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Chinese Brown Sugar Bread 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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