18 Japanese Custard Bun Recipe Experience Flavor Like Never Before!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
If you're a fan of Japanese cuisine, then you may have come across the popular and mouth-watering treat known as the Japanese custard bun. These soft and fluffy buns are filled with a rich and creamy custard, making them a favorite among many. While they may seem intimidating to make at home, with the right recipe and techniques, you can create your own delicious batch of Japanese custard buns in no time. In this article, we'll guide you through a step-by-step process of making these delectable buns, so put on your apron and let's get cooking!
Main Ingredients: Anchovies, Kombu, Dried Bonito Flakes, Boneless
Chawanmushi, or Japanese steamed egg custard, is a popular dish in Japan that is typically served as an appetizer. It is made with a savory egg custard base, and can be filled with various ingredients such as chicken, seafood, and vegetables. The dish is usually steamed in a special cup called a chawanmushi, which gives it a unique texture and presentation. It is a simple yet delicious dish that is a must-try for any Japanese food lover.
Pork katsu is a classic Japanese dish that consists of breaded and deep-fried pork cutlets. The dish is typically made with thinly sliced pork, which is coated with flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs before being fried to a crispy golden brown. It is often served with a tangy tonkatsu sauce and shredded cabbage on the side. This dish is a favorite among both locals and tourists in Japan and is sure to satisfy any cravings for fried food.
Japanese-style sweet bun dough, also known as "tangzhong" in Japanese, is a unique type of dough that is used to make soft and fluffy buns. It involves cooking a portion of the flour and water mixture to form a roux, which is then added to the rest of the ingredients to create a dough. This method results in a softer and more moist bun compared to traditional bread-making methods. It is commonly used to make popular Japanese buns such as melon pan and anpan.
Japanese-style pancakes, also known as "hotcakes" in Japan, are a popular breakfast dish that is known for its tall and fluffy texture. The batter is made with eggs, flour, milk, and a touch of mirin (Japanese sweet cooking wine) for a hint of sweetness. The pancakes are cooked on a griddle or frying pan, and when they are ready to be flipped, they are carefully stacked on top of each other to create a tower of fluffy goodness. They are often served with butter, syrup, and fresh fruit on top.
Japanese 'cotton' cheesecake is a light and fluffy version of the classic cheesecake. It is made with cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and flour, and gets its unique texture from the addition of whipped egg whites. The cake is typically baked in a water bath to ensure even cooking and a smooth surface. It has a delicate and airy texture, making it the perfect dessert for those who prefer a lighter and less dense cheesecake.
Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake that is made with a batter of flour, eggs, grated yam, and shredded cabbage. It is then filled with various ingredients such as pork, shrimp, squid, or vegetables, and cooked on a griddle until crispy and golden brown. The dish is often topped with a tangy sauce, mayonnaise, and katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes) for added flavor and texture. It is a popular dish in Japan, and is often found in street food stalls and restaurants.
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Chawanmushi (Japanese Steamed Egg Custard/茶碗蒸し)
Main Ingredients: Medium Shrimp, Nuts, Carrot, Chicken Breast, Sake, Soy
Chawanmushi, or Japanese steamed egg custard, is a traditional Japanese dish that is often served as an appetizer. It is made with a simple mixture of eggs, dashi (Japanese broth), and mirin (Japanese sweet cooking wine), and is steamed until it has a smooth and silky texture. The dish is typically served in a special cup called a chawanmushi, and can be filled with various ingredients such as chicken, seafood, and vegetables. It is a light and delicate dish that is perfect for those looking for a simple yet flavorful appetizer.
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Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
Japanese cucumber salad, also known as sunomono, is a light and refreshing side dish that is commonly served with meals in Japan. It is made with thinly sliced cucumbers, which are marinated in a sweet and tangy dressing made with rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. The salad can also be topped with bonito flakes (dried fish flakes) or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. It is a simple yet delicious dish that is perfect for a hot summer day.
Ramen is a beloved dish in Japan that has gained worldwide popularity in recent years. It is a noodle soup dish that consists of wheat noodles, broth, and various toppings such as sliced pork, nori (seaweed), and negi (green onions). The broth can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as pork bones, chicken bones, or seafood, resulting in different types of ramen, such as tonkotsu, shoyu, and miso. It is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold day.
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Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin
Rice balls, or onigiri, are a staple food in Japan and are often eaten as a snack or part of a meal. They are made with sushi rice, which is shaped into a triangle or ball and can be filled with various ingredients such as pickled plums, grilled salmon, or umeboshi (pickled plum). The rice balls are often wrapped in nori (seaweed) for added flavor and to keep the rice from sticking to fingers. They are a convenient and tasty snack that can be found in convenience stores, supermarkets, and even vending machines in Japan.
Udon noodle soup is a popular comfort food in Japan that is made with thick and chewy wheat noodles in a savory broth. The broth is typically made with dashi (Japanese broth), soy sauce, and mirin, and can be filled with various toppings such as sliced pork, tempura, or vegetables. The noodles are cooked until they are tender and served in a large bowl with the hot broth poured over them. It is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a rainy day.
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Japanese Gyoza Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Napa Cabbage, Ground Pork, Garlic, Fresh Ginger
Gyoza, or Japanese dumplings, are a popular dish that is commonly found in izakayas (Japanese pubs) and ramen shops. They are made with a thin round wrapper that is filled with a mixture of ground pork, cabbage, and seasonings, and then pan-fried until crispy and golden brown. The dumplings are often served with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, and rayu (Japanese chili oil). They are a tasty and addictive snack that is perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Japanese eggplant, also known as nasu, is a staple vegetable in Japanese cuisine that is used in a variety of dishes. It has a long and slender shape and a mild and slightly sweet flavor. It can be grilled, fried, or steamed and is often served with a savory miso (fermented soybean paste) glaze. It is a versatile and delicious ingredient that is commonly found in dishes such as tempura, stir-fries, and stews.
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Japanese Soba Noodles With Peanut Sauce
Main Ingredients: Soba Noodles, Unsalted Roasted Peanuts, Sesame Oil
Soba noodles are thin and chewy noodles made from buckwheat flour that is commonly used in Japanese cuisine. They can be served cold with a dipping sauce or hot in a broth, and are often topped with various ingredients such as tempura, nori (seaweed), and kamaboko (fish cake). One popular way to enjoy soba noodles is with a peanut sauce, which is made with peanut butter, soy sauce, and rayu (Japanese chili oil). It is a flavorful and filling dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal.
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Yakitori (Japanese Grilled Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Thighs, Soy Sauce, Pure Maple Syrup
Yakitori, or Japanese grilled chicken, is a popular street food in Japan that is made with bite-sized pieces of chicken skewered and grilled over a charcoal fire. The chicken is typically seasoned with tare (a sweet and savory sauce) or shio (salt) and can be enjoyed with a variety of toppings such as green onions, negi (leeks), and shichimi togarashi (seven-spice blend). It is a flavorful and convenient snack that is perfect for a quick bite while exploring the streets of Japan.
Japanese zucchini, also known as hakusai, is a type of summer squash that is commonly used in Japanese cuisine. It has a mild and slightly sweet flavor and a firm texture that holds up well in cooking. It can be eaten raw in salads or cooked in stir-fries, stews, and tempura. It is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that is a staple in Japanese households.
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Japanese Beef Steak
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Sake, Water, New York Steaks
Japanese beef steak, also known as gyuniku, is a dish that has been adapted from Western cuisine and has become a favorite among meat-lovers in Japan. It is made with tender and juicy beef steak that is seasoned with salt and pepper and pan-fried to perfection. The steak is often served with a side of daikon (Japanese radish) and a tangy sauce made with soy sauce, sake, and mirin (Japanese sweet cooking wine). It is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a special occasion.
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Chawanmushi (Japanese savory egg custard)
Main Ingredients: Egg, Dashi, Soy Sauce, Sake, Salt, Carrot, Mushroom
Chawanmushi, or Japanese savory egg custard, is a traditional Japanese dish that is often served as an appetizer. It is made with a simple mixture of eggs, dashi (Japanese broth), and mirin (Japanese sweet cooking wine), and can be filled with various ingredients such as chicken, seafood, and vegetables. The dish is typically steamed in a special cup called a chawanmushi, which gives it a unique texture and presentation. It is a light and flavorful dish that is perfect for any meal.
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Katsudon Japanese Pork Cutlet and Egg Rice Bowl
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Chops, Salt, Pepper, Flour, Egg, Panko
Katsudon, or Japanese pork cutlet and egg rice bowl, is a popular dish that consists of a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet, onions, and egg over a bed of rice. The dish is often served with a sweet and savory sauce and topped with nori (seaweed) and negi (green onions). It is a comforting and filling meal that is a favorite among students and busy workers in Japan.
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Japanese Sweet Potato Okonomiyaki
Main Ingredients: Plain Flour, Baking Powder, Vegetable Stock, Eggs, Soy
Sweet potato okonomiyaki is a unique variation of the classic savory Japanese pancake. It is made with a batter of grated sweet potato, flour, and egg, and can be filled with various ingredients such as bacon, shrimp, and cheese. The pancake is then cooked on a griddle and topped with a sweet and tangy sauce, mayonnaise, and katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes). It is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for those who enjoy a sweet and savory combination.
Ingredients You Will Need
For the Bun Dough
All-purpose flour
Sugar
Yeast
Salt
Egg
Milk
Butter
For the Custard Filling
Milk
Sugar
Cornstarch
Egg yolks
Butter
Vanilla extract
Gathering all the necessary ingredients is the first step towards making delicious Japanese custard buns. All-purpose flour is the main ingredient for the bun dough, while sugar adds a touch of sweetness. Yeast is essential for the dough to rise, and a pinch of salt enhances the flavor. The addition of egg and milk makes the dough soft and fluffy, while butter gives it a rich and buttery taste.
The milk and sugar are also key ingredients for the custard filling, along with cornstarch to thicken it. Egg yolks not only add richness to the filling but also help to bind it together. Butter and vanilla extract add a deliciously creamy and sweet flavor to the custard.
Making the Bun Dough
Start by mixing the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and milk together. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well until a smooth dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes, then add the softened butter and continue kneading until the dough is soft and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for about an hour in a warm place. Once it has doubled in size, punch down the dough to release any air bubbles and divide it into equal-sized balls.
Making the Custard Filling
In a saucepan, heat the milk and sugar over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and cornstarch. Slowly pour in the hot milk mixture while whisking continuously. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Let it cool before using it as a filling for the buns.
Assembling and Baking
Take each ball of dough and flatten it into a circle. Place a spoonful of the custard filling in the center of the dough and gather the edges to seal it. Place the bun seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let the buns rise for about 30 minutes before baking them in a preheated oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Once done, let the buns cool for a few minutes before serving. These Japanese custard buns are best enjoyed when warm and fresh out of the oven. They are perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert. So why not give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family with your homemade Japanese custard buns!
