crispy sesame cakes

How to Make Flaky Savory Sesame Seed Flatbread (Youshu Shaobing)

Youshu shaobing, a crispy yet tender Chinese flatbread, is beloved for its layered texture and savory aroma. Here’s a simple guide to making it at home.

Ingredients: For the dough: 300ml warm water, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp active dry yeast, 500ml all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp salt. For the oil酥 (sata): 100ml melted lard or neutral oil, 100g flour, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp five-spice powder.

Steps:

1. Activate yeast: Dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water; let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.

2. Make dough: Mix yeast water, flour, and salt into a smooth dough. Knead for 10 minutes, then rest for 1 hour until doubled.

3. Prepare oil酥: Whisk melted oil, flour, salt, and five-spice powder until paste-like.

4. Shape the bread: Punch down dough, divide into 8 balls. Roll each into a thin rectangle, spread oil酥 evenly, then fold into thirds. Roll into a log, coil it, and tuck the end underneath. Flatten slightly.

5. Rest & cook: Let proof for 20 minutes. Brush with egg wash, sprinkle sesame seeds, and roll with a rolling pin to 1cm thickness.

6. Bake: Preheat oven to 200°C. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy. For a softer version, pan-fry in oil over medium heat until both sides are browned, then finish in the oven for 5 minutes.

Enjoy your homemade shaobing warm, perfect with soups or as a snack!