salt and pepper rolls

How to Make Savory Sesame Flower Buns: A Simple Guide

Sesame flower buns, a beloved Chinese comfort food, are prized for their fluffy texture and savory flavor. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting these delightful treats at home.

Ingredients: For the dough, you’ll need 300ml warm water, 2 tsp active dry yeast, 1 tsp sugar, 500g all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp vegetable oil. For the filling, mix 2 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp salt, 1 tbsp five-spice powder, and 2 tbsp chopped scallions.

Instructions:

1. Activate yeast: Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water; let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.

2. Make dough: Combine flour and salt in a large bowl. Pour in yeast mixture and oil, knead into a smooth dough (about 10 minutes). Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

3. Prepare filling: Mix all filling ingredients in a small bowl.

4. Shape buns: Punch down risen dough and divide into 12 equal portions. Roll each into a thin rectangle, spread filling evenly, fold into thirds, then cut into strips. Braid or twist strips into a flower shape.

5. Proof and bake: Place buns on a parchment-lined tray, cover, and let rise for 20 minutes. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.

Tips: For extra crispiness, pan-fry baked buns lightly with oil. Enjoy them warm as a snack or side dish!