Soft Fried Buns

Soft, golden-brown fried buns can make your kitchen smell like a warm embrace. This recipe, taking about 2 to 2.5 hours in total, delivers soft fried buns that are delightfully airy on the inside and crispy on the outside. The secret lies in the perfect yeast activation and the gentle kneading process that creates that irresistible texture.

This recipe is perfect for home bakers of all levels, especially those seeking a fun weekend project or a unique treat to share with friends and family. You can make these buns ahead of time; simply store them in an airtight container after frying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The dough becomes soft and pliable, ensuring easy shaping and frying.
• You can customize the filling to your preference, making each bun unique.
• With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a delicious treat.
• They fry up quickly, resulting in a buttery, crispy exterior.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to create your soft fried buns.

For the Dough

• 150 ml milk, lukewarm
• 70 ml water, lukewarm
• 7 g instant yeast
• 12 g honey
• 400 g all-purpose flour
• 7 g salt
• 30 g unsalted butter, room temperature

Use whole milk for a richer taste.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Instant yeast can be replaced with active dry yeast.
• Honey can be substituted with sugar or agave syrup.
• All-purpose flour works well with bread flour for a chewier texture.

How to Make It

Start with these straightforward steps to make your buns.

1. Stir yeast mixture
   Mix the yeast into the lukewarm milk, water, and honey. Allow this mixture to rest until it becomes foamy, about 5–10 minutes.

2. Combine ingredients
   Add the flour, salt, and room temperature butter to the yeast mixture. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, which should take about 8–10 minutes.

3. Let rise
   Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.

4. Divide and shape
   Once the dough has risen, divide it into 10 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball, and fill with your desired filling if you like.

5. Rest dough
   Allow the shaped dough balls to rest for 30 to 40 minutes until they appear puffy.

6. Heat oil
   In a deep frying pan, heat oil to 175°C (350°F).

7. Fry buns
   Fry the dough balls in small batches until golden brown, which should take 3–4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and serve.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Yes, they freeze well for up to a month.
Reheat: Use a microwave for 20–30 seconds or re-fry until warm.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure the yeast is fresh for optimal rising.
• Don’t overcrowd the frying pan for even cooking.
• Adjust oil temperature before frying more buns to maintain crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve them plain for a delicious snack.
• Dust with powdered sugar for a sweet treat.
• Pair with savory fillings for a delightful appetizer.