Craving something crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and absolutely irresistible? You’ve got to try these Pan Fried Buns! Picture this: golden, perfectly crispy buns with a tender, pillowy interior that just melts in your mouth. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, a side dish, or even as a fun appetizer at your next gathering, these buns will steal the show. Trust me, once you try them, you won’t be able to stop reaching for another. Get ready to take your taste buds on a satisfying ride!
Why You’ll Love Pan Fried Buns
This recipe is a perfect balance of crispy and soft, and it’s guaranteed to become a household favorite. Here’s why you’ll want to make them again and again:
Versatile:
Pan Fried Buns are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them on their own, dip them in your favorite sauce, or even stuff them with fillings like cheese, meat, or vegetables for a heartier option. They’re great as a snack or paired with any meal!
Budget-Friendly:
Made with just a handful of simple ingredients, these buns don’t require anything fancy. You can whip them up without breaking the bank, and they’ll taste like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.
Quick and Easy:
No need for complicated steps or hours of preparation. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be savoring these crispy buns in less than 30 minutes. They’re the perfect choice when you’re looking for something that’s both easy and delicious.
Customizable:
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s easily adaptable. If you prefer a sweeter version, you can add a little sugar to the dough. Want to make them savory? Stuff them with cheese, garlic butter, or herbs. The possibilities are endless!
Crowd-Pleasing:
Everyone loves something crispy and warm, and these Pan Fried Buns are no exception. Whether you’re making them for your family or sharing them at a party, they’re sure to disappear in a flash!
Ingredients
These Pan Fried Buns are made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Simple, straightforward, and oh-so-tasty. Here’s what you’ll need:
All-Purpose Flour:
The base for the dough, this flour gives the buns that soft and airy texture we all love.
Instant Yeast:
For that perfect rise. Yeast is what helps the dough become fluffy and light on the inside while the outside gets golden and crispy.
Warm Water:
To activate the yeast and help bring the dough together. The water should be warm, not hot, so you don’t kill the yeast.
Sugar:
A small amount of sugar helps feed the yeast and adds just a touch of sweetness to balance out the savory flavors.
Salt:
A pinch of salt helps bring everything together, enhancing the flavor of the dough.
Vegetable Oil or Butter:
For frying the buns to golden perfection, vegetable oil or butter works wonders, giving the outside a satisfying crispiness.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Now, let’s dive into making these irresistibly crispy and soft Pan Fried Buns. It’s easier than you think, and the payoff is huge!
Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine warm water with sugar and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial for getting that perfect rise.
Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the flour mixture and stir until it forms a dough. You may need to add a bit more flour if the dough is too sticky.
Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. This is the step that helps develop the soft texture inside the buns.
Let the Dough Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This is when the magic happens, and the dough becomes airy and soft.
Shape the Buns:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into equal portions (about 8-10 balls). Roll each portion into a smooth ball, making sure they’re all about the same size for even cooking.
Heat the Pan:
Heat a large pan over medium heat and add a little oil or butter to coat the bottom. You want it to be hot but not smoking.
Pan Fry the Buns:
Carefully place the dough balls in the pan, leaving space between them. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Be patient, as this is what gives them that satisfying crunch.
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the buns are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8-10 buns
Calories per serving: 120-150 calories (depending on portion size and oil used)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
How to Serve Pan Fried Buns
These Pan Fried Buns are delicious on their own, but you can also pair them with a variety of sides and sauces for the ultimate experience:
Dips:
Serve with a savory dip like garlic butter, ranch, or a spicy chili sauce. The soft, crispy buns are perfect for dipping!
Soup:
These buns are a great addition to soups like tomato, chicken, or vegetable. The crispy texture makes them a perfect pairing with something hearty and warming.
Salad:
Pair them with a fresh, crisp salad to balance out the richness of the buns. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing works wonderfully.
Cheese:
Stuff the buns with your favorite cheese for a melty, gooey treat. Cheddar, mozzarella, or even brie would be amazing!
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead:
You can prepare the dough in advance and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just take it out and let it come to room temperature before frying.
Use a Non-Stick Pan:
If you’re using a non-stick pan, you can use less oil and still get that beautiful crispy exterior. It makes cleanup easier too!
Customize the Filling:
Feel free to get creative by stuffing the buns with fillings like shredded cheese, cooked meat, or even vegetables before frying.
Storage Tips:
Store leftover Pan Fried Buns in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a dry skillet to bring back that crispy texture.
Double the Batch:
This recipe is easily scalable, so feel free to double it if you’re making it for a crowd. These buns are always a hit!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
A1: Yes! All-purpose flour works perfectly fine for this recipe, and you’ll still get soft, fluffy buns.
Q2: Can I make the dough in advance?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time, let it rise in the fridge overnight, and then fry the buns the next day.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan for the best crispy texture.
Q4: Can I freeze these buns?
A4: Yes, these buns freeze well! Freeze them after frying and let them cool completely before storing in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in a pan when ready to serve.
Q5: Can I add fillings to these buns?
A5: Absolutely! You can stuff the dough balls with cheese, meats, or veggies before frying for a fun twist on the classic Pan Fried Bun.
Q6: Can I bake these buns instead of frying them?
A6: If you prefer to bake them, you can place them on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
Q7: What’s the best pan to use for frying these buns?
A7: A cast iron skillet or a non-stick frying pan works great for this recipe. They help ensure an even golden crust and prevent sticking.
Q8: Can I make these buns sweeter?
A8: Sure! Add a little sugar or honey to the dough for a sweet version. You could even stuff them with sweet fillings like chocolate or jam!
Q9: What side dishes go well with these buns?
A9: These buns pair well with pretty much anything! Try them with a fresh salad, hearty soup, or even as a side to grilled meats.
Q10: How can I make these buns healthier?
A10: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, and consider using olive oil instead of butter to fry them for a healthier version.
Pan Fried Buns
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 36 buns 1x
Description
Delicious homemade pan-fried buns filled with savory ground pork and green onions, served with a flavorful dipping sauce. These buns are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a perfect appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup water
- ½ tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Filling:
- 1 pound ground pork
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ½ cup water (made with green onion and ginger)
- 4 slices ginger (1 oz, ground)
- 8 sticks green onions (3.8 oz)
Dipping Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon black vinegar
- 1 tablespoon homemade chili oil
- 1 tablespoon water
Pan Frying:
- ½ tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Topping (Optional):
- ½ teaspoon black sesame seeds
- 1 stick green onion (1 tablespoon)
Instructions
- In a Bosch mixer, combine 1 cup of water, ½ tablespoon of vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of yeast. Mix briefly and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour with ⅛ teaspoon of salt.
- Turn the mixer to low and slowly add the flour mixture until a dough forms. Cover and mix at medium-high speed for 15 minutes.
- Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl. Cover with a wet cloth and let it rise in a warm place (like a turned-off oven) for 20-30 minutes.
- Prepare the filling: Chop green onions and grind ginger. Mix the white part of the green onions with ginger in a bowl, add ½ cup of water, and rub them together to release the aroma. Drain and set aside the liquid.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground pork, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon sugar, ⅛ teaspoon white pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 3 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, ground ginger, and green onion ginger water. Mix well for 3-5 minutes.
- Fold in the green onion pieces.
- Once the dough has risen, dust a surface with flour. Divide the dough and cut it into 36 pieces.
- Flatten each piece, add a tablespoon of filling, and seal the bun.
- In a pan over medium heat, heat ½ tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the buns and pan-fry until golden brown on each side (2-3 minutes).
- Add ½ cup of water and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to the pan. Cook until the water evaporates and the sauce thickens.
- Prepare the dipping sauce by mixing soy sauce, black vinegar, chili oil, and water in a small bowl.
- Serve the buns hot, optionally topping with black sesame seeds and green onion.
Notes
- Ensure the dough is well-kneaded for the best texture.
- You can adjust the filling spices to your preference.
- Prep Time: 1 hour (including rising time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 buns
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg