Liaoning-style Sweet and Savory Stuffed Buns

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we have taken the traditional Hungarian Kalács and infused it with the flavors and ingredients of Liaoning cuisine. While the original Kalács is typically sweet and filled with ingredients like poppy seeds or walnuts, our Liaoning-style buns offer a wider range of fillings, including both sweet and savory options. Additionally, the cooking technique has been modified to bake the buns until golden brown, giving them a crispy exterior. We alse have the original recipe for Kalács, so you can check it out.

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• 50g (¼ cup) granulated sugar 50g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
• 240ml (1 cup) warm milk 240ml (1 cup) warm milk
• 60g (¼ cup) unsalted butter, melted 60g (¼ cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp salt
• Sweet fillings: red bean paste, lotus seed paste Sweet fillings: red bean paste, lotus seed paste
• Savory fillings: minced pork, vegetables (such as cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms) Savory fillings: minced pork, vegetables (such as cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms)
• Optional: sesame seeds for topping Optional: sesame seeds for topping

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): N/A (varies based on fillings)
• Fat (total, saturated): N/A (varies based on fillings)
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): N/A (varies based on fillings)
• Protein: N/A (varies based on fillings)
• Fiber: N/A (varies based on fillings)
• Salt: N/A (varies based on fillings)

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, and sugar. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the warm milk and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into small portions. Flatten each portion and add the desired filling in the center.
6. 6.
   Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal. Shape the buns into round balls.
7. 7.
   Place the stuffed buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
8. 8.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
9. 9.
   Optional: Brush the buns with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
10. 10.
    Bake the buns for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Red bean paste — Ensure the paste is smooth and free of lumps for a better texture in the buns.
• Lotus seed paste — If using homemade paste, make sure to cook the lotus seeds until they are soft before blending them into a paste.
• Minced pork — Cook the minced pork thoroughly before using it as a filling to ensure it is safe to consume.
• Vegetables — Finely chop the vegetables and sauté them until they are tender before using them as fillings.

Tips & Tricks

• Experiment with different fillings to create your own unique combinations.
• For a sweeter touch, sprinkle powdered sugar on top of the baked buns.
• Serve the Liaoning-style stuffed buns warm for the best taste and texture.
• If you prefer a softer crust, cover the buns with a damp cloth after baking.
• These buns can be frozen and reheated later for a quick and delicious snack.

Serving advice

Serve the Liaoning-style Sweet and Savory Stuffed Buns as a delightful appetizer or snack. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a dipping sauce of your choice.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Liaoning-style stuffed buns on a serving platter, showcasing the variety of fillings. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an added visual appeal.