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Baked Manapua

Fluffy Baked Manapua That Bring Hawaiian Comfort Home

Baked Manapua are delightful Hawaiian-style buns filled with sweet-savory pork, perfect for gatherings.
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Prep Time 4 hours
Cook Time 20 minutes
Proofing Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 10 buns
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Calories: 230
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 package Frozen Dinner Roll Dough Convenient base for soft texture.
For the Filling
  • 16 ounces Char Siu Pork, diced Pre-cooked for sweet-savory flavor.
  • 0.5 small Yellow Onion, finely diced Adds sweetness.
  • 1 tablespoon Grapeseed Oil For sautéing.
  • 2 ounces Water Chestnuts, diced Adds crunch.
  • 1 Green Onion, thinly sliced Fresh touch.
  • 2 tablespoons Dark Brown Sugar Balances savory notes.
  • ⅓ cup Chicken Broth Moisture and flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce Umami boost.
  • 2 teaspoons Hoisin Sauce Adds sweetness and depth.
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil Nutty aroma.
  • 1 scant tablespoon Cornstarch, whisked with 1 tablespoon water Thickens filling.
  • Kosher Salt and White Pepper For seasoning.
For the Topping
  • 1 large Egg, beaten with 1 teaspoon water For egg wash.
  • 1 teaspoon Honey, whisked with 1 teaspoon hot water Optional glaze.

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Plastic wrap

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Dough: Thaw and cover frozen dinner roll dough for 3-4 hours until puffy.
  2. Make the Char Siu Filling: Sauté onion in grapeseed oil, add char siu and season, cook 2-3 minutes.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Add water chestnuts and green onion, then mix in brown sugar, broth, sauces, and simmer.
  4. Thicken the Filling: Whisk cornstarch with water, stir into filling until thickened, then let cool.
  5. Assemble Manapua: Flatten dough, fill with mixture, pinch edges, place seam side down on baking sheet.
  6. Proof the Buns: Cover with oiled wrap, proof for 30 minutes in a warm spot.
  7. Bake Buns: Brush with egg wash, bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
  8. Cool and Serve: Cool on rack for 5 minutes, optional honey glaze before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bunCalories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 320mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 8mg

Notes

Use thawed dough for best results. Store in airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

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