Instructions

Warm the milk to 115°F. Pour into a medium sized bowl. Add the yeast and whisk until well combined. Mix in 1/4 cup of the flour and 1 tsp. of the sugar. Cover, and place bowl in a warm draft free area to proof for 10 minutes. (On top of the refrigerator is an ideal spot.)

Sift together the remaining flour, remaining sugar, salt and baking powder into the bowl of a stand mixer. Make a well in the center; set aside.

Combine the 3 Tbsp. of olive oil and sesame seed oil in a small bowl; set aside.

When the yeast mixture has proofed pour into the bowl of dry ingredients. With a dough hook combine until the mixture is incorporated and the flour is fully hydrated. Knead on medium-high for eight minutes.

Form the dough into a ball. Lightly grease the mixing bowl with oil as well as the ball of dough.

Place the dough into the bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap and place in a warm draft free area (top of the fridge) until doubled in size – 1 hour.

Prepare a bamboo steamer by lining the baskets with parchment circles and cutting some vent holes in them; set aside.

When the dough had doubled remove and place onto a pastry board.

Cut the dough into quarters and cut each quarter into quarters to make 16 even sized pieces.

Roll each piece into a ball. Cover with saran wrap. Working with each piece roll out into an oval shape then lightly brush with sesame oil mixture. Fold oval in half oiled sides meeting to form into a Bao Bun.

Place shaped bun into the parchment lined bamboo steamer baskets. Repeat with remaining pieces. You should be able to get 8 into each basket.

Cover buns with saran wrap and allow to proof for 30 minutes.

Bring water to a boil in a wok or pan large enough to fit the bamboo steamer baskets. Be certain that the water will not touch the bottom of the basket where the bao buns are. (A large wok works really well for this.)

When the buns have finished proofing, uncover and give one final brush with the mixed oil. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.

Stack baskets and place bamboo steamer over boiling water.

Cover and steam Bao Buns for 8 minutes until puffed and cooked through.

Serve immediately with fillings of choice.