East Asian-inspired Crispy Sesame Bread

Ingredients

In this East Asian-inspired adaptation of pane rustico, we incorporate flavors and ingredients commonly found in East Asian cuisine. The addition of sesame oil, soy sauce, and a blend of spices like ginger and garlic infuses the bread with a unique aroma and taste. The use of sesame seeds as a topping adds a nutty flavor and a crunchy texture, enhancing the overall experience of the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Pane rustico, 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
• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger 1 tsp grated ginger
• 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water
• Sesame seeds, for topping Sesame seeds, for topping

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 3g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 49g, 1g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and warm water.
3. 3.
   Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients while stirring with a wooden spoon until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   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.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
7. 7.
   Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles and transfer it to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. 8.
   Shape the dough into a rustic loaf shape and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sesame oil — Use a high-quality sesame oil for the best flavor. Toasted sesame oil adds a more intense nutty taste.
• Soy sauce — Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer a less salty flavor.
• Garlic and ginger — Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger provide the best flavor. Adjust the amount according to your preference.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced sesame flavor, lightly toast the sesame seeds before sprinkling them on top of the bread.
• Experiment with different spice blends like Chinese five-spice or Korean gochugaru for a unique twist.
• Serve the bread warm with a side of soy sauce and sesame oil for dipping.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Sesame Bread as an appetizer or alongside your favorite East Asian dishes. It pairs well with soups, stir-fries, or can be enjoyed on its own as a snack.

Presentation advice

Present the Crispy Sesame Bread on a wooden cutting board or a rustic platter. Slice it diagonally to showcase the beautiful interior and sprinkle some additional sesame seeds on top for an extra visual appeal.