Steam the bao buns over boiling water for 6–8 minutes. Use a bamboo steamer or a colander with a lid. Ensure they don't come into direct contact with the water to maintain their soft texture.
Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes to enhance their flavor. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter, add the brown sugar and maple syrup, and stir to combine. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until slightly thickened, then stir in the toasted pecans and a pinch of salt.
Let the mixture cool for a few minutes to firm up slightly, but still remain pliable. Then prepare for filling.
Carefully open the steamed bao buns. Spoon in 1-2 tablespoons of the pecan-maple syrup mixture. Avoid overfilling to prevent the buns from becoming soggy and to ensure they close properly.
Serve warm, when the filling is still slightly runny and the bun is soft. Tip: for an extra caramel-like effect, drizzle a little more maple syrup on top before serving.
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