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Baked Manapua

Baked Manapua: Soft Hawaiian Buns with Savory Pork Filling

Baked Manapua are soft Hawaiian buns filled with savory char siu pork, perfect for snacks or meal occasions.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Proofing Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 buns
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 package Frozen Dinner Roll Dough Thaw properly before using
For the Filling
  • 2 cups Char Siu Pork Store-bought for quicker prep or homemade for a personal touch
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Diced finely
  • 1/2 cup Water Chestnuts Optional for texture
  • 2 stalks Green Onion Finely sliced
  • 2 tablespoons Dark Brown Sugar Substitute with regular brown sugar if needed
  • 1/2 cup Chicken Broth Adds moisture
  • 2 tablespoons Oyster Sauce For umami flavor
  • 2 tablespoons Hoisin Sauce For sweetness and tang
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil Contributes nutty aroma
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch Mix with water for thickening
For the Finish
  • 1 large Egg For wash
  • 1 tablespoon Honey Optional for glaze
  • 1 tablespoon Water Optional for glaze

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • baking tray
  • plastic wrap
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Manapua
  1. Step 1: Thaw Dough - Thaw the frozen dinner roll dough for 3-4 hours at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Prep Filling - Heat oil, sauté onion until translucent, add pork, water chestnuts, green onions, sugar, and broth. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Thicken Filling - Mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry, add to filling, and cook until thick.
  4. Step 4: Assemble Manapua - Flatten dough, place filling in center, and pinch edges to seal.
  5. Step 5: Proof Buns - Let shaped buns rise seam-side down for 30 minutes until doubled in size.
  6. Step 6: Bake - Brush with egg and bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
  7. Step 7: Serve - Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bunCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 6gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 6mg

Notes

For best flavor, enjoy Baked Manapua warm, straight from the oven. Optional honey glaze adds sweetness.

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