Discover how to make Gua Bao, the traditional Taiwanese steamed buns filled with tender braised pork belly, tangy pickled mustard greens, and crunchy crushed peanuts. This easy recipe brings the authentic flavors of this popular street food right to your kitchen. Perfect for a flavorful meal or an impressive party appetizer!

Ingredients:

For the Braised Pork Belly:

- 1 lb (450 g) pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes

- 1/4 cup soy sauce

- 2 tbsp sugar

- 1/4 cup rice wine

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1-inch piece ginger, sliced

- 1 star anise

- 1 cinnamon stick

- 1 cup water

For the Pickled Mustard Greens:

- 1 cup pickled mustard greens, chopped

For Assembly:

- 8 steamed bao buns (store-bought or homemade)

- 1/2 cup crushed peanuts

- Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)

Instructions:

Braised Pork Belly:

 - Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the pork belly cubes and cook until browned on all sides.

 - Add the soy sauce, sugar, rice wine, garlic, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, and water. Bring to a boil.

 - Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally.

Prepare Bao Buns:

  - If using store-bought bao buns, steam them according to package instructions. If making from scratch, follow your favorite recipe for steamed bao buns.

Assemble Gua Bao:

 - Open each steamed bao bun and fill with a few pieces of braised pork belly.

 - Top with pickled mustard greens and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts.

 - Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.

Serve and Enjoy:

  - Serve the Gua Bao warm as a delicious snack or appetizer. Enjoy the blend of flavors and textures in every bite!

Nutritional value

For the Braised Pork Belly:

Pork Belly (1 lb / 450g, cut into 1-inch cubes):

 - Approximately 518 calories

 - 10g protein

 - 0g carbohydrates

 - 53g fat

Benefits: Provides a rich source of protein and fat, adding flavor and texture to dishes. Contains essential nutrients like vitamins B12 and zinc, but should be consumed in moderation due to its high fat content.

Soy Sauce (1/4 cup):

 - Approximately 30 calories

 - 2g protein

 - 3g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds umami flavor, provides small amounts of protein and minerals, but should be used in moderation due to its high sodium content.

Sugar (2 tablespoons):

 - Approximately 96 calories

 - 0g protein

 - 24g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds sweetness to balance flavors, but should be used in moderation due to high calorie and carbohydrate content.

Rice Wine (1/4 cup):

 - Approximately 25 calories

 - 0g protein

 - 2g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds depth of flavor, supports the browning of meat, and contributes to the overall taste of the dish.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced):

 - Approximately 4 calories

 - 0.2g protein

 - 1g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds flavor, supports immune health, has antibacterial properties, and contains antioxidants.

Ginger (1-inch piece, sliced):

 - Approximately 5 calories

 - 0.1g protein

 - 1g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds flavor, aids digestion, has anti-inflammatory properties, and contains antioxidants.

Star Anise (1 piece):

 - Approximately 7 calories

 - 0.3g protein

 - 2g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds a distinctive licorice flavor, contains antioxidants, and has potential digestive benefits.

Cinnamon Stick (1 piece):

 - Approximately 6 calories

 - 0.2g protein

 - 2g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds warm flavor, contains antioxidants, supports blood sugar control, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Water (1 cup):

 - 0 calories

 - 0g protein

 - 0g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Essential for cooking, helps in creating the sauce and maintaining moisture.

For the Pickled Mustard Greens:

Pickled Mustard Greens (1 cup, chopped):

 - Approximately 20 calories

 - 1g protein

 - 4g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds a tangy flavor, provides dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and promotes digestive health.

For Assembly:

Steamed Bao Buns (8 buns):

 - Approximately 120 calories

 - 4g protein

 - 22g carbohydrates

 - 1g fat

Benefits: Provides a soft, pillowy texture for sandwiches. Use store-bought or homemade for convenience.

Crushed Peanuts (1/2 cup):

 - Approximately 428 calories

 - 18g protein

 - 15g carbohydrates

 - 36g fat

Benefits: Adds crunch and flavor, provides protein, healthy fats, and essential minerals like magnesium and potassium.

Fresh Cilantro Leaves (optional):

 - Approximately 1 calorie

 - 0g protein

 - 0g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds fresh flavor, contains vitamins A, C, and K, and provides antioxidants.

These ingredients together create a flavorful, aromatic dish with rich pork belly, tangy pickled mustard greens, and crunchy peanuts, served in soft bao buns.