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Fluffy on the inside, crispy on the bottom, and packed with garlicky chive flavor.
These buns are made with a soft yeasted dough, filled generously with a savory mix of fresh Chinese chives, garlic, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. After being shaped into beautiful twisted coils, the buns are first pan-fried to develop a golden, crispy base, then steamed directly in the same pan to create a light, pillowy texture on top.
The combination of textures - crispy bottom, soft steamed top, and juicy, fragrant filling - makes these buns a perfect snack or side dish. They’re comforting, savory, and completely addictive.
Ingredients (Makes 10 Buns)
Dough:
- 180 g warm water
- 6 g instant yeast (2 tsp)
- 3 g salt (½ tsp)
- 300 g all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 15 g sugar (1 tbsp)
Chive Filling:
- 1 bunch chives 50–60 g
- 10g minced garlic
- 3 g salt (½ tsp)
- 15 g sesame oil (1 tbsp – or use more neutral oil if preferred)
- 15 g toasted sesame seeds (2 tbsp)
To Serve:
- Dipping sauce of choice
- Extra scallions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, and salt.
- Add the warm water and sugar. Mix with a chopstick or spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead by hand or with a dough hook for 5–8 minutes, until smooth and soft.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Brush the top with oil, cover, and let rise for about 45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Scallion Filling
- Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- In a bowl, combine the sliced chives, garlic, salt, oil, and sesame seeds. Mix well.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Shape the Buns
- Once the dough has risen, knead briefly to release air bubbles.
- Roll into a log and cut into 10 equal pieces.
- Working with one piece at a time, form each into a ball, then roll it out into an oval.
- Spread 1–2 tablespoons of scallion filling over the surface.
- Seal it and slice into half, leaving part of the dough attached.
- Twist the ropes together and coil into a round shape.
- Repeat for all 10 buns.
4. Cook the Buns
- Heat a little oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Optionally dip the bottoms of the buns in sesame seeds before placing them in the pan. Leave space between each bun.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown.
- Carefully add ⅓ cup water to the pan and cover immediately.
- Reduce heat and steam for about 10 minutes, until the water has evaporated.
- Cook in batches (about 5 buns at a time, depending on pan size).
5. Serve
- Garnish with extra scallions and sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
