Ingredients
Dough:
- Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (375g)
- 2 tsp instant dry yeast
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp roasted sesame seeds
- Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm soy milk (or other non-dairy milk)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil (or neutral oil)
Filling:
- 1 tbsp neutral oil for cooking
- 6 cups shredded cabbage (from ½ large head of cabbage)
- 3.5 oz vermicelli noodles (100g)
- 1 cup shredded carrot (150g)
- ½ cup chopped scallions or chives (25g)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 tbsp roasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
Instructions
Preparing the Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and sesame seeds. Make a well in the center.
- Pour in the warm soy milk and sesame oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a clean bowl, and cover with a damp towel. Let it rest for 2 hours to rise.
Preparing the Filling:
- Soak the vermicelli noodles in boiling water for 7-8 minutes until soft. Drain and chop into ½-inch pieces.
- Heat a pan over medium-high heat with 1 tbsp oil. Sauté the cabbage, carrots, and chives for 4-5 minutes until tender.
- Add the noodles, soy sauce, sesame oil, and salt. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Drain any excess liquid from the mixture and let it cool completely.
Shaping the Wrappers:
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12-16 equal pieces, depending on your preferred bun size.
- Roll each piece into a ball.
- Flatten each ball with your palm, then roll it out into a thin circle about 3-4 inches in diameter. Use flour to prevent sticking.
- Place the rolled wrappers on a tray, spaced apart or stacked with a dusting of flour between layers. Cover with a dry towel to prevent drying out.
Assembling the Buns:
- Take a wrapper and place 2-3 tbsp of filling in the center.
- Gather the edges of the wrapper, pleating as you go, and twist the top to seal.
- Lightly press down the bun’s top to flatten slightly. Cover the buns with a towel while assembling the rest.
Cooking the Buns:
- Heat a pan with a lid over medium heat and add 1 tbsp oil per batch of 4 buns.
- Place the buns, seam-side down, in the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown.
- Flip the buns and cook the other side until browned.
- Carefully add 1 tbsp water per bun into the pan and immediately cover to trap the steam. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the water evaporates.
- Remove the buns and repeat with the remaining batches.
Notes
- Perfect Wrappers: If your dough is sticky, sprinkle a little flour to make it manageable. Don’t worry about perfect circles; the dough stretches easily while wrapping.
- Flavor Adjustments: Feel free to add garlic, ginger, or your favorite spices to the filling for an extra flavor punch.
- Vegan Noodles: Ensure the vermicelli noodles you choose are vegan-friendly, as some may contain eggs.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes