Manapua
Manapua are savory steamed buns filled with seasoned char siu or chicken, green onions, and water chestnuts, perfect for snack lovers and those craving Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the chopped char sui meat or chicken, chopped water chestnuts, chopped green onions, oyster sauce, and shoyu together; let stand for 10 minutes.
- Place a rounded tablespoonful of filling in the center of each ready-to-bake Parker House roll.
- Pinch the edges together to seal.
- Place the filled rolls on wax paper, then onto a cookie sheet, 1 inch apart.
- Bake at 400° F for 10 to 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or ginger to the filling mixture. If char sui meat is unavailable, cooked pulled chicken or even tofu can be a great substitute. To save time, you can also use pre-made dumpling wrappers instead of Parker House rolls. Ensure the edges are well-sealed to prevent leakage during baking.
Serving Suggestions
These manapua make a great appetizer or snack and pair well with a side of soy sauce or sweet chili sauce for dipping. They also go wonderfully with a light salad or steamed vegetables. For a complete meal, serve alongside Shrimp With Garlic And Oyster Sauce or a bowl of hot soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but the texture may not be as crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Manapua contains roughly 291 calories, with 9g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 968mg per serving (42% 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 freeze manapua after baking?
Yes, you can freeze baked manapua. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F until warmed through.
What can I use instead of water chestnuts?
If you can't find water chestnuts, chopped bell peppers or jicama can provide a similar crunch to the filling. Both options will add a fresh, crisp texture that complements the other ingredients well.
Is there a vegetarian version of manapua?
Absolutely! You can make a vegetarian version by replacing the char sui meat or chicken with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or even a medley of vegetables. This will create a delicious and hearty filling while keeping the dish plant-based.
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).