Kimchi Steamed Buns 泡菜包子 (김치만두)

Ingredients

Makes 8 buns  
                                                            

For the dough:                              

• 135g lukewarm water
• 3/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 250g all purpose flour
• 10g sugar
• 1 tsp vegetable oil
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the filling:

• 150g ground pork                                         
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp water
• 200g kimchi, drained and chopped
• 50g vermicelli, soaked and chopped
• 8 shiitake mushroom, soaked and chopped
• 2 scallions, chopped

Seasonings:

• 1/4 tsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp white pepper powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 3 tbsp sesame oil

Method
Prepare the filling:

1. Mix 1/2 tsp salt and 3 tbsp water with the ground pork, and stir with a pair of chopsticks for about 3 to 5 minutes. Set aside.
2. Heat a skillet over high heat for 30 seconds, add 1 tsp oil, and brown the ground pork for 2 minutes.
3. Add the chopped shiitake mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Add the chopped kimchi and vermicelli, stir and mix, and cook for 2 minutes.
5. Turn off the heat and transfer the filling mixture to a shallow dish. Let it cool to room temperature.

Prepare the buns:

1. Dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water in a small bowl.
2. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl with the yeast mixture until all is blend, and then knead the dough until it's smooth, around 5 minutes. 
3. Let the dough rest in the bowl for one hour or until it doubles in size. Cover it with plastic wrap or a lid.
4. Roll the dough into a cylinder 16" long, and cut into 2" pieces (8 pieces in total.)
5. Roll each piece into a ball. 
6. Work with one piece at a time; cover those not being used with a damp cloth.
7. Press a ball down lightly, then roll into a 4" circle.
8. Place 2 tbsp filling in center of the circle.
9. Bring up sides to cover filling and meet on top, pinch and seal closed with a twist.  Repeat for all 8. I made two different baozi shapes with the same filling.
10. Place the buns on the square baking papers. (Cut the parchment paper in squares slightly bigger than the buns.)
11. Spread the buns on the steamer and pour some warm water in the bottom of the steamer. Cover the steamer, and let the buns rise for 15 minutes. 
12. After the final rise, turn on the steamer and steam the buns for 17 minutes until it's cooked. 
13. Serve immediately.