Description
Soft, fluffy Hua Juan flower rolls are savory Chinese steamed buns layered with scallions and five-spice, twisted into a beautiful shape. Perfect as a snack or side, they are fragrant and tender with every bite.
Ingredients
1 cup lukewarm water
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons neutral oil
1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
1 cup finely chopped scallions
Instructions
- Mix lukewarm water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, baking powder, and salt, then mix and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth.
- Cover and let the dough rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Roll the dough into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Brush with oil and sprinkle evenly with salt, five-spice powder, and chopped scallions.
- Fold the dough into thirds lengthwise and cut into even strips.
- Stack two strips, press the center with a chopstick, and twist into a flower-like knot.
- Place each bun on parchment paper, cover, and proof for 30 minutes.
- Steam over medium heat for 15 minutes.
- Turn off heat and let buns sit covered for 10 minutes before opening.
- Serve warm or pan-fry lightly for a crispy bottom.
Notes
Add a little sesame oil for extra nuttiness.
Sprinkle sesame seeds, chili flakes, or white pepper for added flavor.
Reduce five-spice for a milder taste.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Reheat by steaming for best texture or microwave with a damp paper towel.
Freeze cooked buns and reheat from frozen by steaming.
- Prep Time: 105 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
