There’s nothing quite like the satisfying pop of a fluffy bun, giving way to a luscious, molten center. The first bite of these Steamed Egg Custard Buns, or Liu Sha Bao, transports me to dim sum mornings filled with laughter and clinking tea cups. With a delightful contrast of textures, these soft, pillowy delights are filled with a creamy custard made from rich salted egg yolks, embodying a perfect blend of sweet and savory that will tantalize your taste buds.
I often find myself craving these buns after a long week, and making them at home has become my go-to remedy—a culinary adventure that’s surprisingly simple! Not only do they impress in flavor, but they also present beautifully, making them an enticing addition to any gathering or a delightful treat for a quiet evening at home. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s embark on this delicious journey of creating authentic Liu Sha Bao that promises to bring smiles to everyone at your table!
Why Love Steamed Egg Custard Buns?
Irresistible Flavors: The unique blend of sweet and savory creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist.
Delightful Texture: Soft, fluffy buns contrast beautifully with a gooey, molten custard center.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can master this dish quickly.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for dim sum parties or family dinners, these buns are sure to impress guests of all ages.
Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare the custard and dough in advance, making serving a breeze. For additional inspiration on those upcoming gatherings, check out my tips on how to enhance your dim sum experience!
Steamed Egg Custard Buns Ingredients
• A delicious account of how to create this culinary masterpiece awaits you!
For the Dough
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; substitute with cake flour for even softer buns.
- Yeast – Leavens the dough; make sure it’s fresh to ensure perfect rise.
- Water – Hydrates the dough; use lukewarm water for optimal yeast activation.
For the Custard Filling
- Salted Egg Yolks – Essential for the rich, savory custard; regular yolks create a sweeter filling.
- Butter – Adds richness and moisture; margarine can be used as a substitute.
- Milk Powder – Enhances the custard’s creaminess; evaporated or whole milk can be alternatives.
- Sugar – Sweetness balances the savory; adjust based on your palate’s preference.
Get ready to indulge in the making of Steamed Egg Custard Buns—a delightful project that is sure to elevate your home cooking!
How to Make Steamed Egg Custard Buns
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Prepare the Custard Filling: Start by mixing the salted egg yolks, butter, milk powder, and sugar until you have a smooth and creamy consistency. Refrigerate this mixture for about 30 minutes until it firms up nicely.
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Make the Dough: In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour, yeast, and lukewarm water. Knead the mixture until you achieve a smooth and elastic dough, then cover and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, approximately 1 hour.
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Shape the Buns: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide it into equal portions, roll each into a circle, and place a spoonful of the custard filling in the center. Carefully pinch the edges to seal the bun securely.
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Steam the Buns: Arrange the shaped buns in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. Steam over boiling water for 10-12 minutes, until they are fluffy and cooked through.
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Rest and Serve: Once steamed, allow the buns to rest uncovered for about 5 minutes. This helps them set slightly before serving, ensuring a delightful experience with a molten center.
Optional: For a fun twist, try adding a dash of food coloring to the custard for a festive look!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Steamed Egg Custard Buns Variations
Feel free to get creative with these delicious buns and tailor them to your taste!
- Sweet Filling: Swap salted egg yolks for sweetened red bean paste or lotus seed paste to make a delightful dessert bun.
- Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract into the custard mixture for a subtle yet delicious sweet note.
- Spicy Twist: Stir in a pinch of chili flakes to the custard filling for a surprising kick that complements the sweetness.
- Colorful Presentation: Mix in yellow or orange food coloring for a festive look that brightens up your dim sum spread.
- Nutty Texture: Fold in finely chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds into the custard for a delightful crunch.
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate a touch of fresh herbs like cilantro or green onion into the filling for an unexpected savory twist.
- Dairy-Free: Replace milk powder with a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk powder for a tropical flavor.
- Mini Buns: Use smaller dough portions to create bite-sized buns perfect for parties and gatherings.
Get inspired and let these variations take your Steamed Egg Custard Buns to new heights!
What to Serve with Steamed Egg Custard Buns?
Looking to complement the luscious flavors of these delightful buns? Here are some perfect pairings to elevate your dining experience!
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Jasmine Tea: This fragrant tea complements the sweet and savory notes of the buns, offering a soothing palate cleanser between bites.
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Dipping Sauce: A simple blend of soy sauce, chili oil, and vinegar adds a touch of umami that heightens the flavor of each bun.
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Stir-Fried Greens: Lightly seasoned garlic sautéed bok choy or spinach brings freshness and a crisp contrast to the soft texture of the buns.
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Sesame Balls: Lightly sweet with a crunchy exterior, these traditional Chinese treats add a delicious textural contrast to your dim sum spread.
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Mango Pudding: The creamy sweetness of mango pudding rounds out the meal beautifully, creating a balance with the savory custard inside the buns.
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Fresh Fruit Platter: A colorful selection of fruits like lychee, oranges, and strawberries offers a refreshing finish, enhancing the overall flavor journey.
Each of these servings draws out the comforting essence of Steamed Egg Custard Buns, turning a simple meal into a cherished dining experience!
How to Store and Freeze Steamed Egg Custard Buns
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Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy your buns within the day, keep them covered at room temperature for up to 4 hours to maintain their softness.
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Fridge: Store leftover steamed egg custard buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a steamer or microwave for a delightful warm treat.
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Freezer: For longer storage, place the buns in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept for up to 2 months.
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Reheating: To enjoy frozen buns, simply steam them for 10-15 minutes until heated through. They will retain their fluffy texture, ready for a delicious bite!
Expert Tips for Steamed Egg Custard Buns
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Fresh Yeast: Always check the freshness of your yeast. Using expired yeast can lead to dense, flat buns instead of the light, fluffy texture we desire.
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Perfect Dough Thickness: Roll the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Too thin, and you’ll risk custard leakage while steaming; too thick, and they won’t cook through properly.
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Controlled Steaming: Avoid opening the steamer lid during the cooking process. Sudden temperature changes can cause the buns to collapse and lose their structure.
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Chill the Custard: Let the custard filling cool and set completely in the fridge before wrapping. This ensures it holds together well when the buns are steamed.
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Experiment with Fillings: While traditional Steamed Egg Custard Buns are delicious as is, don’t hesitate to get creative—with a sweet filling, or even flavored custards!
Make Ahead Options
These Steamed Egg Custard Buns are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the custard filling up to 3 days in advance without losing its delightful creaminess—simply mix the salted egg yolks, butter, milk powder, and sugar, then refrigerate until firm. The dough can also be made up to 24 hours ahead; just let it rise, punch it down, and shape the buns before storing them in an airtight container. For the best quality, steam the buns fresh just before serving, allowing them a brief 5-minute rest after steaming to set the molten custard. This way, you’ll enjoy the same delicious flavors with minimal effort!
Steamed Egg Custard Buns Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best salted egg yolks?
Absolutely! Look for salted egg yolks that are bright orange with a firm texture. When purchasing, check for any dark spots or cracks on the shells, as this can indicate spoilage. Fresh salted egg yolks will provide the rich flavor necessary for the custard filling.
What’s the best way to store leftover buns?
Very! Store any leftover steamed egg custard buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, place them in the fridge and they’ll be ready for a delightful warm treat once reheated in a steamer or microwave.
Can I freeze steamed egg custard buns?
Absolutely! To freeze your buns, first arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until they are solid. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, where they can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply steam the frozen buns for 10-15 minutes until heated thoroughly.
What if my dough doesn’t rise properly?
Very commonly, trouble with rising can occur due to expired yeast or incorrect water temperature. Make sure your yeast is fresh, and that you’re using lukewarm water (around 100°F or 38°C) to activate it—too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold won’t activate it effectively. If your dough hasn’t risen after an hour, you might want to try again with a fresh batch.
Can I make the custard filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! I often prepare the custard filling one or two days in advance. Simply mix together the salted egg yolks, butter, milk powder, and sugar, and refrigerate it until firm. This makes assembling the buns much quicker and easier when you’re ready to steam them.
Are these buns safe for pets or those with allergies?
Very important! Steamed egg custard buns contain salted egg yolks and dairy, which may not be suitable for pets, especially dogs. They can also pose allergy risks for those sensitive to eggs or dairy. Always check for specific dietary restrictions and feel free to modify the ingredients to suit your needs!
Steamed Egg Custard Buns: A Sweet & Savory Delight at Home
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Custard Filling: Mix the salted egg yolks, butter, milk powder, and sugar until smooth. Refrigerate for 30 minutes until firm.
- Make the Dough: Combine all-purpose flour, yeast, and lukewarm water. Knead until smooth and elastic, then let rise for 1 hour.
- Shape the Buns: Punch down the dough, divide into portions, roll into circles, add a spoonful of custard in the center, and seal.
- Steam the Buns: Arrange in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper and steam over boiling water for 10-12 minutes.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the buns to rest uncovered for 5 minutes before serving.