A Perfect Balance of Fluffy and Crispy

What makes these buns so special is the contrast between the fluffy, airy interior and the crispy, golden crust. The dough is light and soft, thanks to the yeast, which helps it rise to perfection. After steaming, the buns are pan-fried, creating a golden, crispy base while maintaining the softness of the dough on the inside. The combination of these two textures is one of the highlights of the dish and is what gives these buns their irresistible appeal.

A Fragrant Filling: Scallions and Sesame

The filling of the buns is where the magic happens. A mixture of chopped scallions, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, sesame seeds, and sugar creates a fragrant, savory, and slightly sweet flavor profile. The scallions bring a fresh, pungent note, while the toasted sesame oil adds a rich, nutty aroma that fills the buns with depth. The soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option) gives the filling a savory umami kick, and the sesame seeds provide a delightful crunch, perfectly complementing the soft dough.

This simple yet flavorful filling is one of the reasons these buns are so beloved. The balance of the scallions and sesame creates a delightful savory bite that pairs wonderfully with the fluffy, slightly sweet dough.

The Dough: Light and Fluffy

The dough for these buns is simple yet effective. By combining all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, instant yeast, warm water, and vegetable oil, you create a dough that is soft and slightly elastic. The yeast helps the dough rise, and the oil ensures that it stays soft and easy to handle. Kneading the dough for about 10 minutes helps develop its texture, making it smooth and elastic. After allowing the dough to rise, it becomes light and airy, which is key to the perfect fluffy texture once steamed.

Step-by-Step Process for Making the Buns

1. Prepare the Dough: Start by mixing the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast—together in a large bowl. Slowly add the warm water and vegetable oil, stirring until the dough forms. Knead for 10 minutes to ensure the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling: While the dough rises, mix the chopped scallions, sesame oil, soy sauce, sesame seeds, and sugar together in a small bowl. This fragrant filling will give the buns their signature flavor.

3. Shape the Buns: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air, then roll it out on a floured surface into a long rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the prepared filling evenly over the dough, and then roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into small sections about 1-2 inches long.

4. Steam the Buns: Arrange the sliced buns in a steamer basket, making sure to leave space between each piece to allow for expansion. Steam the buns over medium heat for 15-20 minutes until they are fully cooked and fluffy.

5. Pan-Fry the Buns: Heat a small amount of vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the buns have been steamed, place them in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bottoms are crispy and golden brown.

6. Serve: Serve the buns warm on a plate, garnished with extra sesame seeds for an added touch. These buns are perfect for dipping in soy sauce or enjoying as they are.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of these Pan-Fried Scallion and Toasted Sesame Buns (approximately two buns) contains about 180 calories. They provide 6 grams of fat, including 1 gram of saturated fat, and 4 grams of protein, making them a satisfying and well-balanced snack or side dish. With 28 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fiber, these buns offer a good amount of energy to fuel you through your day. The addition of scallions and sesame seeds adds vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats to the dish, making it a nutritious choice as well.

Serving Suggestions

These Pan-Fried Scallion and Toasted Sesame Buns are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

• As a Snack: Enjoy them on their own for a satisfying, flavorful snack, perfect for mid-day cravings or with a cup of tea.

• With Dipping Sauce: Serve them with a soy-based dipping sauce or a spicy chili sauce for an added burst of flavor.

• As Part of a Meal: Pair these buns with your favorite Asian-inspired dishes, such as stir-fries, noodles, or soups. They also make a great accompaniment to dumplings or spring rolls.

• As an Appetizer: These buns are great as part of a larger appetizer spread, especially for gatherings or parties. Their savory filling and crispy texture make them crowd-pleasers.

Conclusion

Pan-Fried Scallion and Toasted Sesame Buns are a perfect combination of flavors and textures. The light, fluffy dough contrasts beautifully with the crispy bottom, while the savory, fragrant filling of scallions and sesame oil adds depth and richness. This vegan-friendly recipe is easy to prepare and versatile enough to serve as a snack, side dish, or appetizer. With a deliciously crispy outside and a soft, flavorful inside, these buns are sure to be a hit at any meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, these buns are a simple yet elegant addition to any meal.