Manapua Sweet Bread Dough filled with Meat (Steamed) is a popular Hawaiian dish that consists of a soft and fluffy bread filled with savory meat. This delicious treat is often served as a snack or a meal on the go. At 215 calories per serving, it's a perfect on-the-go bite.

Manapua is a great example of Hawaiian fusion cuisine. The dish is an adaptation of Chinese baozi, which are steamed buns filled with meat or vegetables. By replacing the traditional baozi dough with sweet bread dough, Hawaiian cooks created a unique version of this classic dish. This delicious treat is often found in local food trucks and specialty shops across the islands. It is generally filled with pork or chicken, but other meat types are also used depending on the choice of the cook.

In this article, we'll explore the history, the nutrition content, and the preparation of this tasty treat.

What is Manapua?

Manapua is a popular Hawaiian dish that consists of sweet bread dough filled with savory meat. This dish is often compared to Chinese baozi, but the dough used for Manapua is sweeter and fluffier. The filling of the Manapua can vary, but it is most often filled with pork or chicken. Manapua is easy to eat on the go and is often served at local food trucks and specialty shops across the island. It is perfect for a quick snack or as a meal on the go. This dish is not only delicious but also a cultural icon of Hawaii, with its origins dating back several decades.

What is sweet bread dough?

Sweet bread dough is the main ingredient used in Manapua. It is a dough that is made with milk, sugar, flour, yeast, and eggs. It is sweeter and fluffier than regular bread dough, which makes it perfect for Manapua. The sweetness of the sweet bread dough complements the savory filling of the Manapua. With the perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness, Manapua is a dish that is beloved by many. Sweet bread dough is also commonly used in Hawaiian cuisine for other sweet treats like malasadas, a type of Portuguese donut that is very popular in Hawaii.

What type of meat is used in Manapua?

The most common type of meat used in Manapua is pork, but chicken and char siu (Cantonese-style barbecued pork) are also popular. The meat is seasoned with a combination of soy sauce, sugar, and other spices to give it a delicious flavor. Other variations of the filling may include seafood, vegetables, or even sweet fillings such as chocolate or taro.

How to steam Manapua?

To steam Manapua, you will need a steamer basket and a pot with a lid. First, place the Manapua in the steamer basket and arrange them so they are not touching. Pour water into the pot and bring it to a boil. Place the steamer basket over the pot, making sure it is not touching the water. Cover the pot with the lid and steam the Manapua for 15-20 minutes. You can also use a rice cooker with a steamer basket to steam the Manapua. Simply fill the rice cooker with water, place the steamer basket on top, and steam the Manapua for 15-20 minutes.

Can Manapua be baked instead of steamed?

Traditionally, Manapua is steamed, but it can also be baked. To bake Manapua, preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the Manapua on a baking sheet, making sure they are not touching. Bake the Manapua for 15-20 minutes or until they are lightly golden brown. While baked Manapua may not have the same texture as steamed Manapua, this method is ideal for those who do not have a steamer basket or rice cooker at home.

What is the origin of Manapua?

Manapua is a dish that originated in Hawaii, but it is heavily influenced by Chinese cuisine. In the past, Chinese laborers were brought to Hawaii to work on sugar plantations. With them, they brought Chinese cuisine, including baozi. Local Hawaiian cooks adapted the recipe to suit their tastes and created the unique version of Manapua that we know and love today.

Is Manapua healthy?

While Manapua is delicious, it is not the healthiest food option. The sweet bread dough is high in calories, and the meat filling can be high in fat and sodium. However, there are some ways to make Manapua healthier. You can try using lean meat or vegetables for the filling, and you can also make your own sweet bread dough with healthier ingredients like whole wheat flour or honey instead of sugar.

How many calories are in a typical Manapua?

A typical Manapua contains around 215 calories. However, this can vary depending on the size of the Manapua and the filling used. Pork-filled Manapua tends to have more calories than chicken-filled Manapua.

How is Manapua traditionally served?

Manapua is traditionally served as a snack or a meal on the go. It is a popular street food in Hawaii and can be found at local food trucks, convenience stores, and specialty shops. It is also commonly served as an appetizer or side dish at parties and gatherings. Some people enjoy dipping their Manapua in soy sauce, hot sauce, or sweet chili sauce for an extra kick of flavor.

Are there vegetarian or alternative versions of Manapua?

Yes, there are vegetarian and alternative versions of Manapua. Vegetarian Manapua is often filled with vegetables or tofu, while sweet versions of Manapua may be filled with chocolate or taro. Some people also use alternative flours like gluten-free flour or coconut flour to make Manapua. While these versions may be a departure from the traditional meat-filled Manapua, they are still delicious and worth trying.