Cookim Mama

1: Combine all dough ingredients and knead until smooth. Form into a ball, cover, and let rise until almost doubled in size (1-2hrs).

2: Make your filling. In a small bowl, add the peppercorns, star anise, and 50g of boiling water. Set the flavored water aside.

3: Once the flavored water has cooled, combine the rest of the filling ingredients in another bowl. Make sure you only stir in one direction.

4: Add in the flavored water and mix until combined. Cover and place into the fridge while you work on the dough.

5: Deflate the dough. Roll it into a log and divide into 12 equal sections. Cover the rest of the dough to prevent it from drying out. Round and flatten it to a disk 4” in diameter.

6: Take 2-3 tbsp of filling and place it into the center of the disk. Pleat it into a bao and place into a steamer basket lined with steaming paper.

7: Cover the bao and let rise for 10-20mins.

8: Fill your pot/pan with enough water and bring to a boil. Steam the bao for 12-15mins over medium heat. Turn off the heat and leave covered for another 5-10mins.