Introduction

Hey there! I'm Ajay Chopra, and today I want to share with you one of my favorite recipes—Korean Masala Buns! I first discovered this recipe when I was experimenting with different cuisines, and let me tell you, it was love at first bite. The combination of soft, fluffy buns with a flavorful masala filling is simply irresistible. I knew right away that I had to share it with you all.

Now, these buns are not just your regular bread rolls. They are packed with spices, cheese, and some hidden surprise flavors that make them stand out. I remember making these for a family get-together, and everyone was so impressed! It became an instant hit, and I’ve been making them ever since. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion, be it a festive gathering or a cozy evening at home.

Portion Servings & Time

Portion servings: 6-7 pax

Preparation time: 2 hrs

Cooking time: 40 mins

Ingredients

For Buns Dough

• Refined flour - 1½ cups
• Salt - ½ tsp
• Sugar (castor) - 1 tbsp
• Butter - 2 tbsp
• Warm milk - ½ cup
• Instant yeast - 1 tsp
• Sugar - ½ tbsp
• Water as required

For Brushing

• Butter - 1 tbsp
• Chopped coriander - ½ tbsp

For Stuffing

• Chopped onion - 1 pc
• Chopped capsicum - 1 pc
• Oregano - ½ tbsp
• Chili flakes - ½ tbsp
• Chopped green chili - 1 tsp
• Salt - ½ tsp
• Grated mozzarella cheese - 1 cup

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Activate the yeast: Mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit until frothy.

Mix dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine refined flour, salt, and sugar.

Knead the dough: Add softened butter and the frothy yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Gradually add milk and knead into a soft dough. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing

Mix ingredients: Combine chopped onions, capsicum, oregano, chili flakes, green chili, salt, and grated mozzarella cheese in a bowl. Mix well.

Step 3: Shape the Buns

Divide the dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide it into equal portions and roll into small balls.

Stuff and seal: Flatten each ball, add a spoonful of stuffing in the center, and carefully seal the edges. Roll it back into a smooth ball.

Step 4: Arrange the Buns

Create the tree shape: Arrange the stuffed buns on a greased or parchment-lined baking tray in the shape of a Christmas tree. Leave some space between the buns for expansion.

Step 5: Proof the Buns

Final proofing: Cover the arranged buns with a damp cloth and let them proof again until they double in size.

Step 6: Milk Wash, Butter Glaze, and Bake

Milk wash: Brush the proofed buns with milk for a golden shine after baking.

Prepare butter glaze: Melt butter and mix with chopped coriander.

Bake the buns: Preheat the oven to the desired temperature and bake the buns until golden brown.

Glaze and serve: Brush the hot buns with butter-coriander glaze. Serve warm and enjoy!

About the Recipe

Korean Masala Buns are a unique twist on traditional buns. They are soft, cheesy, and filled with a spicy masala mixture that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. The process starts with making a dough that is left to rest and rise. The dough is different from regular bread dough because it’s softer and requires a bit of extra care while kneading. The key to these buns is creating a dough that is smooth and soft, which is why we use warm milk and yeast to make sure it rises perfectly.

Once the dough is ready, it’s time to prepare the stuffing. The stuffing is a delightful blend of chopped onions, bell peppers, green chilies, and mozzarella cheese. The cheese adds a stretchy, gooey texture to the buns that makes each bite even more satisfying. Mixing the ingredients gently ensures that the cheese doesn’t become too soft and retains its melt-in-your-mouth quality when the buns are baked.

After the dough has risen and the stuffing is ready, we form small balls and stuff them with the masala mixture. The most fun part is shaping the buns into a Christmas tree design. This gives them a festive and fun look, making them perfect for holiday gatherings. The dough balls are placed in a tray, proofed again for a while, and then baked to perfection.

Cooking Tips

• Resting the Dough: Make sure to let the dough rest for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour. This step is crucial for the dough to rise and become soft and fluffy.
• Use Warm Milk: The milk should be warm, not hot or cold, to activate the yeast properly. This ensures that your buns rise well and become light.
• Kneading the Dough: Knead the dough thoroughly. The more you knead, the better the gluten will activate, resulting in a soft, stretchy texture.
• Use Fresh Mozzarella: Always grate fresh mozzarella just before mixing it into the stuffing. Pre-grated cheese tends to get clumpy and doesn’t melt as well.
• Double Proofing: Don’t skip the second proofing! Once the buns are shaped, let them rest again for another 30 minutes to ensure they become soft and fluffy when baked.

Pairing Guide

These Korean Masala Buns are a perfect treat on their own, but they can be paired with a variety of accompaniments for a complete meal. A warm cup of chai or a chilled glass of lemonade complements the flavors of the buns wonderfully. You can also serve them with a side of fresh salad or a simple dipping sauce like tomato ketchup or a spicy chutney.

If you’re hosting a party or a get-together, these buns make an excellent addition to your menu. Pair them with a light soup or a side of fried rice for a complete meal that your guests will love!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I make sure the dough rises properly?

To ensure the dough rises perfectly, use warm milk and active dry yeast. Let the dough rest for at least 45 minutes to an hour in a warm place. This will help it rise and become soft and fluffy.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?

While mozzarella is ideal for its stretchiness, you can use other cheeses like cheddar or a blend of cheeses. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.

3. Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance, let it rise, and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before shaping it.

4. How do I prevent the buns from becoming too soggy?

Make sure to knead the dough well and use a fresh, not-too-wet stuffing. Also, let the buns rest for a second time before baking to allow them to rise properly and maintain their texture.

5. Can I make these buns without yeast?

Yeast is essential for achieving the soft, fluffy texture of the buns. However, if you're out of yeast, you can use baking powder as a substitute, but the texture will be different.

6. Can I freeze these buns?

Yes, you can freeze the buns either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, make sure to let them rise once more after thawing, and then bake as usual.

7. How long do these buns stay fresh?

These buns stay fresh for about 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze them.

8. Can I make the stuffing in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffing in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure to let it cool completely before using it to stuff the buns.

9. Can I make the buns without the Christmas tree shape?

Absolutely! You can shape the buns into regular round or oval shapes. The Christmas tree shape is just a fun, festive touch.

10. How do I know when the buns are baked perfectly?

When the buns are golden brown on top and the aroma fills the air, they are ready. You can also tap on the bottom of the buns – if they sound hollow, they’re done!