Soft Dinner Buns: Mastering the Tangzhong Method: Homemade burger buns are way better than store-bought ones! They're soft and fluffy inside, with a crispy outside. They're perfect for any burger you want to make.
Burger buns with Tangzhong are a variation of the classic burger bun recipe, incorporating a Japanese bread-making technique called Tangzhong.
Tangzhong involves cooking a small portion of the dough to create a roux-like mixture, which is then added to the rest. This technique results in incredibly soft, fluffy burger buns with a longer shelf life.
These soft buns are the perfect match for any sandwich. Whether filling them with garlic-rosemary lamb, crunchy schnitzel, or juicy homemade burgers, they’ll hold everything together beautifully.
You can also toast them and use them as a base for spreads like grilled eggplant salad (salata de vinete), or even enjoy them dipped in a comforting, easy weeknight chicken in tomato sauce or a roasted vegetable soup. They’re versatile enough for any meal!
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These burger buns are a game-changer for your burgers. They'll take your summer BBQS to a new level and make them unforgettable. You'll love how tasty your burgers become with these buns!
What is Tangzhong?
Tangzhong is a mixture of flour, water or milk cooked together to form a paste. This paste is added to bread dough to improve its texture and moisture retention. When added to bread dough, Tangzhong helps to create softer, fluffier, and more tender bread.
It is commonly used in Asian bread-making recipes but has gained popularity worldwide for its ability to produce soft and moist bread.
Here are my tips for making my homemade hamburger bun recipe. Your guests at the next summer BBQ will be seriously impressed!
🥘 Ingredients
*See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
♻️ Substitutions
- Milk: Any dairy-free alternative, like almond, soy, or oat milk, can replace regular milk.
- Bread Flour: All-purpose flour can be used instead of bread flour, but the texture may differ slightly.
- Sugar: Honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup can be used instead of sugar for a different taste.
- Butter: Vegetable oil, coconut oil, or margarine can be used instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
- Poppy seeds: You can substitute poppy seeds with a bread mix of seeds, such as sesame, sunflower, flax, or chia seeds, or leave the buns plain for a softer top.
👩🍳 How To Make Soft Dinner Buns
Craving something delicious? Try making these soft burger buns! They’re quick, easy, and filled with wholesome ingredients. We’ll walk you through each step, from mixing the dough to mastering the Tangzhong method. Your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread!
Check out our handy guide with step-by-step photos to help you.
Step 1: Prepare the Tangzhong with water, milk, and flour in a small saucepan. This mixture pre-gelatinizes the starch, allowing the dough to absorb moisture better.
Step 2: Stir over medium heat until a smooth paste forms, then set aside to cool.
Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together lukewarm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until foamy. Stir in the egg and melted butter. Mix in bread flour, salt, and Tangzhong until combined. The dough will be shaggy, which is fine.
Step 4: Knead on a floured surface or using a stand mixer for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Grease a bowl, place the dough inside, cover, and let it proof for 60 minutes until doubled.
Step 5: After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 pieces, shaping each into a round ball. Place it on a baking tray lined with parchment, cover, and let it proof.
Step 6: Preheat the oven. Whisk an egg with a splash of milk for the wash. Brush the dough balls, sprinkle with seeds, and bake until golden.
Step 7: Brush the warm buns with melted butter for added shine and richness. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Step 8: They’re perfect on their own or as a base for baked beef burgers or quinoa and bean patties, pulled pork, breakfast sandwiches, soups, stews, or spreads.
*See the recipe card for detailed instructions.
💭 Expert Tips
- Tangzhong Technique: Follow the Tangzhong method carefully to achieve soft and moist burger buns. Cook the flour and water mixture until it forms a thick paste, then incorporate it into the dough for optimal texture.
- Resting Time: Allow the dough to rest and rise adequately before shaping and baking the buns. This resting period allows the gluten to relax and develop, resulting in lighter and fluffier buns.
- Baking Temperature: Bake the buns at the recommended temperature to ensure even cooking and a golden crust. Be mindful not to overbake them, which can result in dry buns.
❓ Soft Dinner Buns: Mastering the Tangzhong Method FAQs
The Tangzhong method involves mixing flour and water (or milk) to create a roux or paste. This technique enhances the dough's ability to retain moisture, resulting in softer, fluffier buns that stay fresh longer.
By pre-cooking a portion of the flour and liquid, the Tangzhong method allows the starches to gelatinise, enabling the dough to absorb more water. This leads to a less sticky dough that's easier to knead and shape, producing buns with a higher rise and softer crumb.
Yes, you can adapt your current recipes by incorporating a Tangzhong. Typically, 5-10% of the total flour weight is used to make the Tangzhong, and the corresponding amount of liquid is included. This adjustment can enhance the softness and shelf life of your bread.
The Tangzhong method primarily impacts the texture and moisture retention of the buns without significantly altering their flavour. However, some bakers find that it imparts a subtle sweetness and milky taste, especially when milk is used in the Tangzhong.
While Tangzhong is particularly beneficial for soft, enriched breads like milk bread, dinner rolls, and burger buns, it can be applied to various bread types to improve softness and moisture retention. However, it may not be suitable for breads intended to have a denser or crustier texture.
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Soft Burger Buns
Equipment
- 1 baking pan 29x39 cm or 12x16 inch
- 1 stand mixer with a dough hook optional
Ingredients
For the Tangzhong mixture
- 45 ml water 3 tablespoons
- 45 ml milk 3 tablespoons
- 18 gr flour 1.25 tablespoons
For the dough
- 350 g Bread Flour 2.5 cups
- 5 g Instant Yeast 1.25 teaspoons, 7g Active Dry Yeast (2.25 teaspoons), or 17g Fresh Yeast (0.6 ounces)
- 18 g Sugar 1.5 tablespoons
- 7 g Salt 1.25 teaspoons
- 35 g Soft or melted Unsalted Butter 2.5 tablespoons
- Tangzhong Mixture
- 140 g Lukewarm Milk ½ cup + 2 tablespoons
- 1 Large Egg
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds to sprinkle on top of the buns
For the egg wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Start by preparing the Tangzhong. In a small saucepan, combine water, milk, and flour. This mixture pre-gelatinizes the starch in the flour, helping the dough absorb moisture better. Stir continuously over medium heat until a smooth paste forms. Set aside to cool.45 ml water, 45 ml milk, 18 gr flour
- In a large bowl, whisk together the lukewarm milk, sugar, and yeast, letting the mixture sit for a few minutes until the yeast becomes foamy. Once the yeast has activated, stir in the egg and melted butter, ensuring everything is well combined. This forms the base for your dough, creating a rich and soft texture.5 g Instant Yeast, 18 g Sugar, 140 g Lukewarm Milk, 1 Large Egg, 35 g Soft or melted Unsalted Butter
- Next, mix in the bread flour, salt and the Tangzhong, stirring gently until everything starts to come together. You’ll notice the dough looks a bit messy and shaggy—that’s totally fine! Just make sure the flour is incorporated, and don’t worry about it being perfectly smooth right now. You’re setting the base for a soft dough.350 g Bread Flour, 7 g Salt, Tangzhong Mixture
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Grease a bowl and place the dough in it. Cover with cling film or a kitchen towel and let it proof for 60 minutes until doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 100g pieces, shaping each into a round ball, you should get 12 pieces. Place on a parchment-lined baking tray, leaving space between them. Cover and let proof for another 30 minutes until doubled.
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) or Gas mark 5. Whisk an egg with a splash of milk for an egg wash. Brush the risen dough balls with the wash, sprinkle with poppy seeds, or any seeds you prefer, and bake for approximately 25 minutes until golden brown.1 egg, 1 tablespoon milk, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- Brush the warm buns with melted butter for shine and flavor. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy as is or use for burgers, pulled pork, or breakfast sandwiches.
Video
Notes
- Ensure the Tangzhong mixture is smooth and lump-free before setting it aside to cool. This step is crucial for achieving the desired texture of the buns.
- When kneading the dough, aim for a smooth and elastic consistency. This will result in softer and more tender buns.
- During proofing, place the dough in a warm, draft-free area to help it rise properly. Covering the bowl with cling film or a kitchen towel will prevent the dough from drying out.
- When shaping the dough into balls, try to maintain uniform sizes to ensure even baking.
- Be mindful not to overbake the buns. They should be golden brown on the outside and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Brushing the warm buns with melted butter after baking adds a lovely shine and enhances their flavour.
- Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving to avoid burning yourself and to allow the flavors to settle.
Ellen says
Had to leave a comment - Soft WONDERFUL BUNS. Just finished baking and the house smells so good. Took one to the face immediately with a burger, mayo and cheese. Perfection and easy too. Thank you bunches.
Claudia Ciorteanu says
My family loved this!
Juyali says
I love your recipes and I am bookmarking this one for Thanksgiving. I can't wait to make them for our family. I'll let you know how it goes! 😊
Swathi says
Burger buns is delicious I like your recipe, perfect with homemade burger.
Tisha says
These buns took our cook out to a new level. Recipe was so easy to follow.
Nora says
Super fluffy and delicious! The perfect buns for us! Thanks!
nancy says
nothing like fresh burger buns to complete my sandwich! These buns are so soft and moist, that we've stopped buying
Bobbie says
Love it. Can't wait to try it.
Razvan C says
Healthy, fluffy and tasty buns! 🙏🏻