Everything Bagel Crusted Scallion Buns (Hua Juan | 花卷)

Name: Everything Bagel Crusted Scallion Buns
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: chinese
Ingredients: 200g low-gluten flour* (bao flour or 180g all purpose flour + 20g wheat starch); 1 tsp instant yeast (3g); 1 tsp baking powder (3g); 2 tsp cane sugar (11g); ¼ tsp salt; 120-125ml soy milk (or 100-110ml water)**; ¼ tsp Chinese five spice powder; ½ tsp salt; 1-2 scallions, finely chopped; ½ tbsp sesame oil for brushing; 3 tbsp everything bagel seasoning

April 2, 2021 By Lisa Kitahara 26 Comments

Jump to Recipe

Scallion flower rolls (Hua Juan) are a variety Chinese steamed buns layered with a scallions, sesame oil and Chinese five spice. Pan fried with everything bagel seasoning for a delicious fusion of East Asian and Western flavours! (Vegan)

What are flower rolls / Huā Juǎn?

Flower rolls (Huā Juǎn in Chinese) are just one of many types of Chinese steamed buns. Instead of being stuffed, they're layered with a flavourful sweet or savory filling! Black sesame seeds, sweet peanuts, scallions, sesame oil are just some of the different types flavours you might come across. These are often served for breakfast or a side dish to accompany main meals. They're soft, fluffy and can either be steamed or pan fried for a delicious crispy bottom.

Today, I'll be sharing a savory scallion version... with a everything bagel crusted bottom! Inspired by my Chinese background and where I was raised (Canada!), these delicious buns are a fusion of East Asian and Western flavours. One of my favourite breakfast treats growing up were everything bagels from Tim Hortons with chive cream cheese– and because chives are quite similar in flavour this combination came out so incredibly delicious! I'm super excited to share these buns!! Let's get to it shall we?

How to make pan fried scallions buns

The Ingredients

Low gluten flour: I like to use a combination of all purpose flour and wheat starch. Sometimes I'll also use bao flour for convenience. Either option works perfect for this recipe.
Instant yeast + baking powder: the combination of the two makes these extra soft and fluffy.
Sugar: adds a touch of sweetness.
Soy Milk: helps with the softness of the buns.
Chinese five spice powder: this bend of spices give so much flavour to the buns, don't skip on it!
Scallions
Sesame Oil: for brushing the buns inside and on the bottom.
Everything Bagel Seasoning: store bought or homemade.
Salt: for extra flavour.

The directions

The dough: can be prepared with a stand mix or with with your hands and a bowl.

If using a stand mix: Add all dry ingredients to stand mix, keeping the salt on one side of the bowl and the yeast on the other. When salt comes into contact with yeast, it may destroy the yeast. Lock your stand mix and turn it onto speed #2. Steadily and slowly pour in 120ml of soy milk. Increase the speed to setting #4 and let it run for 8-10 minutes or until a smooth dough comes together that is elastic-y. Depending on the flour you use and the kitchen humidity, add 1-2 teaspoon of extra soy milk as needed.

If using a hand mix: Add all dry ingredients to bowl, with the salt on one side of the bowl and the yeast on the other. Whisk the dry ingredients and then pour in lesser amount of soy milk (120 ml). Use chopsticks to mix and then once the dough gets shaggy, knead with your hands for 10-12 minutes or until a smooth elastic-y dough comes together. Depending on the flour you use and the kitchen humidity, add 1-2 teaspoon of extra soy milk as needed. Place it into a bowl and cover with a damp kitchen cloth for 10 minutes (this relaxes the dough).

Place it into a bowl and cover with a damp kitchen cloth for 10 minutes (this relaxes the dough). In the meantime, chop your scallions.

Assembling

Roll the dough into a rectangle (about ¼ inch in thickness and 8.5x10.5 in size) Brush with sesame oil, sprinkle with Chinese five spice, salt and scallions.
Fold one side ⅓ towards the middle. Then fold the other side ⅓ towards the middle, pressing tightly. Cut the long rectangle into 6 pieces (about 58g each). Cover the dough with a damp kitchen cloth and work one piece at a time. Cut 4-6 slits per piece of dough, pinch the end and then twist. Then bring the cut end toward the middle to form a round shape (like a bagel), tucking the cut side down.
Brush sesame oil on the bottom and generously dip it into everything bagel seasoning. Place in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper and proof for 45 minutes - 1 hour (or until 1.5 times larger in size / poke test).

Cooking

Method #1: Add 2 tablespoon of oil to a non-stick pan over medium heat. Place the buns in, leaving about 1 inch between each bun. Cook for until the bottom gets lightly browned (about 2-3 minutes). Then add 4-5 tablespoon of water (depending on the size of the pan), cover and cook until the water is almost gone. Remove the lid and let it cook for another minute or until water is completely gone and bottom is golden brown to your liking and crispy again.
Method #2: Line your pan with parchment paper and place buns on top. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until light golden brown. Add 4-5 tablespoon of water UNDER the parchment paper, over and cook until the water is almost gone. Remove the lid and let it cook for another minute.

How to Store & Reheat

These are best served fresh out of the pan but they also freeze very well! Since this recipe makes 6 buns (perfect for 2-3 people), there shouldn't be any left overs but if there are, I highly recommend freezing them once they have cooled to store to maintain their soft texture. Double the recipe to make 12 if you'd like to have some on hand! They'll stay good for up to 1 month.

To reheat, steam for 8 minutes or until warmed again. If in a rush, wrap with damp paper towel and microwave for 1 minute. No need to defrost beforehand!

Serving

These scallion buns are perfect for any time of the day, really. I like to have them for breakfast with fresh soy milk, a snack with some tea and a little bit of misozuke, or as a side dish with a meal with something like rice porridges and congee.

Recipe notes + takeaways

Using soy milk OR water: Because they both get absorbed differently, the amount will vary (also depending on the humidity of your room). You can also use a combination of soy milk and water of 80ml soy milk + 45ml water.
Prevent over-proofing the dough: To test, poke one of the buns. It should spring back slowly. If it springs back quickly, proof for longer. If it does not spring back at all, dough is over proofed.
Assembling: The method I shared is just one way to assemble the buns. You can also roll out each piece of cut dough into a oval shape, make slits, add the filling and then twist. Find which works better for you!
Homemade everything bagel seasoning recipe: 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds, 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 tablespoon minced onion, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, ½ tablespoon flaky sea salt.

More delicious buns to try:

If you recreate this Everything Bagel Crusted Scallions Buns recipe let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment and rating below or by tagging me on Instagram @Okonomikitchen, I love seeing all of your tasty recreations!
Hungry for more? Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Instagram, Youtube and Pinterest for more deliciousness!