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Hawaiian Manapua Recipe​

Easy Hawaiian Manapua Recipe at Home

Hawaiian Manapua is a soft, fluffy bun inspired by Chinese char siu bao. It’s filled with savory pork, vegetarian ingredients, or sweet fillings like red bean paste. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or parties.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Dough Ingredients
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour sifted
  • 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast 1 packet
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • ¾ cup warm milk
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Filling Ingredients Classic Pork
  • 1 lb pork shoulder diced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 2 green onions chopped
  • Optional Fillings: chicken teriyaki mushrooms & tofu, red bean paste

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl for yeast
  • Steamer or bamboo steamer
  • Rolling Pin
  • Baking sheet (optional)
  • Parchment paper
  • Spoon for filling
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Dough Mix warm milk, water, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar in a small bowl. Let it sit 5–10 minutes until frothy. In a large bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and oil, then knead 8–10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise 1–2 hours until doubled.
  2. Prepare the Filling Heat sesame oil in a pan and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add diced pork and cook until browned. Stir in soy sauce, hoisin, oyster sauce, and sugar. Simmer 5–7 minutes until tender. Add green onions and let the mixture cool.
  3. Assemble the Manapua Punch down the dough and divide it into 12–15 portions. Flatten each portion into a circle. Place 1–2 tbsp of filling in the center, gather the edges, and pinch to seal. Shape into smooth buns.
  4. Cook the Manapua Steaming: Place buns on parchment in a steamer and steam for 12–15 minutes.
  5. Baking (Optional): Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), brush buns with egg wash, and bake 15–20 minutes until golden.

Notes

  • Use warm milk to activate yeast properly.
  • Avoid overfilling buns to prevent splitting.
  • Keep hands lightly floured when shaping.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container or freeze for later use.
  • Mini manapua are great for parties or lunchboxes.
Hawaiian Manapua Recipe​