To prepare a delicious recipe for Japanese buns, we will start by activating the yeast, an essential step for obtaining a fluffy and aromatic dough. In a bowl, we mix the yeast with sugar using a spatula or a wooden spoon until the yeast becomes liquefied. This is a crucial step because the sugar helps to feed the yeast, stimulating fermentation. We add 3-4 tablespoons of warm milk, which will facilitate the activation of the yeast, and 2 tablespoons of flour. We homogenize the mixture, ensuring there are no lumps, and leave the bowl in a warm place, away from drafts, until the dough doubles in volume and forms bubbles on the surface.
Meanwhile, we start to deal with the dry ingredients. We mix the flour with salt and sift it twice into a taller bowl to aerate it and remove impurities. We make a well in the middle of the flour mixture and add the activated yeast as well as the remaining milk. We start kneading with our hands, gradually incorporating the flour from around until the dough becomes homogeneous. Then, we add the melted butter and continue kneading until we obtain a smooth and non-sticky dough that easily pulls away from the walls of the bowl.
After we finish kneading, we grease the bottom of the bowl with a little oil and place the dough inside. We cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise until it doubles in volume. In the meantime, we can prepare for the next step: greasing the work surface with a little oil to facilitate the handling of the dough.
When the dough has risen, we turn it out onto the work surface and divide it into equal pieces, each slightly larger than an egg. We shape each piece into a long roll about 35-40 cm. We fold the roll of dough in half and then twist the ends together to form a loop. This technique will give the buns their distinctive appearance and airy texture. We bring the formed loop to the opposite side, placing it above the twisting point. We take the two free ends and pass them through the loop from underneath to complete the shape.
We prepare a tray with parchment paper and place the shaped buns inside, leaving space between them to rise. We let them rise for about 30 more minutes, during which we will preheat the oven. We mix the egg yolk with a little milk and brush this mixture on top of the buns, then sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or other preferred seeds for added flavor.
We finish by placing the tray in the oven and baking the buns until they are beautifully browned, creating a golden and appetizing crust. Once they are ready, we take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly before enjoying them with a cup of tea or coffee. This recipe is not only a delight for the taste buds but also a wonderful cooking activity to share with loved ones.
Meanwhile, we start to deal with the dry ingredients. We mix the flour with salt and sift it twice into a taller bowl to aerate it and remove impurities. We make a well in the middle of the flour mixture and add the activated yeast as well as the remaining milk. We start kneading with our hands, gradually incorporating the flour from around until the dough becomes homogeneous. Then, we add the melted butter and continue kneading until we obtain a smooth and non-sticky dough that easily pulls away from the walls of the bowl.
After we finish kneading, we grease the bottom of the bowl with a little oil and place the dough inside. We cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise until it doubles in volume. In the meantime, we can prepare for the next step: greasing the work surface with a little oil to facilitate the handling of the dough.
When the dough has risen, we turn it out onto the work surface and divide it into equal pieces, each slightly larger than an egg. We shape each piece into a long roll about 35-40 cm. We fold the roll of dough in half and then twist the ends together to form a loop. This technique will give the buns their distinctive appearance and airy texture. We bring the formed loop to the opposite side, placing it above the twisting point. We take the two free ends and pass them through the loop from underneath to complete the shape.
We prepare a tray with parchment paper and place the shaped buns inside, leaving space between them to rise. We let them rise for about 30 more minutes, during which we will preheat the oven. We mix the egg yolk with a little milk and brush this mixture on top of the buns, then sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or other preferred seeds for added flavor.
We finish by placing the tray in the oven and baking the buns until they are beautifully browned, creating a golden and appetizing crust. Once they are ready, we take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly before enjoying them with a cup of tea or coffee. This recipe is not only a delight for the taste buds but also a wonderful cooking activity to share with loved ones.
Ingredients
Dough: 500 gr flour 300 ml milk 50 gr melted butter 25 gr yeast 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon sugar Finishing: 1 egg yolk 3 tablespoons milk poppy, sesame