THIS. THIS IS GREATNESS. THIS IS PERFECTION. THIS…THIS IS SPARTTAAAAAAAAAAAAA.
These lil’ morsels of heaven are called Cha Shao Bao, or Chinese Steamed Pork Buns. I like to call them meaty buns, because they are literally buns of meat, specifically barbecue pork. These buns, usually steamed, have the texture of fluffy cake-like bread that is denser than normal cake, but still as light. Inside this fluffy cloud is a meaty middle that is marinated in a warm mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cooking wine and sherry ( O_o!! ), and sugar. Try not to get (love) drunk after eating these please.
Always found in the dim sum cart, and always found in Chinese bakeries around town. And because they are found in bakeries, these steamed buns might skip out on the steam and go for the baked look, so instead of being white and fluffy, they are golden and crispy. If any of you are near the Philly area, then please just GO TO CHINATOWN. It is probably the best place to get Chinese bakery goods, and please don’t forget the amazing bubble tea. That stuff, I have killed for…MUHAHAH.
These bites can be seen as the nice alternative to an American pulled pork sandwich or barbecue pork sandwich, and they are definitely a lot easier to eat; no messes people. It has the right balance of savory and sweet, juicy and tender, fluffy and light-hearted. It gets right to the spot.
I have to say, for those who aren’t very adventurous when it comes to foreign foods, this one is the most American out there. It’s basically a sloppy joe that isn’t sloppy, a nice easy barbecue pork dish folded in one bun like cubby. Try it out!
Also, if you’re ever stressed:
When all else fails…
OMG…SO CUTE!
Song du jour: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaTEySLiLmc “Cameo Lover” by Kimbra. This song makes me wanna dance…so do Meat Buns… “This is non stop baby, you got me going crazy, you’re heavier than I knew”
You’ll be heavier than you knew after eating these… but whateva OPEN UP YOUR HEART. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain! (Literally…)