Custard Cream Steamed Buns: A Delightful, Soft, and Creamy Treat
Ingredients:
For the Custard Cream:
- 200 ml milk
- 15 grams butter
- 2 egg yolks
- 35 grams sugar
- 15 grams cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Dough:
- 125 ml warm milk
- 25 grams sugar
- 3 grams instant yeast
- 220 grams low-protein flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 20 ml cooking oil
Instructions:
1. Making the Custard Cream:
- Heat Milk: Pour 200 ml of milk into a saucepan and heat over medium heat until warm.
- Melt Butter: Add 15 grams of butter to the milk, allowing it to melt completely while stirring occasionally.
- Mix Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 egg yolks and 35 grams of sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Cornstarch: Gradually add 15 grams of cornstarch to the egg yolk mixture, whisking until there are no lumps.
- Combine Mixtures: Slowly pour the warm milk and butter mixture into the egg yolk mixture, stirring constantly to prevent curdling.
- Thicken Custard: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until the custard thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Add Vanilla: Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Transfer the custard to a bowl and allow it to cool completely.
2. Making the Dough:
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, mix 125 ml of warm milk with 25 grams of sugar and 3 grams of instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 220 grams of low-protein flour (or all-purpose flour), 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture and 20 ml of cooking oil into the dry ingredients. Mix until the ingredients come together to form a dough.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Divide Dough: Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each piece into a ball.
- Rest Dough: Cover the dough balls with a cloth and let them rest for 12 minutes. This allows the dough to relax and makes it easier to work with.
3. Assembling and Steaming:
- Fill Buns: Take one piece of dough and flatten it into a circle with your hands. Place a spoonful of the cooled custard cream in the center. Carefully fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal, forming a bun. Repeat with the remaining dough pieces.
- Prepare Steamer: Preheat your steamer by heating up the water. Ensure the water is boiling before placing the buns inside.
- Steam Buns: Arrange the buns on parchment paper or a steamer liner to prevent sticking, leaving space between each bun to allow for expansion. Steam over medium heat for 10 minutes.
- Cool Buns: Once steamed, turn off the heat but keep the lid on. Let the buns sit in the steamer for an additional 3 minutes before removing. This will prevent the buns from collapsing due to sudden temperature changes.
4. Serve:
Enjoy your warm and fluffy Custard Cream Steamed Buns! These buns are best served fresh, but they can also be reheated in the steamer or microwave for a quick snack later.
Nutrition Facts (Per Bun, Estimated):
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g