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+ servings
Steamed pows in a basket at a top down view.

Trini Pow - Steamed Meat Buns

A deliciously steamed bun filled with meat seasoned with Asian flavors. A Trinidad Chinese favorite.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 15 minutes
Inactive time 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 12
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: Caribbean

Ingredients
  

For Dough
  • 3 ½ cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 pack instant yeast
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • ½ ounce lard
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ cups water
For Filling
  • 1 ½ pounds minced meat see notes for pork option
  • 1 tablespoon Chinese seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon hoisin sauce
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon oil

Method
 

For the Filling
  1. Mix the minced meat with Chinese seasoning, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sugar.
  2. Heat oil in a wok and cook the meat until it's dry with minimal liquid. Let cool.
For the Dough
  1. In a bowl, combine flour, salt, yeast, and sugar.
  2. Gradually add water while mixing until you form a soft but not sticky dough.
  3. Knead for 5 minutes, then add oil and lard. Knead again until smooth.
  4. Cover and let rise for about 30 minutes.
  5. Punch down dough and let rise again for another 15 minutes.
  6. Divide dough into 2 oblong logs, then cut each log into 1-inch slices (adjust size as desired).
  7. Shape each slice into a ball, flattening it with the center slightly thicker than the edges.
  8. Place about 1 to 1½ teaspoons of filling in the center of each piece.
  9. Pinch edges together to seal and place each bun on a square of wax paper.
  10. Place in steamer with space between each, and steam for 15 minutes.

Notes

  • Pork option: Use 3 pounds of raw pork, finely chopped, and season as above.
  • Meat should be dry after cooking to avoid leakage during steaming.
  • Don’t overfill, or the meat may break through the dough while steaming.
  • Ensure buns don’t touch in the steamer—use wax paper to keep them separated.

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