Chinese buns

Fluffy Chinese buns filled with chicken, a delight that blends tradition with innovation, are more than just a simple snack. This recipe will bring you joy in every bite, and the cooking process will transform cooking into a true art. I invite you to discover the detailed steps to achieve these aromatic buns, perfect for any occasion.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Number of servings: 8 buns

Necessary ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 140 ml warm milk (ideally between 37-40°C)
- 250 gr wheat flour (type 00 for a fine texture)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon dry yeast

*For the filling:*
- 250 gr chicken breast (cut into small cubes)
- 3 green onions (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (preferably fermented soy)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for a touch of sweetness)
- 2 cm fresh ginger (finely grated, for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil (sunflower or sesame)

Preparing the buns:

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, pour in the warm milk. Add the dry yeast and sugar, stirring gently to combine. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a sign that the yeast is active.

2. Mixing the ingredients: Once the yeast is activated, add the flour, melted butter, and salt. Use a spatula or your hands to combine the ingredients until you achieve a smooth dough.

3. Kneading the dough: Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as we want to keep them fluffy.

4. Fermentation: Cover the bowl with a clean, damp towel and let it rise in a warm place until its volume doubles, about 1 hour.

5. Preparing the filling: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the diced chicken breast, soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, salt, pepper, and one tablespoon of oil. Mix well and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

6. Cooking the filling: In a wok or deep pan, heat the other tablespoon of oil. Add the chicken cubes and fry for 5 minutes until golden. Add the green onion and fry for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.

7. Shaping the buns: After the dough has risen, divide it into 8 equal pieces. On a floured surface, roll each piece into a disc about 10-13 cm in diameter. Add a tablespoon of the chicken filling in the center of each disc.

8. Forming the buns: Gather the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching them to form a pouch. Make sure the edges are well sealed. Place the buns seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

9. Second fermentation: Cover the buns with a damp towel and let them rise again for 30 minutes.

10. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the buns for an attractive look and a crunchy texture. Bake the buns for 15-20 minutes until golden.

11. Serving: The buns can be enjoyed warm or cold. They are delicious alongside soy sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or even peanut sauce. You can add a fresh salad for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Practical tips:
- For an even more intense flavor, you can add spices like garlic or chili to the chicken filling.
- If you want to experiment, you can replace the chicken with pork or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- These buns can be frozen after they have completely cooled. To reheat them, simply place them in a preheated oven for 10-15 minutes.

Nutritional benefits:
Chicken-filled buns are an excellent source of protein, thanks to the chicken, and contain complex carbohydrates from the flour, providing long-lasting energy. The added ginger not only enhances the flavor but also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast? Yes, but you need to use about three times more fresh yeast (approximately 15 gr).
- How can I keep the buns fresh for longer? You can wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or freeze them.

These Chinese buns are certainly a simple and tasty recipe that will impress anyone who tastes them. So, don’t wait any longer! Put on your apron and enjoy every step in preparing this delight!

 Ingredients: 140 ml milk 250 g flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1 tablespoon butter 1 teaspoon dry yeastFor the filling 250 g chicken breast, diced 3 green onions 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon honey 2 cm fresh ginger, grated salt pepper 2 tablespoons oil

 Tags:  buns