Manapua is Hawaii’s beloved take on steamed pork buns, with a soft dough wrapped around a sweet-savory filling. It belongs in the archive because it is a bakery and snack counter classic that many people specifically associate with local Hawaii food culture.
If you enjoy this style of Pacific cooking, you may also want to try malasadas, titiyas.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 cup char siu style pork filling
Instructions
- Mix the yeast with warm water and let it bloom briefly.
- Add the flour, sugar, salt, and oil and knead into a smooth dough.
- Let the dough rise until doubled.
- Divide the dough, fill each piece with pork filling, and seal into buns.
- Steam until the buns are puffed and cooked through.
Helpful Tips
- Do not overfill the buns or they may split.
- Keep the dough covered so it does not dry out while shaping.
- Steam in batches so the buns have room to expand.
FAQ
What is manapua filled with?
It is often filled with a barbecue-style pork mixture.
Is manapua baked or steamed?
The best-known version is steamed, though baked versions also exist.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 bun |
| Calories | 238 kcal |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Sodium | 410 mg |
| Cholesterol | 18 mg |









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