Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add yeast. Gradually pour in warm water, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Add vegetable oil and soy sauce, kneading the dough until smooth and elastic (about 8-10 minutes). You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
- Step 2: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Step 3: Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball. Using a rolling pin, roll each ball into a 4-inch circle.
- Step 4: Place 1 teaspoon of vegan filling (e.g., finely chopped cabbage, mushrooms, carrots, and ginger seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil and a pinch of sugar) in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, pressing the edges firmly to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative finish.
- Step 5: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the buns in the skillet, seam-side down. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- Step 6: Add 1/4 cup of water to the skillet, cover immediately, and steam the buns for 2-3 minutes, until the bottoms are cooked through and the tops are puffy. Remove the lid and cook for another minute to crisp up the bottoms further. Drizzle with sesame oil before serving.
Notes
- Store leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
- For perfectly reheated buns, gently reheat them in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat until warm and slightly crispy, adding a touch of water if needed to create steam.
- Serve these delicious vegan pan-fried buns alongside a vibrant dipping sauce, such as a spicy chili oil or a sweet and tangy soy-ginger glaze.
- To achieve extra crispy bottoms, try adding a second tablespoon of oil to the pan before adding the water in step 6; this creates a deeper golden brown crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American