Hua Juan - Steamed Scallion Buns

Hua juan are steamed buns flavored with scallions and twisted to look kind of like a flower (hua juan means "flower twist" in Mandarin).It is a yeast dough recipe, so you'll have to plan ahead to allow time for the dough to rise and then for the shaped buns to proof.

Yield:

Makes 12 buns

Ingredients

1. For the dough:
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3. 1/2 packet yeast (a little more than 1 teaspoon)
4. 3 cups flour
5. 1 cup milk, warmed
6. 3/8 cups sugar
7. 1/4 cups vegetable oil
8. .
9. For the glaze:
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11. 3 tablespoons chopped scallions, green part only
12. 1/2 teaspoon salt
13. 1/4 teaspoon sugar
14. 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Directions

1. Turn on oven to lowest setting. Dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. Mix in the rest of the ingredients for the dough and knead. Cover with a moist cloth or seal tightly and place in oven for 1 hour.
2. Mix together the ingredients for the glaze and allow to macerate.
3. Knead the dough again after it has doubled in size and then separate into 12 egg-sized pieces.
4. Roll each piece into a long oval and cut into long strips, leaving a 1/4" section attached at one end. Brush lightly with the glaze.
5. Twist and shape buns and place on square of parchment paper.
6. Let sit in oven again for another 40 - 60 minutes to proof.
7. Steam for 13 minutes.

Notes

If not not eating immediately, transfer to a freezer bag once it has cooled and freeze. To reheat, wrap with plastic wrap and microwave for 45 seconds.