Cook’s in the Kitchen: Bao Buns
INGREDIENTS: Pickled Veggies
· 1/4 cup water
· 1/4 cup rice vinegar
· 1 tablespoon organic granulated sugar
· 1/2 teaspoon salt
· 1/2 medium cucumber, julienne cut
· 1 medium carrot julienne cut
· 1 medium jalapeño pepper, sliced
For the Mushroom Filling:
· 1/3 cup soy sauce
· 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
· 2 tablespoons maple syrup
· 2 teaspoons sambal oelek, or to taste (optional)
· 2 teaspoons sesame oil
· 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
· 3 tablespoons canola oil (or high heat oil of choice)
· 1 pound shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced into thin strips
DIRECTIONS:
Prepare ingredients for Bao construction.
ADDITIONAL TOPPINGS:
· 10 tablespoons hoisin sauce
· 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
· 1/2 cup chopped scallions
· 1/2 cup fresh cilantro