Sandwiches

How to make Gua Bao

Steamed folded buns filled with braised pork belly, pickled mustard greens, peanuts and coriander.

What it is

Gua Bao in the kitchen

Gua Bao is steamed folded buns filled with braised pork belly, pickled mustard greens, peanuts and coriander.

Why make it

Make Gua Bao when you want a recognisable sandwich with a strong sense of place and a clear balance of bread, filling, moisture, acidity and texture.

Best with

lunch, casual dinner, street-food night, weekend cooking and global sandwich tasting menus

Method

Step-by-step

  1. Step 1

    Braise the pork belly slowly with soy, rice wine and aromatics until tender and glossy.

  2. Step 2

    Reduce the braising liquid until it coats the pork.

  3. Step 3

    Steam the bao buns until hot and pillowy.

  4. Step 4

    Fill each bun with pork, pickled mustard greens and coriander.

  5. Step 5

    Finish with crushed sweetened peanuts and serve immediately.

    Look for: soft cloud-like bun around sticky pork with sour greens and nutty crunch Tip: Keep steamed buns covered until the second you fill them. Avoid: letting the bao buns dry out after steaming
Storage

Make ahead and storage

Storage

Store prepared fillings separately in the refrigerator and assemble as close to serving as possible.

Make ahead

Prepare sauces, pickles and cooked fillings ahead where practical; refresh, reheat or toast just before assembly.