Jul 30 2026
RestaurantsDough for Dough Cake & BakeryBaked Beef Bun Recipe

Baked Beef Bun Recipe

Time2h 30m
Serves12

Make Baked Beef Bun Recipe in just 2h 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Dough

Method

Dough

  1. 1

    Warm the milk and melt butter

    Warm the milk until lukewarm (about 100–110°F / 38–43°C). Melt the butter and add it to the warm milk; allow to cool slightly if too hot.

  2. 2

    Mix dry ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast and salt. Whisk briefly to distribute evenly, keeping salt away from direct contact with yeast if possible.

  3. 3

    Combine wet and dry

    Make a well in the dry ingredients and add the warm milk-butter mixture, the egg, and the vegetable oil. Stir with a wooden spoon or use the dough hook on low speed until shaggy dough forms.

  4. 4

    Knead

    Knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with dough hook on medium speed for 6–8 minutes. Dough should be soft, slightly tacky but not sticky. Add up to 1–2 tbs flour if overly sticky.

  5. 5

    First rise

    Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough inside, turn to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and proof in a warm draft-free place until doubled in size, about 60–75 minutes.

  6. 6

    Divide and rest

    Punch down the risen dough to release air. Turn out onto a work surface, divide into 12 equal pieces (about 70–80 g each). Shape each piece into a round, cover with a towel and let rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten before filling.

Beef Filling

  1. 7

    Prepare cornstarch slurry

    Whisk the cornstarch with the cold water until fully dissolved; set aside.

  2. 8

    Cook aromatics

    Heat 1 tbs vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

  3. 9

    Brown beef and vegetables

    Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Add the grated carrot and peas and cook 2–3 minutes until vegetables are heated through.

  4. 10

    Season and thicken

    Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, black pepper and salt. Taste and adjust seasoning. Pour in the cornstarch slurry, stir and cook 1 minute until mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let the filling cool to room temperature (important so dough doesn’t become soggy).

Assemble & Bake

  1. 11

    Preheat oven

    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.

  2. 12

    Fill buns

    Working with one dough round at a time, flatten into a 4–5 inch (10–12 cm) circle with your fingers or a rolling pin, leaving the center slightly thicker. Place about 2 tablespoons of the cooled beef filling in the center of each circle. Gather the edges up and pinch to seal at the top, shaping into a smooth bun. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 1–2 inches apart. Repeat for all buns.

  3. 13

    Second rise

    Cover shaped buns loosely with lightly greased plastic wrap or a clean towel and let rise until puffy, about 20–30 minutes. They don't need to double, just become slightly airy.

  4. 14

    Egg wash and seeds

    Beat the egg with 1 tsp milk to make an egg wash. Brush the tops of the buns lightly with the egg wash. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds on top.

  5. 15

    Bake

    Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped. Rotate the pans halfway through baking for even color.

  6. 16

    Cool

    Remove baked buns to a wire rack and cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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