Friday, February 24, 2012

Pizza Buns




Few years ago when I was talking to a lady who had travelled to Hong Kong, she told me that Hong Kong's bread tasted sweeter than the Australian.  To those who are used to the western style bread may not used to the sweeter taste of the bread from Asia.  There are many more Asian bakeries in Brisbane these day selling Hong Kong, Taiwanese or Japanese style bread and it is becoming very popular among the Australian as each bun sell only $2-3 dollars. They have so many varieties and flavours.  We'll grab a few of our favourite choice every time when we go down to Brisbane.  These pizza buns are made by the tandzhong method (湯種法) that produce soft bread like the one selling at the Asian bakery.  It doesn't turn hard or dry the next day.  Once you've learnt this method, you can create different variety of Asian bread.  My kids like this pizza bun the most to pack for lunch at school.     
   
Pizza Buns
(make 10-12)

Tangzhong: (湯種)
50g  25gbread flour
250ml  125g (1/2 water and 1/2 milk)

Ingredients of bread:
125ml milk
1 egg
30g butter, cut up
55g caster sugar
5g salt
370g bread flour
5g instant yeast

For the topping:
tomato paste
1/4 cup onion, cut into small pieces
can of pineapple pieces
chorizo or salami, cut into slices
short cut bacon or ham, cut into small pieces
shredded cheese
egg, beaten (for glazing)

Method:
  1. Mix water and milk mixture with the flour to make the tangzhong in a small saucepan.  Cook over low heat and stir until it is thickened.  When you see some "lines" appear in the mixture with the stir, it is ready. Remove the pan from the heat and let cool.  
  2. Transfer the tangzhang into a small bowl, cover and fridge for 3-4 hours.
  3. When ready to use the tangzhang, leave it room temperature beforehand.
  4. Put the milk, egg and tangzhang into the bread machine, followed by the rest of the dry ingredients  and add the yeast last.  Press the "dough" button.
  5. When the dough is done, place the dough into a floured workbench.  Knead with extra flour to form a smooth dough.  Divide into 5-6 portion onto two paper-lined tray.  Rest the dough at a warm place (a warm oven) for 15 minutes.
  6. Divide each portion into two, roll flat into long shape.  Roll the two sides toward the middle and tuck both ends inward.  Turn over and place onto the baking tray.  Repeat for the rest of the dough.  Make 10-12 buns.  Rest in a warm place for a further 40 minutes.
  7. Spread each buns with tomato paste, topped with onion, bacon, chorizo, pineapple and cheese.  Brush the side with egg.  Bake for 20 minutes at 180c.
Source: adopted and modified from Christine's Recipes
Note: At Christine's Recipes, she uses only 1/2 of the tangzhong for each loaf of bread (or each bread recipe).  I use all so the dough is a bit sticky but it still works.  I have to remember putting 1/2 of the tangzhong next time to see if it works better that way.






8 comments:

  1. Sweet bread or not, my children would grab these and gobble them up!

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  2. This looks awesome!! Loved the droolworthy pictures. Bookmarked!
    http://cosmopolitancurrymania.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Awesome recipe dear. Bookmarked

      Aarthi
      http://www.yummytummyaarthi.com/

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  3. That's a clever and delicious idea! Soft sweet bread with savoury topping....who could ever resist the combination! I sure can't.

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  4. my son and husband THANK YOU! They sound and look incredible

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  5. What a great school lunch box idea! My son will be going to school in 2 years time and I'm starting to collect ideas from all mummy bloggers for all these packed lunch idea. This is definitely a keeper and a winner.

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  6. They look so good and tasty! Such different mini pizzas! Thanks for sharing,Veronica! XO

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  7. This looks like such an easy and delicious snack!

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