"Zhajiang" Bao (Spicy Shrimp and Ground Beef Buns)

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1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch, whisked with 1 tablespoon cold water

Pinch ground white pepper

4 to 6 large bao buns, steamed, or soft sandwich buns

Spicy Shrimp and Ground Beef Buns:

1 ounce dried shrimp

5 or 6 small dried Chinese (shiitake) mushrooms

1 tablespoon peanut oil

1 ounce smoked bacon or pancetta, finely diced

1 shallot, smashed and finely diced

8 ounces ground beef

4 ounces shredded bamboo shoots, drained and diced

1 jalapeno, stemmed and finely diced

1 green pepper, seeded and diced

1 to 2 tablespoons light soy sauce

1 teaspoon dark soy sauce

1 tablespoon Shaoshing rice wine

6 pickled cornichons, finely sliced, for serving

Chili oil, optional, for serving

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for serving

1 tablespoon finely chopped peanuts mixed with 2 tablespoons sugar, optional, for serving