Steamed Asian beef dumplings (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Dough

01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour (or substitute part with cake flour for a lighter texture)
02 - 1 tablespoon sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon instant yeast
04 - 3/4 cup warm milk (or water)
05 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
06 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

→ For the Beef Filling

07 - 1 lb beef (short rib, chuck roast, or flank steak), finely chopped
08 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
11 - 1/4 cup soy sauce
12 - 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (or soy sauce + 1 teaspoon honey)
13 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
14 - 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
15 - 2 green onions, finely sliced

# Instructions:

01 - In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and warm milk. Stir until a dough forms. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth, then cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
02 - Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant. Add beef, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the beef is tender. Stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce. Remove from heat and mix in green onions.
03 - Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12-14 equal portions. Roll each piece into a small disc, place a spoonful of beef filling in the center, and pinch the edges to seal.
04 - Place the buns on parchment-lined steamer trays, ensuring space between them. Steam over boiling water for 12-15 minutes until puffed and fluffy.
05 - Let the bao cool slightly before serving. Enjoy fresh or with a dipping sauce of your choice.

# Notes:

01 - Make sure your yeast is fresh to achieve a fluffy bun texture
02 - Slow-cooking the beef allows it to absorb the flavors better
03 - Avoid overfilling the buns to ensure a proper seal