Chinese food culture is profound and extensive, and even dim sum and snacks can be prepared in a variety of ways. When the common steamed bun no longer satisfies you, you can take a look at the N innovative methods for ordinary buns recommended below, and create a delicious, rich, and diverse bun feast for your family.
【Cumin and Vegetable Stir-fried Bun】
Creativity Index: ★★★★★
Ever heard of stir-fried buns with vegetables? Don't mistake this for a bizarre dish; it's actually genuinely delicious, especially with the flavor of cumin. It's fragrant and palatable, so why not learn how to make it and give it a try!
Steps:
1. Crack an egg into a bowl, add salt, white pepper, cooking wine, and two spoonfuls of warm water, and beat into a liquid mixture.
2. Dice the buns and wash and dice various vegetables.
3. Pour the diced buns into the egg mixture and stir to coat evenly. Add an appropriate amount of oil to a pan, pour in the coated buns, and spread them out flat.
4. Stir-fry until the bun cubes are puffy and dry, then set aside. Add oil to the pan, stir-fry the diced carrots until their color changes.
5. Season with an appropriate amount of salt, add the diced tomatoes, and stir-fry until they release a little water. Return the bun cubes to the pan and stir-fry until all moisture is gone. Add the diced cucumber and stir-fry briefly.
12. Add an appropriate amount of cumin powder, then plate and serve.
【Cumin and Spicy Sauce Bun】
Creativity Index: ★★★★★
You've probably never tried a spicy bun. While dipping a bun in Lao Gan Ma might seem a bit crude, making a Cumin and Spicy Sauce bun feels a bit more upscale! It's not just about good looks; the texture has to be there too. The bun pieces are coated in an egg mixture mixed with chili sauce, absorbing all the spicy sauce. The flavor is unique and utterly addictive.
Steps:
1. Crack an egg into a bowl, and after beating it, add chili sauce. Cut the buns into small pieces and add them to the egg mixture.
2. Heat a pan, add cooking oil, and swirl to coat the inner walls of the pan.
3. Pour in the bun pieces and pan-fry over low heat until the egg sets, allowing each side of the bun to become golden brown.
4. Add salt, shake the pan to ensure the bun pieces are evenly coated with salt, then add cumin powder and toasted white sesame seeds, tossing to mix well.
5. Add chopped green onions, transfer the pan-fried buns to a bowl, and serve hot.
【Garlic Bread Buns】
Creativity Index: ★★★★
I'm sure everyone has tried garlic toast, a classic French dish! For our Chinese version, let's just replace the bread with buns, shall we? Although it might seem like a knock-off, food knows no borders—what matters is that it tastes delicious. It's filled with a garlicky aroma, the bun slices absorb the buttery fragrance, and the addition of scallions makes the whole house smell amazing when it's toasting, making your mouth water.
Steps:
1. Prepare the ingredients for the garlic sauce: 35g butter, 10g minced garlic, 8g condensed milk, 10g sugar, and a little dried onion.
2. Melt the butter, minced garlic, condensed milk, and sugar together in a small pot over a water bath, stirring to combine. Stir in the dried onion and set aside.
3. Prepare the buns and the garlic sauce. Slice the buns into three pieces and spread the garlic sauce on each slice.
4. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the surface is slightly golden. Here are the finished garlic bread buns.
【Western-style Chinese: Egg-fried Buns】
Creativity Index: ★★★★
This one is quite simple and easy to make. Dip the buns in an egg mixture and fry them until crispy and fragrant—your little ones will absolutely love it! However, since it's a fried food, don't eat too much, or you might get "heaty"!
Steps:
1. Prepare leftover buns. Cut the buns into strips and set aside.
2. Crack an egg into a bowl, beat it, and add salt to mix.
3. Coat the bun strips thoroughly with the egg mixture.
4. Heat a pan and lightly grease it with a layer of oil.
5. Place the bun strips in the pan and pan-fry until both sides are crispy and golden.
9. Serve the fried buns with ketchup.
【Hong Kong-style French Toast Buns】
Creativity Index: ★★★★★
"French Toast" is a term unique to Hong Kong! It's made by dipping toast in an egg mixture and frying it. Cheese can be sandwiched in the middle.
Steps:
1. Slice the buns and cheese thinly.
2. Sandwich a slice of cheese between two slices of bun.
3. Crack two eggs into a bowl, add a pinch of salt, and beat well.
4. Dip both sides of the bun sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring the cheese is fully coated.
5. Heat a flat-bottomed pan, add oil, and place the bun sandwiches in the pan.
6. Pan-fry until both sides are golden brown. Remove and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
7. Trim the uneven edges, then cut in half down the middle.