Steamed Scallion Rolls（葱油花卷/HUA JUAN）

Steamed Scallion Rolls (HUA JUAN) are a common type of pastry in China. They are made from a soft, light, and fluffy dough layered with scallions, rolled into a unique shape resembling a flower, hence their name. People often enjoy them for breakfast.

Making Steamed Scallion Rolls (HUA JUAN) is relatively simple and doesn't require complicated ingredients. I'll guide you through the process with a recipe passed down from my grandmother, which is sure to delight you. Before we begin, I'll share some information about Steamed Scallion Rolls to help you create the perfect rolls.

1. About Steamed Scallion Rolls (HUA JUAN)

Legend has it that Steamed Scallion Rolls were invented by Zhuge Liang, the Prime Minister of the Shu Kingdom during the Three Kingdoms period. Zhuge Liang originally created stuffed buns, which contained beef or lamb fillings and involved a complex and costly process. Over time, people simplified the recipe by omitting the filling, which led to the creation of mantou (plain steamed buns). Buns with fillings became known as baozi, and those with many folds resembling a blooming flower were named "Steamed Scallion Rolls (HUA JUAN)."

Steamed Scallion Rolls are similar to baozi and mantou and are considered an ancient Chinese pastry. They are a classic homemade staple in China and come in various flavors, including salt and pepper, sesame paste, and scallion oil.

2.Ingredients and Substitutes

To make Steamed Scallion Rolls (HUA JUAN), you will need the following ingredients (see the recipe card below for complete quantities):

All-purpose flour

Instant yeast

Salt

Warm water

Scallions (or you can substitute with green onions)

Vegetable oil

Milk

You will also need a steamer; an electric steamer works just as well if you have one at home.

3.Tips for Kneading the Dough

How to Knead the Dough:

1. Press and Stretch:Use the heel of your hand to press the dough down and away from you, stretching it.

2. Fold and Press:Fold the dough towards you, then press it down again. 

3. Repeat:Continue this motion, pressing the dough down and away, then folding it back towards you. This helps develop the gluten in the dough, making the rolls fluffy.

How to Test if the Dough is Kneaded Enough:

Smooth and Shape-Holding:Properly kneaded dough will be smooth and hold its shape.

How to Proof the Dough:

Smooth Dough: Knead the dough until smooth, then place it in a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap.

Warm Environment:Let the dough rise at room temperature (preferably in a warm place) for about 30 minutes, until it has doubled in size.

4.How to Make Steamed Scallion Rolls (HUA JUAN)

Roll Out the Dough:

1. Shape the Dough:Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a rectangle about 12x9 inches.

2. Add Filling: Use a silicone brush to evenly spread the scallion mixture over the dough.

Fold the Dough:

1. First Fold: Starting from the long side of the rectangle, fold the dough to the ⅔ mark.

2. Second Fold:Take the other long side and fold it over to form a three-layer rectangle about 12x3 inches.

Cut into Strips:

1. Slice the Dough:Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the rectangle crosswise into 12 even strips (about 1 inch wide). Ensure all layers are cut through.

Stack and Stretch:

1. Pair the Strips:Take two strips at a time and stack them together.

2. Make an Indentation:Use chopsticks or a straw to press down along the middle lengthwise to create an indentation. Gently stretch the ends slightly.

Pinch and Twist:

1. Hang on Chopsticks:Hook one end of the strip pair on a chopstick (the side without the indentation) and pinch the ends together.

2.Twist:Use your other hand to rotate the chopstick 360 degrees to twist the strips into a roll shape.

5.How to Steam Steamed Scallion Rolls (HUA JUAN)

1. Prepare the Steamer:

Add water to your steamer pot and place a suitable steamer basket inside.

Lightly oil the steamer basket and line it with parchment paper to prevent the rolls from sticking during steaming.

2. Arrange the Rolls:

Place the Steamed Scallion Rolls in the lined steamer basket, leaving enough space between them to expand.

Cover the rolls and let them proof for 25 to 30 minutes until they have risen.

3. Steam the Rolls:

Turn the heat to medium and bring the water to a boil.

Once boiling, place the lid on the steamer and steam the rolls for 15 minutes.

After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rolls sit in the steamer for an additional 5 minutes.

4. Finish and Serve:

Carefully uncover the steamer or remove the rolls from the steamer basket.

Serve the Steamed Scallion Rolls warm and enjoy!

Now that we've covered the important details about making Steamed Scallion Rolls, you're ready to try making these delicious rolls yourself. Follow the steps below and enjoy the process!