Scandal Boggs ┃ Fashion, Beauty & Home

If you’re a fan of the delicious Wagyu Beef Buns from the Japan Pavilion at Epcot, then you’re in for a treat! Indulge in the unofficial, dupe recipe inspired by this culinary masterpiece from the International Festival of the Arts 2024.

This dish is based on the Wagyu Beef Buns from the Japan Pavilion at Epcot. Find more unofficial, dupe recipes from this festival here at my masterlist.

Ingredients:

For the Steamed Buns:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water

For the Wagyu Filling:

• 1 lb American Wagyu beef, thinly sliced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sake (Japanese rice wine) or dry sherry
• 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Green Shiso Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh green shiso leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh lettuce leaves
• Thinly sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds

Instructions:

For the Steamed Buns:

1. In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture and knead until a smooth dough forms.
3. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
4. Punch down the dough and knead for a few minutes.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into rounds using a round cutter.
6. Place each round on a small piece of parchment paper and let them rest for another 15-20 minutes.
7. Steam the buns for 10-12 minutes until they are puffed and cooked through.

For the Wagyu Filling:

1. Season the thinly sliced Wagyu beef with salt and black pepper.
2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sake, and mirin.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sear the Wagyu slices for 1-2 minutes per side.
4. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the beef and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize. Remove from heat.

For the Green Shiso Sauce:

1. In a blender or food processor, combine chopped green shiso leaves, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and grated ginger.
2. Blend until smooth.

Assembly:

1. Open each steamed bun and spread a spoonful of the green shiso sauce on the inside.
2. Place a few slices of the seared Wagyu beef inside the bun.
3. Optionally, add fresh lettuce leaves, thinly sliced green onions, and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Serve:

Serve these Wagyu Buns immediately, allowing your guests to enjoy the tender, flavorful American Wagyu beef inside the soft and pillowy steamed buns, complemented by the zesty green shiso sauce. This dish offers a delicious blend of textures and tastes inspired by both Japanese and American culinary traditions. Enjoy!