Description
These Pan-Fried Scallion and Toasted Sesame Buns are fluffy, flavorful, and perfect as a snack or side dish. Made with a soft dough filled with savory scallion and toasted sesame seeds, then pan-fried to create a crispy golden crust and steamed finish, these buns offer a delightful combination of textures and an irresistible aroma.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp instant dry yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm soy milk or other non-dairy milk
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (or neutral oil)
Filling Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped scallions (or green onions)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp Chinese 5 spice powder (can be substituted with 1/4 tsp white pepper)
- 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/3 cup neutral oil (for sizzling hot oil)
Topping and Cooking Ingredients
- Neutral oil (for cooking buns in the pan)
- More chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Additional Ingredients for Toasting Sesame Seeds
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (can be toasted fresh using the toasting method)
Instructions
- Toasting Sesame Seeds: Heat a dry pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the sesame seeds and continuously stir or move them around to toast evenly. Cook until they turn lightly brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool. Store in an airtight container for future use.
- Preparing the Dough: In a large bowl, mix together flour, yeast, sugar, and salt thoroughly. Combine warm soy milk and sesame oil and pour into the dry ingredients. Stir using wooden chopsticks and a spatula until a dough forms. Knead the dough by hand for about 20-30 times until smooth and elastic.
- Proofing the Dough: Lightly brush oil in a clean bowl, place the dough inside, and cover with a towel. Let it rest in a warm place for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the dough nearly doubles in size.
- Making the Filling: In a bowl, combine chopped scallions, salt, Chinese five-spice powder, and toasted sesame seeds. Heat neutral oil over medium heat until small bubbles appear or microwave at high for about 2.5 minutes in a microwave-safe container. Pour the hot oil over the scallion mixture and stir well. Set aside.
- Shaping the Dough: After the dough has risen, flour a work surface. Punch a hole into the center of the dough and stretch it into a donut shape. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, about 55-60 grams each. Roll each piece into a ball and cover with a towel to prevent drying. Press down on each ball and roll into a 4 by 6.5 inch oval wrapper, sprinkling flour on the surface and rolling pin to avoid sticking.
- Forming the Buns: Take one wrapper and make vertical slices on it. Place some scallion filling onto the wrapper. Grab both ends of the wrapper, pull, twist, and shape into a bun. Tuck the ends to seal the bun. Cover to keep moist while shaping the remaining buns.
- Final Proof: Allow the shaped buns to rest and rise in a warm place for 15-20 minutes. The buns will puff up before cooking.
- Cooking the Buns: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil for every 4 buns. Place buns in the pan and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on the bottom. Carefully add 1/3 cup water (about 1 tablespoon per bun) into the pan and immediately cover with a lid to steam. Cook until the water evaporates ensuring the buns are cooked through and fluffy. Remove buns and repeat with remaining batches.
- Serving: Serve the buns hot, garnished with additional chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation. Enjoy their fluffy texture and savory filling.
Notes
- Instant dry yeast should be fresh and active for proper rising.
- Chinese 5-spice powder adds authentic flavor but can be substituted with white pepper if unavailable.
- Toasting sesame seeds intensifies their flavor; be sure to toast until lightly golden and fragrant without burning.
- Use a non-stick pan for even cooking and easy bun removal.
- Keep buns covered with a towel while shaping to avoid drying out the dough.
- Adjust the number of buns per cooking batch based on pan size to avoid overcrowding.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat by pan-frying lightly or steaming to maintain softness.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Keywords: scallion buns,toasted sesame buns,pan-fried buns,Chinese buns,vegetarian snack,scallion pancake dough,sesame seed buns,soft fried buns
