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One sunny afternoon, I was wandering through a local market when an enticing scent drew me in—it was the unmistakable aroma of salted egg yolk buns, or Liusha Bao, perfectly steamed to fluffy perfection. The moment I took a bite, the rich, creamy custard filling burst forth, making it impossible not to smile. I knew then that I had to recreate this delightful treat at home, and I’m thrilled to share my take with you!

These Salted Egg Yolk Custard Buns are not just a quick fix; they’re a culinary adventure that pleases both the eyes and the palate. Perfectly soft on the outside, with a luscious filling that melts in your mouth, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience. Whether you’re seeking a unique addition to your next brunch or a comforting treat for yourself, these buns deliver both satisfaction and style.

Join me as we dive into the steps of crafting these delightful goodies, and prepare to elevate your homemade meal game!

Why will you love Salted Egg Yolk Custard Buns?

Irresistible Flavor: The unique combination of salted egg yolks and creamy custard creates an explosion of taste that’s savory and satisfying.

Fluffy and Soft: Each bun boasts a light, airy texture that pairs perfectly with the rich filling—truly a match made in heaven.

Unique Presentation: Serve these buns at your next gathering and watch them disappear as guests marvel at their delightful shape and color.

Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can impress their loved ones, making this a perfect recipe for anyone looking to step up their kitchen game!

Versatile Treat: Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a savory snack, these buns are fabulous at any time of day, ensuring you’ll find countless occasions to enjoy them.

This recipe is not just about flavor, it’s also an experience—get ready to impress with this visual and culinary delight!

Salted Egg Yolk Custard Buns Ingredients

For the Filling
• Salted duck egg yolks – to create that rich, creamy custard that defines these buns.
• Sugar – balances the salty flavor of the egg yolks, enhancing the overall sweetness.
• Dry milk powder – adds creaminess to the filling while ensuring it holds together.
• Unflavored gelatine – helps to give structure to your custard filling, ensuring a smooth texture.
• Cornstarch – thickens the custard and prevents it from being too runny.
• Water – used to mix with the dry ingredients, creating a perfect filling consistency.
• Unsalted butter – lends a rich depth of flavor and creaminess to the filling.

For the Dough
• Whole milk (chilled) – activates the yeast and makes the dough tender and pliable.
• Active dry yeast – the leavening agent that transforms the dough into fluffy buns.
• All-purpose flour – provides the structure for the buns, ensuring a soft and tender bite.

These Salted Egg Yolk Custard Buns will transport your taste buds with their delicate balance of flavors, making them a delightful experience every time!

How to Make Salted Egg Yolk Custard Buns

Prepare the Steamer: Place a pan on the stove and fit it with a steamer basket. Fill the pan with enough water for steaming and bring it to a boil.
Steam the Yolks: Add the salted egg yolks to the steamer basket. Cover with a lid and steam for 10 minutes over medium heat. Once done, transfer them to a cutting board to cool.
Mash the Yolks: Finely mash the cooled yolks using a food processor on low speed for about 10 seconds, or you can use the back of a knife to mash them evenly.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the sugar, dry milk powder, gelatin, and cornstarch. Stir well to blend these dry ingredients together.
Cook the Filling: Empty the pan and return it to the stove over medium heat. Add water and the sugar mixture to the pan and stir until it boils. Incorporate the butter and keep stirring until it melts. Add the mashed salted egg yolks and combine thoroughly.
Chill the Filling: Transfer the filling into a bowl and chill in the refrigerator until firm. Once firm, divide it into 8 pieces and roll them into balls. Cover and freeze until hardened.
Prepare the Dough: Mix together chilled milk and yeast in a bowl. Add the flour and stir with a spatula until the mixture becomes clumpy.
Knead the Dough: Use your hands to knead the dough for about 15 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 10 minutes. Gradually add a teaspoon of flour at a time until the dough is smooth, not sticky, and pliable.
Rest the Dough: Cover the dough ball with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rest for 5 minutes to relax the gluten.
Divide the Dough: Divide the rested dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll one piece into an oval shape using a rolling pin. Fold the top half to the middle and seal, then fold the bottom half to the middle and pinch the edges to form a ball.
Shape the Buns: Roll the dough ball into a flat circle about 1/2 inch thick and 4 inches wide, keeping the center thicker than the edges.
Fill and Seal: Place a scoop of the frozen filling in the center of the dough, flat side up. Pinch opposite edges together and shape it into a sphere. Twist to seal and repeat with the remaining pieces.
Prepare for Steaming: Place the buns in the steamer basket, smooth side up on parchment paper, arranging them at least an inch apart. Cover with a lid and let them rest for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
Steam the Buns: Steam on high heat for 15 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful goodness of your homemade Salted Egg Yolk Custard Buns!

Optional: Sprinkle with sesame seeds for a delightful touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Salted Egg Yolk Custard Buns are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weekdays! You can prepare the filling and freeze it up to 3 days in advance; simply steam the salted egg yolks, mash, and mix with the sugar mixture before chilling. For the dough, you can make it ahead as well and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to enjoy your buns, just shape them, allow them to rise for 1 hour, and steam them as directed. This way, you can savor restaurant-quality results with minimal last-minute effort!

Salted Egg Yolk Custard Buns Variations

Get ready to elevate your Salted Egg Yolk Custard Buns and make them your own with these delightful twists!

Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend like almond or rice flour for a gluten-free version that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Cheesy Delight: Incorporate a tablespoon of cream cheese into the savory filling for a creamy, cheesy twist that adds a luscious richness.
Savory Twist: Add finely diced green onions to the filling mix for a burst of fresh flavor that complements the salted egg yolks beautifully.
Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the filling for those who enjoy a little heat with their sweet.
Coconut Cream: Replace half the sugar with coconut sugar and mix in a bit of coconut cream for a tropical flavor profile that’s simply irresistible.
Sweet Surprise: Add finely chopped chocolate or a drizzle of chocolate sauce in the filling for a sweet contrast to the saltiness of the yolks—a chocolate lover’s dream!
Herb Infusion: Experiment by adding herbs such as cilantro or basil to the dough for an aromatic twist that will surprise your taste buds.
Fruit Fusion: Mix in crushed pineapple or mango to the filling for a fruity version that balances the saltiness with a refreshing sweetness.

Storage Tips for Salted Egg Yolk Custard Buns

Room Temperature: Enjoy your buns fresh for up to 3 hours after steaming. After that, store them to maintain their delightful texture.

Fridge: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a steamer for about 5 minutes before serving to restore their softness.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the uncooked buns before steaming. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. Steam them straight from the freezer for 15-20 minutes, no thawing needed!

Reheating: When reheating steamed buns, use a steamer or microwave with a damp paper towel to retain moisture for the best results, ensuring that the salted egg yolk custard remains luscious and creamy.

Expert Tips for Salted Egg Yolk Custard Buns

Perfect Steaming Technique: Ensure your bun steamer is adequately preheated. This helps achieve that beautifully fluffy texture without sogginess.

Cool the Yolks: Allowing the steamed salted egg yolks to cool completely before mashing ensures a smooth and creamy filling consistency.

Handling the Dough: Be gentle when kneading; over-kneading can make the dough tough, leading to buns that aren’t soft and fluffy.

Chill the Filling: Freezing the filling helps it maintain its shape during steaming, preventing any leakage and ensuring delightful bites of custard in each bun.

Watch the Resting Time: Don’t rush the resting period for the dough. This step allows the gluten to relax, making rolling and shaping easier for your Salted Egg Yolk Custard Buns.

Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to customize your buns by adding different flavors or spices to the filling, creating a unique twist on this classic treat!

What to Serve with Salted Egg Yolk Custard Buns?

Looking for the perfect accompaniments to elevate your homemade feast? Here are some delightful pairings that will bring out the best in your buns!

Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful mix of bell peppers and broccoli adds a crunchy freshness that beautifully contrasts with the fluffy buns.
Soy Sauce Dipping Sauce: A savory soy sauce blend provides a simple yet flavorful addition that enhances the bun’s rich custard filling.
Chili Oil: A drizzle of spicy chili oil offers a zesty kick, creating an exciting balance of heat against the creamy sweetness of the custard.
Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumbers tossed with rice vinegar and sesame seeds offer a refreshing bite, cutting through the richness and cleansing the palate.

Serving your Salted Egg Yolk Custard Buns with any of these options will create a memorable dining experience that draws everyone back for more!

Salted Egg Yolk Custard Buns Recipe FAQs

How do I select ripe salted duck egg yolks?
Absolutely! When choosing salted duck eggs, look for those with a firm, uncracked shell. You should gently shake them; if there’s little movement, the yolks are firm and fresh. Fresh salted egg yolks often have a slightly oily appearance and a bright yellow color.

What are the best storage methods for Salted Egg Yolk Custard Buns?
For optimal freshness, store your buns in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the uncooked buns. Just make sure to place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to prevent sticking, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container once frozen, where they will last up to 2 months.

Can I freeze cooked Salted Egg Yolk Custard Buns?
Certainly! To freeze cooked buns, let them cool completely before wrapping each one in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. To enjoy later, steam them directly from the freezer for 15-20 minutes—no thawing necessary!

What if my dough is too sticky during preparation?
Very common! If your dough feels sticky as you knead, gradually sprinkle in a little all-purpose flour—about one teaspoon at a time—while kneading. Knead until the dough is soft but not overly dry and has a smooth consistency. This will help achieve that fluffy texture we all love!

Are Salted Egg Yolk Custard Buns safe for pets or allergies?
While they are delicious for humans, these buns contain ingredients like salted duck egg yolks and sugar, which are not suitable for pets. Additionally, be cautious if you or your guests have allergies, especially to eggs, dairy, or gluten. Adjust the recipe accordingly by seeking suitable alternatives if needed.

How do I know when my buns are done steaming?
Great question! The buns are ready when they have puffed up and look slightly glossy. A good test is to press gently with a finger; if they bounce back quickly, they’re cooked through! Enjoy them warm for the best experience when the custard is perfectly creamy.