Peranakan-inspired Spiced Sausage Buns

Ingredients

In this Peranakan-inspired adaptation, we replace the traditional hot dog bun with a soft and fragrant bun infused with Peranakan spices like lemongrass, galangal, and turmeric. The sausages are also seasoned with a blend of Peranakan spices, adding a rich and flavorful twist to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Seattle Dog, 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) sugar 50g (¼ cup) sugar
• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp salt
• 250ml (1 cup) coconut milk 250ml (1 cup) coconut milk
• 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
• 2 slices galangal 2 slices galangal
• 1 tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 8 Peranakan-style sausages 8 Peranakan-style sausages
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Sesame seeds, for garnish Sesame seeds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 8g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   In a small saucepan, heat the coconut milk over low heat. Add the lemongrass, galangal, and turmeric powder. Simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
3. 3.
   Remove the lemongrass and galangal from the coconut milk mixture and let it cool slightly.
4. 4.
   Gradually pour the infused coconut milk into the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
5. 5.
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6. 6.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
7. 7.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball.
8. 8.
   Flatten each dough ball and wrap it around a Peranakan-style sausage, sealing the edges tightly.
9. 9.
   Place the sausage buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a damp cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
10. 10.
    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
11. 11.
    Brush the tops of the buns with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
12. 12.
    Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the buns are golden brown.
13. 13.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — Bruise the lemongrass stalks by lightly pounding them with a rolling pin or the back of a knife to release their aromatic oils.
• Galangal — If fresh galangal is not available, you can use dried galangal powder as a substitute. Use 1 teaspoon of dried galangal powder for every 2 slices of fresh galangal.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the sausages in the Peranakan spice blend overnight before wrapping them in the dough.
• Serve the sausage buns with a side of spicy sambal sauce for an authentic Peranakan experience.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a small amount of finely chopped chili to the dough mixture.

Serving advice

Serve the Peranakan-inspired spiced sausage buns warm as a snack or light meal. They are perfect for parties or as a unique addition to a brunch spread. Pair them with a refreshing iced tea or a traditional Peranakan beverage for a complete culinary experience.

Presentation advice

Arrange the spiced sausage buns on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil. Serve them alongside a small bowl of sambal sauce for dipping. The vibrant colors of the sausages and the golden brown buns will make for an enticing presentation.