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Soft & Fluffy Pan-Fried Bread Like Steamed Buns

Looking for a soft pan-fried bread that isn’t dry or dense? This milk and egg bread stays fluffy like steamed buns, even though it’s cooked in a pan. Easy, beginner-friendly, and no oven required.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine Chinese
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Fermentation Time 45 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 576kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs approx. 100 g
  • 220 g whole milk
  • 5 g high-activity instant yeast
  • 500 g all-purpose flour
  • 20 g corn oil
  • 10 g condensed milk or 5 g granulated sugar/honey, optional
  • Extra flour for dusting

Instructions

Make the Dough

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, milk, and condensed milk (or sugar, if using). Whisk until smooth.
  • Sprinkle the yeast over the liquid and whisk again to disperse. Add all of the all-purpose flour. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until a shaggy, floury dough forms. Pour in the corn oil.

Knead the Dough

  • At this stage, the dough will be very sticky and shaggy. This is normal due to the high hydration. I highly recommend using disposable food-safe gloves to handle it. Knead the dough right in the bowl or on a clean counter until it comes together into a cohesive, but still tacky, mass.
  • Continue kneading for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes much smoother and less sticky. If it's unmanageable, you can dust the surface with a tiny pinch of flour, but try to avoid adding too much. There is no need for a first bulk rise.

Shape and Proof

  • Once the dough is smooth, roll it into a long log and divide it into equal portions, about 50 g each.
  • Roll each portion into a smooth ball.
  • Take one dough ball and roll it into a round disc slightly thicker than a coin, about 0.6 cm thick. Make sure the thickness is even. Too thin and the bread will become overly crisp; too thick and it may not cook through properly.
  • Place the shaped discs on a lightly floured surface, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let them proof until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
  • Once proofed, the dough should feel light and spring back quickly when gently pressed.

Pan-Fry the Bread

  • Heat a pan or electric griddle over medium-low heat. No oil is needed.
  • Place the proofed dough into the pan, leaving space between each piece. Cover with a lid and cook for 3–4 minutes until the bottom sets and the bread begins to puff up.
  • Flip the bread, cover again, and cook for another 3 minutes. Continue flipping 2–3 more times, covering the pan each time, until both sides are evenly golden.
  • The bread is done when it springs back quickly when pressed and feels light. Remove from the pan and serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 576kcal | Carbohydrates: 100g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 89mg | Sodium: 58mg | Potassium: 268mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 215IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 106mg | Iron: 6mg