The Art of Crafting Perfect Asian-Style Buns
A Delicious Journey Begins
Asian cuisine is renowned for its diverse and flavorful breads, with steamed or baked buns being a staple in many cultures. Today, we’ll embark on a culinary adventure to create a basic yet mouthwatering bun recipe that yields 24 delicious treats.
Understanding the Recipe
This easy-to-follow recipe requires a total of 4 1/2 hours, with only 30 minutes of active time. Don’t be intimidated by the time commitment – the end result is well worth the wait!
Gathering Ingredients
To start, you’ll need the following 12 ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup warm water
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons white sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
The Yeast Mix
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mix ingredients and let them stand for 30 minutes. This crucial step allows the yeast to activate, ensuring your buns rise beautifully.
The Dough Mix
Next, combine the remaining ingredients (except baking powder) in the following order: warm water, flour, salt, sugar, and vegetable oil. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, then lightly oil the surface and let it stand until it triples in size (approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours).
Adding the Finishing Touches
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured board and punch it down. Sprinkle baking powder evenly over the surface, then knead for about 5 minutes. Divide the dough into two parts, placing one piece in a bowl and covering it. Divide the first section into 12 parts, and you can now add your desired filling or continue with unfilled buns.
Steaming vs. Baking: The Choice is Yours
To steam your buns, place water in a steamer and bring it to a rapid boil. Reduce the heat to medium, then place a single layer of dough balls (with wax/parchment squares) into the steamer tray, leaving about 1 inch of space between each bun. Cover and steam for roughly 15 minutes, then remove the cover and transfer the buns to a serving plate/tray. Repeat until all buns are cooked, and serve warm.
Alternatively, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the buns on a lightly oiled baking pan and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!
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