Homemade Saika Buns

Fluffy, savory, and irresistibly tender, these Homemade Saika Buns are the perfect steamed treat to make right in your kitchen! Crafted with a soft and pillowy dough, these buns can be customized with your choice of delicious fillings, from savory pork to sweet red bean paste. The recipe combines pantry staples like all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and milk, with simple steps that yield bakery-quality results. Key techniques such as kneading the dough until elastic and steaming for maximum fluffiness ensure a professional touch. Ideal for a snack, appetizer, or even a festive addition to your dinner table, these versatile buns are sure to impress. With just 90 minutes of prep and a short cook time, you'll have 12 fresh buns ready to enjoy. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, mastering these Saika Buns is a rewarding adventure in homemade comfort!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:90 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 3 cups All-purpose flour
• 2.25 teaspoons Instant yeast
• 4 tablespoons Granulated sugar
• 0.6667 cups Milk
• 0.3333 cups Warm water
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoons Baking powder
• 1 cup Optional filling (e.g., cooked pork, red bean paste)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and instant yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.

Step 2

In a microwave-safe bowl, warm the milk until slightly warm to the touch (not hot). Add it to the yeast mixture along with the remaining sugar, vegetable oil, and salt.

Step 3

Slowly incorporate the flour, one cup at a time, into the wet mixture. Use a spatula or your hands to mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 4

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 5

Place the dough into a clean, oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 6

Once risen, punch down the dough to release air. Sprinkle the baking powder over the surface of the dough, then knead it thoroughly for another 2 minutes to incorporate.

Step 7

Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disk and place about a tablespoon of your desired filling in the center. Pinch the edges together to seal the filling and shape into a smooth ball.

Step 8

Place each bun onto a small square of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Arrange the buns on a steamer tray, leaving space for them to expand.

Step 9

Cover and let the buns rest for another 20 minutes.

Step 10

Bring a pot of water to a boil and place the steamer on top. Steam the buns over medium heat for 12-15 minutes. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to ensure the buns remain fluffy.

Step 11

Once cooked, remove the buns from the steamer and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your homemade Saika buns!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(931.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2308.2

Total Fat 45.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.9g
Cholesterol 62.0mg	0%
Sodium 2409.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 408.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.5g	0%
Total Sugars 70.5g
Protein 69.3g	0%

Vitamin D 71.6IU	0%
Calcium 302.6mg	0%
Iron 19.5mg	0%
Potassium 1073.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 17.6%

Protein: 11.9%

Carbs: 70.5%