Mana Pua
Mana Pua are soft, sweet Hawaiian steamed buns filled with delicious fillings, perfect for a snack or dessert that appeals to all ages and tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix dry yeast in warm water and let it activate.
- Combine sugar and salt; add to the yeast mixture.
- Add flour gradually to form a dough.
- Mix with hands, knead, and place in a bowl. Cover with a cloth and let rise for 2 hours.
- Punch down the dough, cover, and let rise again for 30 minutes.
- Oil hands and form 2-inch balls from the dough.
- Flatten each ball in the palms, fill with about 1 tablespoon of filling.
- Pull the dough over the filling, pinch and twist edges to seal.
- Place the filled buns on 3x3 inch pieces of wax paper, pinched side down.
- Grease the rack of a steamer and place the buns inside.
- Pull a small cloth over the top cover of the steamer to collect water.
- Steam the buns for 40 minutes or longer until cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your water temperature is around 110°F to activate the yeast effectively. If you don’t have salad oil, you can substitute it with vegetable oil or melted coconut oil. For a unique twist, consider adding a small amount of sesame oil for flavor. Kneading the dough well is crucial for achieving a light and fluffy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Mana Pua can be enjoyed as a standalone snack or served with dipping sauces like soy sauce or sweet chili sauce. They pair beautifully with Lou Kridelbaugh'S Famous Layer Cake for a delightful meal. For added flavor, consider serving them with a side of pickled vegetables or a fresh salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Mana Pua in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, steam them for about 10 minutes to restore their moisture and softness. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 30 seconds, but steaming is recommended for the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mana Pua contains roughly 680 calories, with 9g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but it may result in a denser dough. Consider combining whole wheat with all-purpose flour for a lighter texture while still enjoying the health benefits of whole grains.
What can I use as a filling for the buns?
You can fill the buns with various fillings such as sweet red bean paste, ground meat, or sautéed vegetables. For a vegan option, consider using a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and tofu, or try a sweet filling like coconut or chocolate.
How do I know when the buns are fully cooked?
The buns are fully cooked when they are fluffy and spring back to the touch. You can also check by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean. If they appear shiny and have expanded significantly, they are likely ready.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).