Pan Fried Buns

Introduction

Making Pan Fried Buns has become a delightful tradition in my family. Every time we gather around the kitchen, laughter and chatter fill the air as we shape the dough and prepare the flavorful filling. The aroma of sizzling buns wafting through the house is irresistible, making it a favorite among my family members. These buns are crispy on the outside and bursting with savory goodness on the inside, and they never fail to impress. Whether enjoyed as a snack or part of a main meal, they have become a staple that brings everyone together.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup water
• ½ tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ⅛ teaspoon salt

For the 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 (with green onion and ginger for flavor)
• 4 slices ginger (1 oz, ground)
• 8 sticks green onions (3.8 oz)

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon black vinegar
• 1 tablespoon homemade chili oil
• 1 tablespoon water

For 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

Prepare the Dough

1. Activate Yeast: Pour 1 cup of water into a mixing bowl. Add ½ tablespoon of vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of yeast. Mix gently and let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour with ⅛ teaspoon of salt.
3. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture to the yeast mixture while mixing on low speed. Once a dough forms, cover and mix on medium-high speed for about 15 minutes until smooth.
4. Let Dough Rise: Lightly oil a bowl, place the dough inside, and cover it with a wet cloth. To speed up the rising process, preheat an oven to 200°F (93°C), turn it off, and place the covered dough inside for 20-30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling

5. Prepare Green Onions and Ginger: Wash and slice 8 sticks of green onions. Grind 4 slices of ginger. In a bowl, mix the white parts of the green onions with ½ cup water and 1 slice of ginger to create green onion ginger water. Rub well, then drain.
6. Mix Filling: In a large 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, and 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Add the ground ginger and the green onion ginger water. Mix well using an electric mixer for 3-5 minutes. Finally, fold in the green onion greens.

Shape and Cook the Buns

7. Shape the Buns: When the dough has risen, dust a surface with flour. Divide the dough into three rolls, then cut each roll into 12 pieces, making about 36 buns. Take one piece, stretch it slightly, and place a tablespoon of filling in the center. Pinch the dough to seal the filling.
8. Pan Fry: Heat ½ tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the buns and pan-fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
9. Steam the Buns: In a small bowl, mix ½ cup of water with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Pour this mixture into the pan and cover it. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the water evaporates and the buns are cooked through.

Prepare the Dipping Sauce

10. Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon black vinegar, 1 tablespoon chili oil, and 1 tablespoon water. Stir to mix well.

Serve

11. Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle black sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions on top of the buns. Serve hot with the dipping sauce.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Serving Size: 3 buns
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve the Pan Fried Buns hot.
• Accompany with the dipping sauce on the side.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for extra flavor and presentation.

Additional Tips

1. Dough Texture: If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour while kneading.
2. Filling Variations: Substitute ground pork with ground chicken, beef, or tofu for a different flavor profile.
3. Make Ahead: Prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.
4. Cooking in Batches: If you have a large batch, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
5. Freezing: Freeze uncooked buns on a baking sheet and transfer to a bag for easy cooking later.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace ground pork with a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms, carrots, and tofu.
• Spicy Buns: Add chopped chili peppers to the filling for a spicy kick.
• Cheesy Buns: Incorporate shredded cheese into the filling for a cheesy version.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as an appetizer or snack for gatherings and parties.
• Pair with a light salad for a complete meal.
• Enjoy as part of a larger Asian-inspired dinner spread.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing Uncooked Buns: Arrange shaped buns on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a zip-top bag and store for up to 2 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.
• Storing Cooked Buns: Store cooked buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

• Yes, all-purpose flour works well for this recipe.

1. How do I know when the buns are fully cooked?

• The buns should be golden brown on the outside and hot in the center.

1. Can I make these buns gluten-free?

• You can use a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary.

1. What type of pork should I use?

• Use ground pork with about 15% fat for juiciness and flavor.

1. How long do the buns take to rise?

• Allow 20-30 minutes for the dough to double in size.

1. Can I make the filling spicy?

• Yes, add chili flakes or fresh chili to the filling for heat.

1. What’s the best way to store leftover buns?

• Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

1. How do I reheat the buns?

• Reheat in a pan with a little water to steam them, or microwave for 30 seconds.

1. Can I add other vegetables to the filling?

• Yes, chopped carrots, mushrooms, or bok choy can be great additions.

1. What kind of dipping sauce can I use?

• Besides the soy sauce mix, you can serve with sweet chili sauce or hoisin sauce.

Conclusion

These Pan Fried Buns are not only delicious but also a fun cooking experience to share with family and friends. The crispy exterior paired with the savory filling creates a delightful treat that everyone will love. With variations and easy preparation, they can fit any occasion, whether a casual meal or a festive gathering. Dive into this culinary adventure and enjoy the rewarding flavors of homemade Pan Fried Buns!

Print