begin kneading the dough in the bowl. Continue kneading until you have a smooth ball that is beginning to show signs of long strands on the outside, indicating that the gluten has fully developed.
  • Remove dough from bowl and rinse out bowl. Pour sesame oil into bowl, return dough and turn it around until covered with a thin layer of the oil.
  • Cover with plastic wrap. Allow to rise until double in bulk (about an hour in a warm room).
  • Place the dough in the refrigerator and allow it to rise (3-6 hours). Punch it down again and allow it to rise again (3 hours).
  • Proceed with the filling while the dough is rising. In a saute pan, stir cornstarch, hoisin sauce, dry sherry, oyster sauce, ketchup, soy sauce and brown sugar into the 1 cup water until dissolved. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add char siu and simmer for 5 minutes. Take off heat and allow to cool completely. Chill covered until 1 hour before you are ready to stuff the manapua. Allow to return to room temperature before using.
  • When ready to cook, cut 12 (3-inch) squares of waxed paper and coat 1 side with very light coat of nonstick cooking spray.
  • Punch down dough and divide into 12 pieces. Roll each into a ball.
  • Make the dough as thin as you can and try to keep the edges thinner than the center.
  • Place the circle of dough in the palm of your hand. Spoon in a couple of tablespoons of filling, cupping the dough around it.
  • With the thumb and finger of the other hand, pinch the edges of the dough as if you were making a fluted edging on a pie crust. Pinch the folds together, twisting them as you do so.
  • Place the completed manapua on a square of greased waxed paper. Allow to plump up into a globe with a taut exterior.
  • Heat a steamer with plenty of water or preheat an oven at 350 degrees F.
  • If using steamer, fill steamer with manapua on their papers about 1 to 2 inches apart. Cover and steam vigorously for 15 minutes. Remove steamer from heat, let stand 5 minutes, then open. If using a metal steamer, place a folded tea towel across top of steamer, holding it in position with the lid. This will prevent steam from dropping onto manapua while steaming.
  • If baking, place manapua on their papers on a baking sheet about 1-2 inches apart. Brush top of buns with a little vegetable oil and bake 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to stand 1 minutes. Serve hot.
  • Manapua can be frozen. Frozen bau may be reheated by wrapping with a paper towel and microwaving for 1 minute.

HAWAII'S BEST MANAPUA



Hawaii's Best Manapua image

This manapua recipe is a local favorite of Hawaii. Steamed or baked manapua filled with the savory and sweet classic char siu.

Provided by Ono Hawaiian Recipes

Categories     Appetizer     Main Course     Side Dish

Time 1h8m

Number Of Ingredients 19

2.5 lb pork butt/shoulder
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup shoyu ((soy sauce))
1/2 tsp five spice
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp liquor ((rice wine))
1 clove crushed garlic
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1/2 cup leftover juices from char siu
3 tsp cold water
2 tsp cornstarch
2 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2-3 drops red food coloring ((optional))
2 cups flour
1 tsp instant yeast
1 tsp baking powder
4 tsp sugar
1 cup warm water

Steps:

  • In a large bowl combine the sugar, shoyu, oyster sauce, five spice, salt, liquor, crushed garlic, and red food coloring. Mix until the sugar has dissolved.
  • Cut the pork into large chunks. Add it to a large ziploc bag and let it marinate in the sauce overnight.
  • Either cook the pork in a crockpot for 6 hours on high or in the Instant Pot on manual high for 45 minutes. Allow 10 minutes of natural release before pressing the quick release.
  • Shred the meat. Save 1/2 cup of the leftover char siu juices.
  • Combine the cold water and cornstarch. In a small pot add the char siu juices and corn starch.
  • Heat until the filling has thickened then add in the char siu and mix to combine.
  • Set aside the char siu filling to let it cool down to room temperature.
  • In a large bowl, add in the flour. Create a small well in the flour and add in yeast, baking powder, and sugar.
  • Slowly add in the water while stirring it with a wooden spoon or hand. Transfer the dough to a working surface with flour sprinkled on.
  • With a vertical arm press down with your palm and bring it forward and with the other arm, bring it back. Sprinkle on more flour until the dough can slightly stick. Keep kneading until the dough has become smooth, waxy, soft, and bouncy. Divide the dough into 60-65g pieces. If you have extra, divide it amongst the other pieces. Then cover it with a plastic wrap to prevent it from air drying.
  • With one divided piece, press it into a flat disc with the outer edges thin and in the middle thick.
  • Stuff the dough with the manapua filling (be sure the filling is at room temperature) and close it on the top while swirling and pinching it. If there is excess dough, pinch it off and it'll look like a bald head. Set aside and repeat with the other pieces.
  • ***Optional: To have a smoother looking sphere, use a rolling pin. Flatten a piece of dough. Roll it with a rolling pin, fold, and roll. Repeat for 4-5 times then shape it into a circular shape.
  • Line a steamer with parchment paper and place the manapua on it. Cover and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
  • In the meantime, boil water in a pot large enough to hold the steamer basket. Place the covered steamer over the pot and let it steam for 7-8 minutes. Serve and enjoy!
  • Follow the instructions up to resting the dough.
  • Preheat the oven to 375° F. Use egg wash to spread over the dough and bake it for 15-20 minutes or until it is golden brown. Enjoy!

HAWAIIAN MANAPUA (CHAR SIU) APPETIZER SANDWICHES



HAWAIIAN MANAPUa (CHAR SIU) APPETIZER SANDWICHES image

This recipe was found in the Hawaiian Islands, a favorite of the locals! It is a soft roll filled with a sweet and savory chopped pork, marinated in a Hawaiian style barbeque sauce and baked to perfection! Your family and friends will love them! A larger sandwich can be made from this recipe also, just by making your dough larger portions.

Provided by AZ Food Critic

Time 4h10m

Yield 12 Appetizers, 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 23

1 lb pork chop, thick, boneless (about 2 cups, finely chopped )
4 garlic cloves (finely minced)
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons mirin (Japanese rice wine)
4 drops red food coloring (optional)
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon five-spice powder
2 green onions, finely chopped
2 (1/4 ounce) packages active dry yeast
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup warm water (110 degrees F)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon gluten flour
1 egg (slightly beaten)
3 tablespoons oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg yolk (beaten with a dash of water, for egg wash)

Steps:

  • Filling:.
  • • In a small size mixing bowl, combine garlic, ginger, oil, sugar, honey, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice wine, food coloring, water, salt and five spice powder. Mix well.
  • • Pour the glaze over the pork and let marinate in the Char Siu sauce, covered overnight in the refrigerator.
  • • The next day, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. bake the pork (covered) in the oven for 45 to 55 minutes or until fork tender. Turn oven up to broil and place meat under broiler for 3 to 5 minutes until the char Siu (pork) is slightly charred. Remove from oven, wrap in foil and let rest for at least 15 minutes.
  • • Chop pork into small diced pieces. Add chopped green onion and combine.
  • Dough:.
  • Place the sugar and warm water in a bowl; mix until sugar dissolves. Add yeast and leave it for 5 minutes until it starts to get foamy.
  • • Sift flour into a large size mixing bowl. Add yeast mixture, egg, oil and salt; stir to mix. Use your hands to bring the flour mixture together.
  • • Place dough on a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 6 minutes or until smooth and slightly elastic.
  • • Place in a lightly oiled, large size bowl; cover with a damp cloth and leave to rise until doubled in size, approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours depending on room temperature.
  • •.
  • • Assemble:.
  • • Once dough has doubled in size, punch it down and divide into 12 even portions; shape into round 1 inch size balls.
  • • Use a rolling pin to roll a ball into a 2-inch disk. Then pick up the piece of dough and gently pull the edges to enlarge to a 3-inch diameter disk. The dough will be slightly thicker in the center.
  • • Place a rounded tablespoon of filling in the middle of the dough circle. Gather the edges and seal the bun. (Use water on your fingertips if needed, to seal your edges).
  • • Place the bun, seal side down, on a greased baking sheet. Continue with the rest of the dough, leaving 2 inches in between each roll.
  • • Once all buns are filled, brush surface with egg wash.
  • • Place in a preheated oven of 350 F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Cook's Note: These appetizers can be made ahead of time and frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 585.5, Fat 22.9, SaturatedFat 4.7, Cholesterol 111.1, Sodium 1012.9, Carbohydrate 69.7, Fiber 2.5, Sugar 26, Protein 24.9

Tips for Making Perfect Hawaiian Manapua Char Siu Appetizer Sandwiches:

  • Use high-quality char siu. This is the key ingredient in these sandwiches, so make sure you use the best quality char siu you can find. Look for char siu that is made with fresh, high-quality pork and that has a good balance of sweet and savory flavors.
  • Make sure your manapua dough is light and fluffy. The dough should be soft and easy to work with, and it should rise nicely in the oven. If your dough is too stiff, it will be difficult to roll out and the sandwiches will be tough.
  • Don't overfill the sandwiches. The sandwiches should be filled with just enough char siu and vegetables to make them flavorful without being too heavy. If you overfill the sandwiches, they will be difficult to eat and the filling will fall out.
  • Bake the sandwiches until they are golden brown. The sandwiches should be baked until the tops are golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly. This will ensure that the sandwiches are cooked through and that the flavors have had a chance to meld together.

Conclusion:

Hawaiian manapua char siu appetizer sandwiches are a delicious and easy-to-make party appetizer. They are perfect for any occasion, and they are sure to be a hit with your guests. With their combination of sweet and savory flavors, these sandwiches are a taste of Hawaii that everyone will enjoy.

Related Topics