Korean Beef Bao Buns
Bao buns have rapidly gained popularity, and for good reason. Our take on the Chinese street food starts with pillow-soft bao buns that get filled with saucy, tender beef and finished with crunchy radishes and green onion.
Makes 6 servings (photo on page 43)
1/3 cup coarsely grated Bosc pear
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons firmly packed dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons gochujang 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1¾ pounds boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
12 bao buns, cooked according to package directions
1/3 cup chopped green onion Garnish: toasted sesame seeds,
thinly sliced red radish Combine pear, soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic in an Instant Pot. Add beef, tossing to coat. Cover and lock lid. Select MANUAL feature. Pressure cook on HIGH for 25 minutes.
Use the handle of a wooden spoon or long tongs to quickly release pressure. Uncover; using a slotted spoon, transfer beef to a medium bowl. Shred beef; cover and keep warm. Select CANCEL feature.
Select SAUTE feature. Cook cooking liquid, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 10 to 15 minutes.
Select CANCEL feature.
Return beef to pot; toss to coat in sauce. Divide beef among bao buns. Sprinkle with green onion. Garnish with sesame seeds and radish, if desired. Serve immediately.
SLOW COOKER DIRECTIONS
In a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker, combine pear, soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Add beef, tossing to coat. Cover and cook on low until beef is fork-tender, 6 to 7 hours. Using a slotted spoon, transfer beef to a medium bowl. Shred beef; cover and keep warm. Transfer cooking liquid to a medium saucepan; cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until thickened, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer beef to saucepan, tossing to coat. Serve beef as directed.
SHOPPING TIP
The best place to find bao buns—often called lotus leaf buns—is in the freezer section of your local Asian specialty market. Gochujang, a spicy Korean red chili paste, can be found in most grocery stores.