These traditional Chinese steamed lotus buns are a delightful treat, featuring a soft, pillowy texture and a delicate sweetness that melts in your mouth. The dough is enriched with a touch of sugar and oil, creating a tender crumb that is distinct from Western breads. Shaped intricately to resemble lotus leaves, they are as beautiful as they are delicious. Perfect for a dim sum spread, a festive holiday table, or a simple afternoon tea with jasmine tea. The steaming method ensures they remain light and airy without the need for heavy frying. Mastering the shaping technique adds an artistic flair to this comforting staple.
Chinese Steamed Lotus Buns
Description
These traditional Chinese steamed lotus buns are a delightful treat, featuring a soft, pillowy texture and a delicate sweetness that melts in your mouth. The dough is enriched with a touch of sugar and oil, creating a tender crumb that is distinct from Western breads. Shaped intricately to resemble lotus leaves, they are as beautiful as they are delicious. Perfect for a dim sum spread, a festive holiday table, or a simple afternoon tea with jasmine tea. The steaming method ensures they remain light and airy without the need for heavy frying. Mastering the shaping technique adds an artistic flair to this comforting staple.Ingredients
Directions
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Dissolve yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar in warm water; let stand 5 minutes until foamy.
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In a food processor fitted with a metal blade, combine flour, remaining sugar, and baking powder.
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With the machine running, slowly pour in the yeast mixture and warm milk down the feed tube.
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Process until the dough forms a rough ball, adding more flour if too sticky.
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Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 2 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled.
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Punch down dough, flatten slightly, and knead in the baking powder until fully incorporated.
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Let the dough rest for 10 minutes, then divide it in half.
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Roll one half into a 12-inch log and cut into 12 equal pieces.
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Take one piece, roll it into a 3 1/2-inch circle, and brush lightly with oil.
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Fold the circle in half to form a half-moon shape.
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Score the rounded edge with a knife at 1/4-inch intervals to create leaf veins.
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Use a chopstick to indent the center of the rounded edge while pinching the straight edge to form a notch.
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Place the shaped bun on a square of parchment paper in a steaming basket.
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Repeat with the remaining dough, leaving space between buns for expansion.
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Let the shaped buns rise for 30 minutes until almost doubled in size.
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Steam over boiling water for 15 minutes.
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Remove from heat and let cool for 1 minute before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 24
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 30.1kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.1g1%
- Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 26.0mg2%
- Total Carbohydrate 6.9g3%
- Dietary Fiber 0.3g2%
- Sugars 3.8g
- Protein 0.5g1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
