In a small bowl, combine together the warm water, sugar and yeast. Set aside for 5 minutes to allow the yeast to bloom.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the rest of the ingredients and create a well in the middle. Pour in the wet ingredients and mix to create a shaggy dough. Knead until smooth, about 5 minutes, then cover and let rest for 1 hour.
Transfer to a lightly floured work surface and knead until smooth again. Divide the dough evenly into 10 balls, kneading each, then flattening into a 6 x 3-inch oval. Cover each oval and finish rolling out all the dough balls.
Brush the top of each bun with a light coating of vegetable oil and fold onto itself, like a clamshell.
Line a steam basket with parchment, and bring a pot or steamer of water to a boil, ensuring the water will not reach the bottom of the steamer. Once the water is boiling, add the steam basket and allow the buns to steam for 10 minutes.
Fill buns with your favorite fillings or stay traditional with pork belly, peanuts and pickled mustard greens!
