The black pepper bun originated from the Fuzhou province in China and was brought to Taiwan by refugees during the Republic of China era. Originally simpler in form, the buns evolved in Taiwan to include more pepper and green onions, leading to the flavorful version we enjoy today. Vendors began adding more black pepper to satisfy customer demand for spiciness, thus giving rise to the name "Hu Jiao Bing," which translates to "black pepper bun" (source: Choo Choo Cachew).

To make authentic Taiwanese black pepper buns, you will need the following ingredients:

Part A:

250g All-Purpose Flour
130g Water
25g Sugar
½ teaspoon Yeast

Part B:

75g Cake Flour
40g Ghee or another fat source

300g Ground Pork (or beef for variation)
1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon Ground Black Pepper
1 tablespoon Sesame Oil
2 teaspoons Ground Fresh Ginger
½ teaspoon Salt
100g Green Onion, chopped
Black and White Sesame Seeds for topping

Mix Part A: In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients in Part A. Knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover and let it rise until doubled in size (about 30-45 minutes).
Mix Part B: In another bowl, combine the cake flour and ghee. This will create a rich, flaky texture for the bun.

Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, soy sauce, black pepper, sesame oil, ginger, salt, and chopped green onions. Mix until well combined.
Chill: Allow the filling to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.

Divide the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into equal portions (about 10).
Roll Out the Dough: Flatten each piece of dough into a round circle about 6-7 inches in diameter.
Fill the Buns: Place a portion of the meat filling in the center of each dough circle. Gather the edges of the dough and pinch to seal, forming a ball.
Prepare for Baking: Place the buns seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with a mixture of honey and water, then dip them in sesame seeds.

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Bake: Bake the buns for about 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and the filling is cooked through.
Serve: Enjoy the buns warm, preferably straight out of the oven, for the best experience.

Making black pepper buns at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. With their crispy crust and flavorful, peppery filling, these buns are sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re reminiscing about a trip to Taiwan or simply looking to explore new flavors, this black pepper bun recipe is a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the process and savor the delicious results!