These Braised Pork Buns Are Better Than Sex

You survived Hump Day. Congratulations. And although the general understanding of Wednesday's nickname is that it represents making it over the "hump"—i.e., the most challenging middle section—of the week, that doesn't mean that it can't also allude to another activity by the same name.

Food and sex go hand in hand; that's indisputable (we've got a whole series dedicated to that very overlap, in fact). But Paris-based chef Hann Palcu-Chang of Hero wants you to think of things another way. Food can be a way of celebrating sex.

These pork buns might not the right dish to make every single night (although you'll definitely want to after tasting them). They're a tad time-consuming, what with the braising and the quick-pickling. But they're so very worth making to honor a special occasion—such as, in Palcu-Chang's words, a lovely round of oral pleasure that you have no obligation to reciprocate. What a gift!

But be forewarned—these pork buns could be better than the sex itself. Combining elements of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and American cuisine, they're loaded with sweet, spicy caramelized shredded pork; crunchy pickled cabbage; god's gift to sandwiches, a.k.a. Kewpie mayo; and chopped jalapeños, for heat. All that's stuffed into a steamed, then pan-fried bun that has just the right amount of give. You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll definitely experience a moment of ecstasy as you bite in.

Did we mention that they never have bad breath, they won't hog the covers, and you never have to worry that they're ignoring your texts? Yeah—pretty safe to say that these pork buns will make your Hump Day fabulous.