Chinese Steamed Pork Buns

Name: Chinese Steamed Pork Buns
Ingredients: 1 (about 1 1/4-inch) piece ginger; 1/3 cup boiling water; 2 star anise pods; 1 teaspoon dried red Sichuan peppercorns; 4 medium scallions; 12 ounces ground pork; 2 teaspoons soy sauce; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry; 1/2 teaspoon dark soy sauce (or use 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce); 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar; 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 3/4 cup warm water; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon active dry yeast; 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 cups all-purpose flour, preferably bleached; 3/4 cup cornstarch; 2 teaspoons baking powder