Chinese Brown Sugar Bread Recipe

Introduction

Chinese Brown Sugar Bread is a soft, slightly sweet treat with a delightful chewy texture. Filled with fragrant brown sugar, these pan-fried buns make a perfect snack or breakfast companion. The simple ingredients come together to create a comforting, homemade delight.

Ingredients

• 300 g all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• 150 ml water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• Oil for brushing
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup powdered brown sugar
• A tiny pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Mix the powdered brown sugar with 2 tablespoons of flour and a tiny pinch of salt in a small bowl. Set this filling mixture aside.
2. Step 2: In a stand mixer, combine 300 g flour, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp instant yeast, and 150 ml water. Mix on low speed for 8 to 9 minutes until the dough becomes soft and smooth.
3. Step 3: Cover the dough with a wet cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 to 45 minutes, or until it has risen to about one-third larger. The surface should be smooth without a honeycomb texture inside.
4. Step 4: Knead the dough again to remove air. Roll it into a uniform log about 4 cm in diameter, then cut the log into 14 equal portions.
5. Step 5: Wrap each portion around a spoonful of the brown sugar filling, sealing it inside.
6. Step 6: Brush a thin layer of oil in a cast iron pan. Place the buns in the pan one by one, cover with a lid, and fry each side over low heat for 6 to 8 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Tips & Variations

• Use a non-stick or well-seasoned cast iron pan to prevent sticking and achieve a nice crust.
• Adjust the brown sugar amount to your preferred sweetness level or try using muscovado sugar for a richer flavor.
• For a soft texture, avoid high heat during frying and keep the lid on to steam the bread gently.
• Sprinkling a little cinnamon into the sugar filling can add a warm twist.

Storage

Store the cooked buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat by steaming or lightly pan-frying again over low heat to revive softness and warmth.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand for about 10 to 15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. It will take a bit more effort, but the results will be just as good.

Why is it important not to have a honeycomb texture inside the dough?

This bread is meant to be soft and chewy rather than airy like some breads with large holes. A smooth, tight crumb ensures the filling stays enclosed and the texture remains tender.

Chinese Brown Sugar Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 73 reviews

This Chinese Brown Sugar Bread recipe yields soft, fluffy, and subtly sweet bread rolls filled with a delightful brown sugar mixture. The bread is pan-fried in a cast iron skillet, creating a light crust while keeping the interior tender and flavorful. Perfect as a comforting snack or breakfast treat.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 14 bread rolls 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 300 g all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• 150 ml water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• oil for brushing

Filling

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup powdered brown sugar
• a tiny pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Prepare filling mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the powdered brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, and a tiny pinch of salt. Set this mixture aside to use as the filling later.
2. Mix the dough: In a stand mixer bowl, combine 300 grams of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon instant yeast, and 150 ml water. Mix at low speed for 8 to 9 minutes until the dough becomes soft and smooth, indicating proper gluten development.
3. First proofing: Cover the dough with a wet cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm place for 30 to 45 minutes. The dough should rise to about one-third larger than its original size, with a completely smooth surface but no honeycomb texture inside.
4. Deflate and portion dough: Knead the dough again gently to release trapped air. Roll it into a uniform long log approximately 4 cm in diameter. Cut this log into 14 equal portions for individual bread pieces.
5. Fill the bread: Take each portion and wrap the previously prepared brown sugar filling inside, ensuring it is evenly enclosed within the dough.
6. Pan-fry the bread: Lightly brush a cast iron pan with oil and place the filled bread pieces one by one inside. Cover the pan with a lid and cook over low heat. Fry each side for 6 to 8 minutes until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.

Notes

• Use low heat during frying to ensure the bread cooks evenly without burning.
• Ensure the dough is well kneaded and smooth for the best texture.
• You can adjust the amount of brown sugar filling to your desired sweetness.
• Serve the bread warm for best taste and softness.
• If you prefer a softer crust, you can steam the bread lightly after frying.

Keywords: Chinese brown sugar bread, pan-fried bread, sweet bread rolls, homemade bread, Asian bread recipe