Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that combines the best of two worlds - the soft, pillowy texture of Chinese milk buns and the classic American hot dog! These incredible Chinese Hot Dog Milk Buns are about to revolutionize your comfort food game, offering a mouthwatering twist that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Imagine biting into a cloud-like steamed bun wrapped around a perfectly cooked hot dog - it's street food meets gourmet cuisine in one irresistible package!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 8 buns
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 8 hot dogs
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (1/2 cup) and active dry yeast (1 tablespoon). Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is activated.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour (2 cups), sugar (1/4 cup), and salt (1/2 teaspoon) until well combined.
- Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the flour mixture along with the vegetable oil (2 tablespoons). Mix until a dough starts to form.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour as needed.
- Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 20-30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the hot dogs (8 hot dogs) by cutting them in half if desired, or leaving them whole. You can also lightly grill or pan-fry them for extra flavor.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it back to a floured surface and divide it into 8 equal portions.
- Take one portion of dough and flatten it into a circle about 4-5 inches in diameter. Place a hot dog in the center of the dough circle.
- Fold the edges of the dough over the hot dog, pinching to seal it tightly. Make sure there are no openings for the filling to escape. Repeat this process for all portions of dough and hot dogs.
- Place the sealed buns seam side down on a parchment-lined steaming tray, leaving some space between each bun to allow for expansion.
- Cover the buns with a kitchen towel and let them rest for another 10-15 minutes while you prepare your steamer.
- Fill a pot or wok with water and bring it to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Place the steaming tray with the buns over the pot, ensuring that the buns do not touch the water.
- Steam the buns for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are fluffy and cooked through. You may need to steam in batches depending on the size of your steamer.
- Once done, carefully remove the buns from the steamer and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Chinese Hot Dog Milk Buns warm!
Tips
- Yeast Activation is Key: Ensure your milk is warm (not hot) when mixing with yeast to prevent killing the active cultures. The mixture should become frothy within 5-10 minutes.
- Kneading Technique: Don't rush the kneading process. A smooth, elastic dough is crucial for soft, fluffy buns. If the dough feels too sticky, add flour gradually.
- Rising Environment: Find a warm, draft-free spot for your dough to rise. A slightly warm oven (turned off) or a sunny windowsill works perfectly.
- Sealing Matters: When wrapping hot dogs, pinch the dough edges tightly to prevent them from opening during steaming.
- Steaming Secrets: Maintain a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, to prevent water from splashing onto the buns. Leave space between buns for expansion.
- Optional Flavor Boost: Lightly grill or pan-fry hot dogs before wrapping for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Serve Immediately: These buns are best enjoyed warm, straight from the steamer, when they're at their softest and most delicious!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg
