Chinese Steamed Buns with Scallions (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Dough

01 - 240 ml milk
02 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
03 - 375 g all-purpose flour, plus extra for kneading
04 - 2 teaspoons instant yeast
05 - 50 g sugar
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1 tablespoon nonfat dry milk powder (optional)

→ Filling

08 - 1 cup finely sliced scallions (8-10 stalks)
09 - 60 ml vegetable oil
10 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Serving

11 - Sea salt (optional)
12 - Soy dipping sauce (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Heat milk to a gentle boil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat and let cool to 38-43°C (100-110°F). Stir in the vegetable oil.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, instant yeast, sugar, milk powder (if using), and salt. Add the milk-oil mixture and stir until a dough forms.
03 - Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Return to bowl and let rise in a warm spot for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
04 - Combine scallions, oil, and salt in a small bowl. Cut twelve 15 cm (6-inch) square pieces of parchment paper and set aside.
05 - On a lightly floured surface, punch down the risen dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 10×15 cm (4×6-inch) oval. Slice ribbons lengthwise into each oval, leaving about 1.3 cm (1/2 inch) at the top intact. Spread about 1 tablespoon of scallion mixture across each dough oval.
06 - Pick up each end of the prepared oval, gently pull outward, then twist into a coil. Twist the coil into a knot shape and place on a parchment paper square. Repeat with remaining dough. Let the shaped buns rest for 30-40 minutes.
07 - Prepare a steamer with 5 cm (2 inches) of water, ensuring the water doesn't touch the bottom of the steamer basket. Bring to a boil, then place 3-4 buns with their parchment paper into the steamer. Cover and reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Steam for 15 minutes.
08 - Serve the steamed buns warm, optionally sprinkled with sea salt or accompanied by soy dipping sauce.
09 - Leftover buns can be frozen and later reheated in a steamer or microwave for approximately 15 seconds.

# Notes:

01 - These Chinese steamed buns, known as Hua Juan, feature a beautiful twisted knot design with fragrant scallion filling.
02 - For best results, ensure your dough rises in a draft-free environment.

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