2 Shares

The moment I first tasted a warm, fluffy manapua at a local bakery in Hawaii, it felt like a cozy hug from the islands. These delightful buns, with their soft exterior and sweet-savory char siu filling, hold a special place in my heart and my kitchen. Today, I’m excited to share a simplified version of this beloved dish: Easy Baked Manapua! Thanks to frozen dinner roll dough, you can skip the legwork of making dough from scratch without sacrificing the nostalgic flavors you crave. These buns are perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, transforming ordinary nights into special occasions. So, let’s journey together into the world of Hawaiian comfort food — you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to create these mouthwatering treats that are sure to impress!

Why love Easy Baked Manapua?

Easily Accessible: With the use of frozen dinner roll dough, this recipe eliminates the need for complicated techniques, making it a breeze for any home cook.

Savory Satisfaction: The char siu filling is a heavenly blend of sweet and savory flavors, bringing authentic Hawaiian comfort right to your table.

Perfectly Portable: These manapua are great as party snacks or quick lunches, ensuring you can share deliciousness anytime, anywhere.

Customizable: Feel free to swap out the filling for veggie or chicken options, allowing for endless creative variations that cater to every preference.

Family Favorite: They’re sure to become a hit with kids and adults alike, making every gathering feel like a celebration of flavors.

Make Ahead: Prep them in advance and pop them in the oven whenever you’re ready for a warm, delectable treat – it’s like having homemade goodness on demand! Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra kick!

Easy Baked Manapua Ingredients

For the Dough

• Frozen Dinner Roll Dough – The key to fluffy manapua; simply thaw before using to save time!

For the Filling

• Char Siu Pork – The star of the show, offering sweet-savory goodness; can be homemade or store-bought.
• Onion – Enhances the filling’s flavor; yellow or white onions work best for balanced sweetness.
• Dark Brown Sugar – Adds a rich sweetness that complements the filling; you can substitute with light brown sugar if needed.
• Oyster Sauce – Brings an umami boost; leave it out for a vegetarian version without sacrificing flavor.
• Hoisin Sauce – Infuses sweetness and depth; BBQ sauce is a great alternative in a pinch.
• Chicken Broth – Keeps the filling moist and flavorful; opt for vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
• Sesame Oil – Introduces a nutty aroma; it’s optional but adds to the overall taste experience.
• Cornstarch – Aids in thickening the filling; create a slurry with cold water to ensure it blends smoothly.

For Baking

• Egg Wash – Gives the buns a beautiful golden finish; simply whisk an egg and brush before baking.

With these ingredients in hand, you’re all set to whip up some delightful Easy Baked Manapua that are sure to impress!

How to Make Easy Baked Manapua

Prepare the Char Siu Filling: Cook finely diced char siu pork with onions in a skillet over medium heat, stirring for about 5-7 minutes. Then, mix in the brown sugar, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, chicken broth, and sesame oil. Thicken with a cornstarch slurry and cool before assembly.
Prep Dough: Thaw the frozen dinner roll dough for about 3-4 hours at room temperature until the rolls feel puffy. This is a crucial step for the perfect texture.
Assemble Manapua: Gently flatten each dough ball with your hands, place a generous spoonful of the cooled filling in the center, and firmly pinch the edges to seal.
Proof the Buns: Arrange the filled buns on a baking sheet, cover with a clean towel, and let them rest for about 30 minutes until they rise and look puffy.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the tops of the buns with egg wash for that golden color, and bake for about 20 minutes, or until they are perfectly golden brown. Avoid opening the oven door during baking!
Cool Before Serving: Once baked, allow the manapua to cool slightly on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes before serving. This step ensures the filling won’t be scalding hot!

Optional: Serve with soy sauce or chili sauce for an extra flavor boost.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Easy Baked Manapua are a dream for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the char siu filling up to 3 days in advance; simply cool it down and refrigerate in an airtight container to maintain its robust flavors. Additionally, once you’ve assembled the manapua, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 days before baking, ensuring they’re ready for a quick meal. If you’re looking for longer storage, freeze the unbaked buns for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy these delightful treats, bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for perfectly fluffy results. Enjoy the convenience of homemade goodness with minimal effort!

Storage Tips for Easy Baked Manapua

Room Temperature: Store leftover Easy Baked Manapua at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container to keep them fresh and soft.
Fridge: For longer storage, these buns can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days. Ensure they’re in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
Freezer: Freeze the manapua for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Reheating: To enjoy, reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. Enjoy their fluffy texture and delicious filling!

What to Serve with Easy Baked Manapua?

Indulging in these fluffy, savory-sweet buns brings feelings of warmth and nostalgia that are best complemented by delightful side dishes.

Soy Sauce Dipping: A savory soy sauce is a classic choice that enhances the manapua’s rich flavors and adds an extra layer of umami.
Chili Sauce: For those who love a kick, a spicy chili sauce will bring exciting heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweet filling.
Steamed Vegetables: Light steamed broccoli or bok choy drizzled with sesame oil provide a vibrant, healthy contrast that balances the richness of the buns.
Coconut Rice: This subtly sweet side echoes the charm of Hawaiian cuisine, embracing a tropical allure that pairs perfectly with manapua.
Sweet & Sour Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad with thinly sliced cucumbers, vinegar, and a bit of sugar adds a crisp and tangy note that brightens the meal.
Pineapple Fried Rice: Incorporating bits of pineapple creates a sweet-savory harmony, mirroring the charm of Hawaiian flavors and adding a cheerful pop.
Thai Iced Tea: Pair your manapua with this creamy, sweet drink to elevate your meal; its rich flavor is just the right complement to the rich, meaty buns.

Each of these options can transform your manapua into a delightful experience, making your homemade meal feel like a festive gathering!

Expert Tips for Easy Baked Manapua

Perfect Filling Seal: Ensure a tight seal when assembling the buns to prevent any filling from leaking during baking, which can result in a messy tray.
Cool Before Filling: Allow your char siu filling to cool completely before filling the dough; this keeps the dough from becoming soggy and ensures a nice, firm texture.
Work Efficiently: Use leftover char siu for quick assembly, and keep prepped filling refrigerated for up to 5 days for speedy weekday meals or snacks.
Make-Ahead Magic: For a great make-ahead option, assemble the Easy Baked Manapua and refrigerate them for up to 2 days, or freeze them for 3 months before baking.
Brush for Shine: Don’t skip the egg wash step before baking; it not only gives a beautiful golden sheen but also enhances the overall flavor of the buns.

Easy Baked Manapua Variations

Customizing your manapua is a delightful way to express your creativity and cater to different taste preferences!

Chicken Substitute: Replace char siu pork with shredded char siu chicken for a lighter, yet equally delicious filling. Perfect for a healthier twist!
Vegetarian Option: Use diced mushrooms and a mix of bell peppers in place of meat, creating a savory filling that even non-vegetarians will love.
Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or sriracha to the filling to elevate flavor and spice, making each bite a bold experience.
Herb Infusion: Toss in freshly chopped cilantro or green onions to the filling for a burst of flavor and a hint of freshness.
Sweet Twist: Incorporate a touch of pineapple or hoisin sauce to your filling for a sweet and tangy profile that evokes tropical vibes.
Nutty Addition: Mix in some crushed peanuts or almonds for a crunchy texture that complements the soft bun beautifully.
Cheesy Delight: Add shredded cheese like mozzarella into the filling to create a gooey and rich treat, perfect for cheese lovers.
Different Dough: Experiment with biscuit or pizza dough as an alternative to dinner roll dough for a fun variation in texture and flavor.

Easy Baked Manapua Recipe FAQs

What type of frozen dinner roll dough should I use?
I recommend choosing a brand that you know and love for taste and texture; any regular frozen dinner roll dough will work well. Look for dough that doesn’t have added flavors for the best results, as you want to let the char siu filling shine!

How should I store leftover Easy Baked Manapua?
Store your leftover manapua in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze Easy Baked Manapua?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled, uncooked manapua for up to 3 months. Just pop them onto a baking sheet to freeze individually, then once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What if my filling turns out too runny?
If your filling is runny, don’t sweat it! In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Add this to your filling while it’s on the stovetop and stir continuously until it thickens. This will help achieve the perfect consistency for your filling!

Are these Easy Baked Manapua suitable for vegetarians?
Definitely! Simply substitute the char siu pork with your choice of tofu or a mix of vegetables, and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a flavorful vegetarian option. You can also omit the oyster sauce and hoisin sauce in favor of a tasty BBQ sauce to enhance sweetness without compromising on flavor.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the Easy Baked Manapua and refrigerate them for up to 2 days before baking. For longer storage, freeze them once assembled and bake them fresh later on. This is a great way to have homemade comfort food at the ready!