Bao Down to Flavor: Mastering Char Siu Bao
Length: 2.5 hours
Required Equipment — none, all equipment will be provided for the class.
Special Ingredients — none, all ingredients will be provided for the class
In this hands-on cooking class, you’ll dive deep into the art of making Chinese Steamed Char Siu Bao, the beloved fluffy buns filled with savory Chinese BBQ pork. Learn the secrets of creating the perfect bao dough from scratch. Jeff will guide you through each step, from mixing and kneading to proofing, ensuring you achieve that perfect pillowy texture. Master the rich and flavorful char siu filling. Discover the blend of spices and techniques that make this BBQ pork so irresistible. Take a culinary journey through history as we explore the legend of how bao were first invented. You’ll hear captivating stories that add a cultural dimension to your cooking experience. By the end of the class, you’ll not only have a batch of delicious Char Siu Bao to enjoy but also the skills and knowledge to recreate this traditional treat at home. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this class promises to be a fun and educational adventure.
Length: 2.5 hours
Required Equipment — Stand Mixer or Food Processor for dough, steamer set up (see Steaming Chinese Dumplings for more details), parchment paper
Special Ingredients — shaoxing wine, red fermented bean curd
In this hands-on cooking class, you’ll dive deep into the art of making Chinese Steamed Char Siu Bao, the beloved fluffy buns filled with savory Chinese BBQ pork. Learn the secrets of creating the perfect bao dough from scratch. Jeff will guide you through each step, from mixing and kneading to proofing, ensuring you achieve that perfect pillowy texture. Master the rich and flavorful char siu filling. Discover the blend of spices and techniques that make this BBQ pork so irresistible. Take a culinary journey through history as we explore the legend of how bao were first invented. You’ll hear captivating stories that add a cultural dimension to your cooking experience. By the end of the class, you’ll not only have a batch of delicious Char Siu Bao to enjoy but also the skills and knowledge to recreate this traditional treat at home. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this class promises to be a fun and educational adventure.
This class requires advanced preparation of the Chinese barbecue pork (char siu). Recipe and guidance will be provided.
Sample Class Agenda
Actual times may vary depending on the scheduled start time!
-0:15 pm — If you have specific questions about equipment or ingredients, I’ll be online 15 minutes before an online class. Additionally, feel free to drop in early to meet other participants. For in-person classes, please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to start.
0:00 pm Introductions and Overview
Knead to Know! All about Yeast, Flour, Gluten, & Equipment
Demo: How to mix the dough
Hands-on: Dough mixing and kneading
0:30 pm Kneading done
Demo: Making fillings for our bao
0:45 Hands-on: Filling and folding Char Siu Bao
1:45 Steam the Bao and pan-fry/steam the baozi
2:00 Nosh: Tasting time!
2:30 Wrap up!
Actual times may vary depending on the scheduled start time!
Upcoming Classes
Join a group class!
Looking to join a class? Online class tickets provides one Zoom login to an online class for up to two (2) adults. In-person class registration are per person. If you have kids, they can join too, but please make sure they remain under your direct supervision at all times! Tickets are $69 (online)/$79 (in-person).
Check out the calendar to see when the next class will be and to register! Each class listing will specify whether it’s in-person or online.
Create a private class!
If the published list of classes doesn’t fit your schedule, you can schedule a private class with Jeff. Invite your friends! Make it a party! Private online classes are $379 for up to 6 people plus $59 per person thereafter. For in-person classes, the base cost is $419 for up to 6 participants. Additional participants would be $72 per person. Additional costs may apply depending on where the class is hosted. To schedule a private class, please contact Jeff directly: jeff@kneadandnosh.com