If you’re dreaming of a snack that’s guaranteed to fly off the plate, Easy Baked Manapua is about to become your next obsession. These Hawaiian buns, inspired by the classic Chinese char siu bao, are filled with sweet and savory BBQ pork, wrapped in pillowy soft dough, and baked to a beautiful golden sheen. Whether you serve them as a savory party treat, a homey family snack, or alongside your favorite local-style sides, Easy Baked Manapua brings the flavors of the islands and a bit of aloha to any occasion.

Easy Baked Manapua Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe serves a special purpose, lending its own unique texture, flavor, or color to these delicious buns. Don’t be intimidated — you’ll be surprised by how pantry-friendly and straightforward the ingredient list is!

Active dry yeast: This is what gives your buns that classic pillow-soft rise and tender crumb.
Warm water: Helps activate the yeast and binds everything together for a supple dough.
Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the salt and brings out the flavors in both dough and filling.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of your dough, ensuring a soft, sturdy structure for stuffing and baking.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the dough moist and helps the buns bake up soft and fluffy.
Salt: Just a pinch deepens all the other flavors in the dough.
Char siu (Chinese BBQ pork): The heart of the filling, with its irresistible sweet-meets-savory richness.
Green onions: Freshness and color, scattered throughout every tasty bite.
Oyster sauce: Adds umami depth and brings the pork filling to life.
Soy sauce: For essential saltiness and savory character.
Hoisin sauce: Brings signature sweetness and an aromatic, almost smoky finish.
Cornstarch: Thickens the filling and keeps it perfectly tender without oozing out.
Egg yolk + water: The go-to finishing touch for that bakery-perfect glossy, golden exterior.

How to Make Easy Baked Manapua

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and a bit of sugar in a small bowl. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for a foamy, bubbly top — this means your yeast is alive and ready to create that signature light and airy dough. If it doesn’t foam, start fresh with new yeast for best results.

Step 2: Make and Knead the Dough

In a larger bowl, mix your all-purpose flour and salt together, creating a simple foundation. Pour in the yeast mixture and the vegetable oil. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to bring the dough together, then knead until smooth and slightly elastic. Cover your bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise somewhere warm for about an hour, or until it’s doubled in size. This step is the secret to that heavenly soft manapua texture.

Step 3: Prepare the BBQ Pork Filling

While the dough is doing its thing, toss your diced char siu and green onions in a skillet with oyster sauce, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and a touch of sugar over medium heat. Once fragrant and starting to bubble, stir in a quick slurry of cornstarch and water. This thickens the mixture and gives it that luscious, sticky quality that makes each bite so satisfying. Let it cool completely before you start filling your buns.

Step 4: Assemble the Buns

Punch down the risen dough to knock out those air bubbles, then divide it into 10 to 12 portions. Flatten each piece into a small circle—don’t worry about perfection! Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cooled pork filling into the center, then pinch the edges together, sealing tightly so the filling stays put. Place each bun seam-side down on your baking sheet so they’ll bake up gorgeously round.

Step 5: Second Rise and Bake

Cover the assembled buns with a towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. This final proof helps them bake up extra light. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Before baking, brush each bun with the egg wash to guarantee that bakery-worthy shine and color. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, until golden and glossy—the kitchen will smell amazing, and your Easy Baked Manapua will look irresistible!

How to Serve Easy Baked Manapua

Garnishes

For a touch of extra flair, sprinkle a few sliced green onions on top of your hot buns or dust with a pinch of toasted sesame seeds. These easy additions aren’t just pretty—they add an extra layer of fresh, nutty flavor that flatters the manapua beautifully.

Side Dishes

Easy Baked Manapua loves company! Pair with crisp pickled vegetables, a chilled noodle salad, or a wedge of sweet island-style pineapple for a classic Hawaiian lunch plate. These sides balance the rich, savory filling and keep your meal feeling light and festive.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be shy about getting playful—try serving Easy Baked Manapua in a bamboo steamer basket at your next gathering, or pile them up “family style” on a bright platter lined with banana leaves. You can even pop a few into a bento box with fresh fruit and a little dipping sauce for the ultimate grab-and-go treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have extra buns? Easy Baked Manapua stays soft for a couple of days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If your kitchen is humid, pop leftovers in the fridge to keep them fresh and pillowy.

Freezing

To stash some for a future craving, let the buns cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze in a zip-top bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

Bring your Easy Baked Manapua back to life by warming them in a microwave for about 20–30 seconds, or wrap in foil and heat in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes. This softens the dough and helps restore that just-baked freshness without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought char siu for the filling?

Absolutely! Pre-made char siu from your local Asian market or deli is a huge time-saver, and it tastes fantastic in Easy Baked Manapua. Just dice it up and proceed with the recipe—no one will know you took a shortcut.

What if I don’t have hoisin or oyster sauce?

If you’re missing one of those sauces, you can substitute with a little extra soy sauce and a touch of honey or brown sugar for sweetness. While traditional flavors are ideal, the filling is quite forgiving and still turns out delicious.

Can I make Easy Baked Manapua vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the pork for firm tofu or a meaty mushroom mix, then use vegetarian oyster sauce and leave out any fish-based ingredients. The buns will still have that same signature texture and satisfying flavor.

How far ahead can I make the dough?

The dough can be prepared up to a day ahead! After kneading, let it rise in the fridge overnight instead of at room temperature. This slow proofing actually deepens the flavor—just bring to room temp before assembling your manapua.

Why did my buns turn out dense?

This most often happens if the dough didn’t rise long enough or if the yeast was old. Always check that your yeast is foamy when you activate it, and give the buns enough time in a warm spot for both rises—patience pays off with fluffy results!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried homemade buns before, Easy Baked Manapua is the perfect recipe to win your heart. The process is straightforward, the flavors pop, and every bite brings a taste of Hawaii’s local kitchens to your own. Don’t wait—gather your ingredients and let this unforgettable treat become your new favorite snack or party dish!