Chinese Ham and Egg Bun Recipe: A Tasty Breakfast Ideas

If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make snack, you can't go wrong with Chinese ham and egg buns. These savoury buns are a popular treat in Chinese bakeries and are enjoyed by people all over the world. They are soft and fluffy on the inside and packed with flavourful ham and egg filling.

To make Chinese ham and egg buns, you will need a few simple ingredients, including flour, yeast, sugar, milk, eggs, ham, and eggs. You can also add other ingredients to the filling, such as cheese, green onions, or seafood. Once you have all the ingredients, you can start making the dough and shaping the buns.

Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, you can easily make Chinese ham and egg buns at home. With a little patience and practice, you can enjoy these delicious buns anytime you want. So why not give it a try and impress your family and friends with your baking skills?

Key Takeaways

• Chinese ham and egg buns are a popular snack in Chinese bakeries and are easy to make at home.
• The dough for the buns can be made with flour, yeast, sugar, milk, and eggs, and can be filled with ham, eggs, cheese, green onions, or seafood.
• Chinese ham and egg buns are a great snack for any time of day and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Ingredients and Substitutions

When it comes to making Chinese ham and egg buns, the ingredients you use can make all the difference in the final product. Here are some key ingredients and substitutions to consider:

Choosing the Right Flour

The type of flour you use will affect the texture and flavour of your buns. For a traditional Chinese bakery-style bun, you'll want to use a combination of cake flour and bread flour. If you don't have either of these flours, you can substitute all-purpose flour. However, keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different.

Selecting Quality Ham and Cheese

The ham and cheese are the star ingredients in this recipe. Be sure to choose quality ham and cheese for the best flavour. You can use any type of ham you like, but sliced ham works best for this recipe. For the cheese, you can use any type of melting cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella. If you want to get creative, you can also try using seafood, such as shrimp or crab, as a substitute for the ham.

Other essential ingredients for this recipe include milk, sugar, salt, yeast, butter, and oil. You can also use milk bread or heavy cream if you want a richer flavour. Green onion, mayonnaise, and kewpie mayo are optional toppings that can add extra flavour to your buns.

The key to making delicious Chinese ham and egg buns is to use quality ingredients and to follow the recipe closely. With a little practice, you'll be able to make bakery-style buns that are just as good as the ones you can buy in a Chinese bakery.

Dough Preparation

When making Chinese ham and egg buns, the dough preparation is a crucial step. The dough is what gives the buns their unique texture and flavour. Here are the two key aspects of dough preparation that you need to know: Mixing and Kneading, and Understanding Fermentation.

Mixing and Kneading

To make the dough for Chinese ham and egg buns, you'll need to mix and knead the ingredients together. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to make the process easier. Start by adding the heavy cream, milk, egg, sugar, cake flour, bread flour, yeast, and salt to the mixer bowl. Turn on the mixer to "stir" and let it go for 15 minutes. Occasionally stop the mixer to push the dough together. This will help to develop the gluten in the dough and create air bubbles that will make the buns light and fluffy.

Understanding Fermentation

Fermentation is the process that gives the dough its rise and flavour. To ferment the dough, you'll need to let it proof for a certain amount of time. The amount of time will depend on the temperature and humidity of your kitchen. Generally, you'll want to proof the dough for around 1-2 hours. During this time, the yeast in the dough will consume the sugars and produce carbon dioxide, which will create air bubbles in the dough.

One technique that can help to improve the fermentation process is to use tangzhong. Tangzhong is a method of adding a cooked flour and water mixture to the dough. This helps to create a gel-like consistency that can hold onto moisture and improve the texture of the buns. It can also help to extend the shelf life of the buns.

When it comes to adding seafood to the recipe, you can try adding some shrimp or crab meat to the filling. These seafood options will complement the flavours of the ham and egg and add a nice texture to the buns. Just make sure to cook the seafood before adding it to the filling.

Shaping and Filling

Forming the Buns

To form the soft and golden ham and cheese buns, you need to divide the risen dough into equal parts. You can use a kitchen scale to measure the dough for accuracy. Roll each part into a ball shape and flatten it into a disc with your palm. Then, use a rolling pin to roll out the dough into a thin circle, about 1/4 inch thick.

Adding the Ham and Cheese Filling

For the filling, you can use sliced ham and grated mozzarella cheese. You can also add other ingredients such as green onions, cooked corn, and mayonnaise to enhance the flavour. Place a slice of ham and a spoonful of cheese in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal it tightly.

If you want to add seafood to the recipe, you can use cooked shrimp or crab meat as a substitute for ham. You can also add some chopped seafood to the ham and cheese filling to create a unique flavour.

Once you have filled all the buns, place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover the buns with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 15-20 minutes. Brush the buns with an egg wash and bake them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 20-24 minutes until they turn golden brown.

Shaping and filling the ham and cheese buns is easy and straightforward. You can experiment with different fillings to create your own version of this classic Asian savoury bun.

Baking Techniques

Setting the Oven

Setting the oven to the right temperature is crucial in achieving the perfect Chinese ham and egg bun. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) before baking the buns. This ensures that the buns cook evenly and are not undercooked or overcooked.

Achieving the Perfect Golden Crust

To achieve the perfect golden crust, brush the risen ham and egg buns with egg wash before baking. This gives the buns a shiny and beautiful appearance. You can also brush the buns with sugar water to give them a sweeter taste and a beautiful golden crust.

Place the buns on a baking tray and bake for 20-24 minutes until golden. Once the buns are done, remove them from the oven and place them on a cooling rack. This helps the buns to cool down and prevents them from becoming soggy.

If you want to add seafood to your Chinese ham and egg bun, you can use shrimp or crab meat. These seafood options complement the ham and egg filling and give the buns a unique flavour.

Remember to always keep the buns in a warm place before baking. This helps the dough rise and ensures that the buns are soft and fluffy.

With the right baking techniques, you can achieve delicious and beautiful Chinese ham and egg buns that everyone will love.

Serving and Nutrition

Presentation Tips

When serving Chinese ham and egg buns, it's important to make them look as appetizing as possible. One way to do this is by adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top. You can also serve the buns with a side of fresh fruit, such as pineapple or mango, to add a touch of sweetness to the dish.

Another great option is to serve the buns with a side of seafood. Shrimp or crab meat can be added to the filling for an extra burst of flavour and nutrition.

Caloric Information

Chinese ham and egg buns are a great choice for breakfast, snack, or even dinner. They are relatively low in calories, with an average of 250-300 calories per serving. This makes them a great option for kids and adults alike who are looking for a tasty and satisfying meal without the added calories.

It's important to note that the calorie count may vary depending on the ingredients used in the recipe. For example, if you add cheese to the filling, the calorie count will increase. However, adding seafood can provide a healthy source of protein while keeping the calorie count low.

Overall, Chinese ham and egg buns are a delicious and nutritious option for any meal of the day. With a few presentation tips and the addition of some seafood, you can elevate this classic dish to a whole new level.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the simplest way to make a Chinese ham and egg bun?

The simplest way to make a Chinese ham and egg bun is to use pre-made dough and fill it with a slice of ham and an egg before baking. You can also make your own dough and follow a recipe that suits your taste.

Which recipe is considered the best for authentic Chinese ham and egg buns?

There are many recipes for Chinese ham and egg buns, and the best one depends on your personal preference. You can try different recipes and choose the one that you like the most. It's important to use fresh and high-quality ingredients to get the authentic taste.

How many calories are typically in a Chinese ham and egg bun?

A Chinese ham and egg bun typically contains around 300-400 calories, depending on the size and ingredients used. If you're watching your calorie intake, you can opt for a smaller size or use low-fat ingredients.

Could you suggest a good Chinese cheese bread recipe?

If you're looking for a good Chinese cheese bread recipe, you can try making a cheese-filled bun using the same dough as the ham and egg bun. You can use shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese as the filling. Alternatively, you can also try making a seafood and cheese bread by adding shrimp or crab meat to the filling.

How do you prepare a classic ham and cheese bun?

To prepare a classic ham and cheese bun, you can follow a recipe that uses a combination of ham, cheese, and a dough made from flour, yeast, sugar, and milk. The dough is rolled out and cut into circles, then filled with the ham and cheese mixture before baking.

What's the difference between an egg bun and a Chinese ham and egg bun?

An egg bun is a type of steamed bun that's made with flour, sugar, yeast, and eggs. It's a simple and versatile bun that can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as pork, chicken, or vegetables. A Chinese ham and egg bun, on the other hand, is a baked bun that's filled with a slice of ham and an egg. It's a popular snack in China and other Asian countries.