Appetizers
Cherry-Hoisin Pork Belly Bao Buns
Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards
4401 Slusser Road
Windsor, CA 95492
sonomacutrer.com
- RECIPE YEAR: 2016
- RECIPE BY: Urban Epicure
- YIELD: Serves 24
- PAIRS WELL WITH: Sonoma Cutrer Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
This steamed pork bun is a delectable combination of savory and sweet. We think it's the perfect appetizer for any occasion and pairs beautifully with our Pinot Noir!
Pork Belly
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground pepper
- 3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1 pound pork belly
Directions:
To prepare the pork belly, in a bowl, stir together the Chinese five-spice powder, salt, pepper and brown sugar. Coat the pork belly with the mixture and refrigerate overnight. Preheat the oven to 250°F. Set the pork on a baking sheet and place a sheet of aluminum foil on top. Place 3 cans or a weight on top. Transfer to the oven and cook until the meat is falling apart, about 4 hours, brushing with the cherry-hoisin glaze (recipe below) 2 or 3 times during the last hour of cooking.
Cherry-Hoisin Glaze
Ingredients:
- 1 cup frozen cherries
- 2 cups hoisin sauce
- 3/4 cup Sonoma Cutrer Russian River Pinot Noir
Directions:
To prepare the glaze, in a saucepan, combine the cherries, hoisin sauce and wine and simmer until slightly thickened.
Dough
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 teaspoons SAF yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 3/4 cup lukewarm water
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
Directions:
To prepare the dough, in a food processor, combine the yeast, sugar, flour, baking powder, lukewarm water and canola oil. Pulse until well combined and then blend for 1 minute. Transfer the dough to a bowl and let rest in a warm place. Roll the dough into 1-ounce balls. Using a rolling pin, flatten them like a pancake to make round disk shapes, then let rise for 1 hour.
Assembly and Serving
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds
Directions:
Set up a bamboo steamer and bring water to a simmer. When ready to serve, in a large sauté pan, sear the pork belly on both sides and paint it with the cherry-hoisin glaze. Transfer the pork to a cutting board and cut into slices 1/4 inch thick. Place some of the pork in the center of each dough round and top with the green onions and sesame seeds. Fold like a sandwich and steam in the bamboo steamer for about 4 minutes, then serve.