Egg Custard Buns with Crisp Edges

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fluffy buns filled with a smooth, sweet egg custard that achieves a delicate crispness when briefly broiled, creating a delightful textural contrast. This chinese ready in about 101 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, teaspoon active dry yeast, teaspoon sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 90 min Cook: 11 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 250 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast, 1/4 teaspoon sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add 1/4 cup lukewarm water and 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil. Mix until shaggy, then knead 5 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Whisk 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup milk, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Punch down risen dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten into a 3-inch circle.
  4. Step 4: Place 1 tablespoon custard in the center of each dough circle. Fold dough over filling to form a half-moon, sealing edges by pinching with fingertips. Place on a parchment-lined steamer tray.
  5. Step 5: Steam buns for 10 minutes over boiling water. Transfer to a baking sheet and broil for 1 minute until tops are golden and crisp. Sprinkle with 2 sliced green onions before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Egg Custard Buns with Crisp Edges take to make?

Total time is about 101 minutes (90 min prep + 11 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Egg Custard Buns with Crisp Edges?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Egg Custard Buns with Crisp Edges?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Egg Custard Buns with Crisp Edges for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Egg Custard Buns with Crisp Edges?

Chinese chinese like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes