Steamed Custard Buns (Nai Huang Bao-inspired)

Ingredients

Check you have the quantities below.

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup custard powder or cornstarch
• 2 egg yolks
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 tsp salt

Let’s make it

1. Mix flour, yeast, and sugar. Add warm water and knead into a smooth dough, 8 minutes. Cover and let rise 45 minutes.
2. For the filling, whisk milk, custard powder, egg yolks, butter, and salt in a small pan over low heat until thickened; cool completely.
3. Divide dough into 12 pieces. Flatten each, add filling, pinch closed, and place on parchment squares.
4. Steam over medium-high heat for 12 minutes. Turn off heat and rest 3 minutes before opening the lid.
5. Serve warm.