These Cheese Stuffed Green Onion Buns are delicious, soft, and full of savory flavors. The dough is soft and fluffy, and the stuffing of cheese and finely chopped green onions adds a perfect balance of richness and freshness. Whether you’re making them as a snack, side dish, or appetizer, these buns are sure to impress everyone with their tender texture and savory filling.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Resting Time: 1 hour
- Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Servings: 8 buns
Cuisine This recipe is inspired by Asian-style buns, often found in Chinese bakeries, where dough is filled with various savory ingredients. The combination of green onions and cheese brings a unique fusion of flavors to this classic bun.
Full List of Ingredients
- 300g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 3g (1/4 tsp) salt
- 3g (1 tsp) instant yeast
- 200g (0.85 cup) lukewarm water
- 15ml (1 tbsp) cooking oil
- Green onions, finely chopped (for stuffing)
- 100g cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or your preferred cheese), grated
- Extra salt and cooking oil for seasoning and cooking
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
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Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and instant yeast. Stir to combine.
- Slowly add the lukewarm water to the dry ingredients, mixing as you pour. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to combine the ingredients until a rough dough forms.
- Add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil to the dough and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much.
- Once the dough is smooth, cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rest and rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
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Prepare the Filling:
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Finely chop the green onions and mix them with the grated cheese in a small bowl. Add a pinch of salt and mix well.
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Shape the Buns:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and divide it into 8 equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a small ball, and then flatten each ball into a small round disc using your fingers or a rolling pin.
- Place a spoonful of the cheese and green onion mixture in the center of each disc. Gently fold the edges of the dough over the filling to create a sealed bun. Pinch the edges together to make sure the filling stays inside.
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Cook the Buns:
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a little cooking oil to grease the pan.
- Place the stuffed buns in the pan, making sure they are not touching each other. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for about 10-12 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown.
- Flip the buns over carefully, then cover and cook for another 10 minutes or until the buns are fully cooked through, golden, and crispy on both sides.
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Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the buns from the pan and allow them to cool slightly. Serve warm as a snack, side dish, or appetizer.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe These buns are inspired by the classic Chinese stuffed buns, often filled with various savory ingredients like pork, vegetables, or cheese. The fusion of green onions and cheese in this recipe gives it a unique twist while maintaining the familiar comfort of traditional stuffed buns. These buns are popular in many parts of Asia and are often served as street food or snacks.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cheesy and Flavorful: The combination of green onions and cheese creates a savory, flavorful filling that complements the soft and fluffy dough.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, these buns come together in less than 2 hours.
- Versatile: You can experiment with different fillings, such as cooked meats, vegetables, or herbs, to suit your tastes.
- Great for Meal Prep: These buns can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer for a quick snack or meal.
Health Benefits
- Rich in Protein: The cheese adds a good amount of protein to this dish, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Packed with Vitamins: The green onions provide a good source of vitamins A and C, which support immune health and skin health.
- Low in Fat: These buns are relatively low in fat, especially when cooked with a light amount of oil.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with Dipping Sauce: These buns go wonderfully with a side of soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or a tangy mustard sauce for dipping.
- As a Snack: Enjoy these buns as a savory snack with a warm cup of tea or a cold beverage.
- With a Salad: Pair the buns with a light vegetable salad for a more balanced meal.
Cooking Tips
- Don’t Overstuff: Be careful not to overstuff the buns, as this may cause the filling to leak out while cooking.
- Use Fresh Green Onions: Fresh green onions will give the filling a crisp and vibrant flavor that dried herbs or pre-chopped onions cannot replicate.
- Ensure the Buns are Sealed Properly: Make sure to pinch the edges of the dough tightly to ensure the cheese stays inside while cooking.
Variations to Try
- Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cheese and replace the eggs with a flax egg or other egg substitutes to make these buns vegan-friendly.
- Add Meat: Add cooked minced meat or chicken to the filling for a more substantial dish.
- Herbed Version: Experiment with different herbs such as basil or cilantro to enhance the flavor of the filling.
Conclusion These Cheese Stuffed Green Onion Buns are a delightful, savory treat that’s easy to make and full of flavor. With a soft and fluffy dough, a cheesy filling, and the freshness of green onions, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, these buns are versatile and delicious.
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
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Can I make these buns ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough and stuffing in advance. Once assembled, the buns can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking.
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Can I freeze these buns? Yes, these buns can be frozen before cooking. Simply place them on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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Can I use other fillings? Absolutely! You can use any fillings you like, such as cooked pork, chicken, mushrooms, or even sweet fillings like fruit or red bean paste.
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How do I prevent the buns from sticking to the pan? Make sure to use enough oil to coat the pan, and allow the buns to cook on one side until golden brown before flipping.
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Can I bake these buns instead of frying them? Yes, you can bake them at 180°C (350°F) for about 20-25 minutes until they are golden and crispy.
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Can I use all-purpose flour instead of other types of flour? Yes, all-purpose flour works best for this recipe, providing the right texture for the dough.
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Can I make these buns without yeast? Yes, you can make a version of these buns without yeast by using baking powder instead, but the texture will be different (less fluffy).
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How can I make these buns spicier? You can add finely chopped chili peppers or chili flakes to the filling for an added kick of spice.
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How do I store leftover buns? Store leftover buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a skillet or oven for best results.
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Can I make these buns gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these buns gluten-free.