Crispy Pork Belly Bao Buns with Hoisin Glaze & Pickled Cucumbers

Crispy pork belly, sweet hoisin glaze, quick pickled cucumbers, and crunchy peanuts tucked into soft, fluffy bao buns. These are light, savory, and insanely addictive.

The pork crackling shatters with every bite, the glaze is sticky and rich, and the pickles cut through with bright tang. Perfect for a weekend dinner or a fun gathering.

Bao buns are soft, pillowy steamed buns that cradle savory fillings. Here, crispy pork belly is roasted until the skin blisters into crackling perfection, then glazed with a sweet hoisin mixture.

Quick pickled cucumbers add brightness and crunch, while crushed peanuts and scallions bring texture and freshness. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality bao buns at home with clear steps and rewarding results.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The key to perfect crackling is scoring the skin and keeping it dry. A dry surface allows the fat to render and the skin to blister into crisp, shattering crackling.

Roasting at high heat ensures the skin crisps while the meat stays tender and juicy.

The hoisin glaze balances sweet, salty, and savory notes, coating each slice with a glossy finish.

The pickled cucumbers provide acidity that cuts through the richness, while the peanuts add crunch and the scallions a fresh bite. Together, they create a harmonious filling.

Notes and substitutions

Look for a pork belly slab with even thickness and a good layer of fat. If you can't find bao buns, use small slider rolls or steamed dinner rolls. For the pickles, use English cucumber for fewer seeds and a crisp texture.

Hoisin sauce is a thick, sweet-savory sauce available in most supermarkets. If you prefer a spicier glaze, add a pinch of chili flakes. The pickled cucumbers can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a day.

• Pork belly: Boneless pork shoulder (not as crispy but still delicious)
• Hoisin sauce: Use a mix of 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp peanut butter, and 1 tsp molasses
• Rice vinegar: White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• Bao buns: Small dinner rolls or slider buns (steam or warm before serving)

Equipment

• Sharp knife
• Roasting pan with rack
• Small saucepan
• Steamer basket or bamboo steamer
• Mixing bowl
• Pastry brush