Steamed Scallion Bun

 

Shaped like a flower and cooked in a steamer. They are very tender and fluffy.

This is a simple yeasted white dough, made of all-purpose flour, instant yeast, milk, and sugar; not too wet, not too dry, it’s a dream to shape and roll. And because the buns are steamed rather than baked, they’re soft and fluffy all the way through.

 

 

INGREDIENTS

1 cup milk
1 tablespoon oil
3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading
2 teaspoons instant yeast
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon nonfat dry milk powder (optional)

1 cup finely sliced scallions, from 8 to 10
1/4 cup oil
1/4 teaspoon salt

 

Direction:

Step 1:    In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring the milk to a gentle boil. Remove pan from heat. Let cool till 100ºF to 110ºF. Stir in the oil. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, sugar, milk powder (if using), and salt. Add the milk-oil mixture to the flour bowl, and stir to form a dough ball. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6 to 8 minutes. Return dough to bowl and let rise in a warm spot for at least 2 hours or as as long as 24 in the refrigerator.

        

 

Step 2:     Turn dough out onto prepared work surface. Punch down to deflate.  Using a rolling pin, roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick.   Pour oil on top of the dough.  Brush oil even all across the dough.    Add salt evenly to the dough surface.  Then add the minced scallion across the dough.

 

 

                 

 

Step 3:     Fold the  dough from one side at about 2 and half inch wide.   Using a knife  divide the dough into 12 pieces.   Put one piece on top of another piece.    Use a stick to push down right in the middle.   Pull the stick out.   Gently pull outward and pinch two ends together. Place the knot on a sheet of parchment paper. Repeat process with remaining pieces until all 6 knots are shaped. Let rest 30-40 minutes.

                    

 

Step 4:    Prepare a steamer basket. If using a wok with a bamboo insert, bring 2 inches of water to a boil, being sure water does not touch the bottom of the steamer basket. If using a pot with steamer insert, fill with water, again being sure water does not touch the bottom of the steamer basket, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat so that water is just simmering. Steam for 15 minutes.