Introduction

Cheat Scallion Buns are a quick and easy take on traditional steamed buns, packed with fresh spring onions, garlic, and melted mozzarella cheese. These fluffy, flavorful buns are perfect as a snack or a side dish, and they come together with just a few simple ingredients.

Cheat Scallion Buns Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

200g self-raising flour
170g Greek yoghurt (use vegan yoghurt for a plant-based option)
4 spring onions, finely sliced
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 tbsp grated mozzarella cheese
Olive oil, for drizzling
Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the self-raising flour and Greek yoghurt. Stir in a clockwise motion until a rough dough forms. Transfer the dough onto a clean surface and knead for a couple of minutes. Cover with cling film and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the spring onions, garlic, and mozzarella cheese, then set them aside.
Step 3: Divide the dough into 4 equal parts.
Step 4: Flour a clean surface and roll out one piece of dough to about 0.75cm thick. Fold the two outer edges inward to form a thin rectangular strip. Roll out the dough again in one direction to maintain the 0.75cm thickness, creating a thin strip. Trim the top and bottom edges to form a perfect rectangle.
Step 5: Drizzle olive oil on one side of the strip. Sprinkle scallions, garlic, and cheese on the top half. Slice the bottom half into thin strips to create a pattern. Carefully roll up the dough from the bottom to form a bun. Repeat with the remaining pieces.
Step 6: Place each bun on parchment paper and steam them for 15-20 minutes until fluffy.
Step 7: (Optional) Pan-fry the steamed buns on high heat for about 3 minutes to achieve a crispy bottom. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Swap mozzarella for vegan cheese or shredded cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Try adding finely chopped herbs like cilantro or chives for extra freshness.
Use a bamboo steamer or a regular steamer basket to cook the buns evenly.
For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes or chopped fresh chili to the filling.

Storage

Store leftover steamed buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat by steaming again for a few minutes or microwaving with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Pan-frying leftovers can also refresh their crispy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use plain flour instead of self-raising flour?

You can, but you’ll need to add baking powder (about 1 teaspoon) to help the buns rise and become fluffy.

Can these buns be frozen?

Yes, they freeze well. Allow the buns to cool completely, then freeze them in a sealed container or bag. Reheat by steaming directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Cheat Scallion Buns Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 785 reviews

These Cheat Scallion Buns are a quick and delicious take on traditional Chinese scallion buns, made with simple ingredients like self-raising flour, Greek yoghurt, spring onions, garlic, and mozzarella cheese. Softly steamed to fluffy perfection and optionally pan-fried for a crispy bottom, these buns are perfect for a savory snack or side dish.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 buns 1x
Category: Snack
Method: Steaming
Cuisine: Chinese-inspired
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

200g self-raising flour
170g Greek yoghurt (use vegan yoghurt for a plant-based option)

Filling

4 spring onions, finely sliced
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 tbsp grated mozzarella cheese

Topping & Garnish

Olive oil, for drizzling
Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the self-raising flour and Greek yoghurt. Stir using a clockwise motion until a rough dough forms. Transfer the dough onto a clean surface and knead for a couple of minutes until smooth. Cover with cling film and set aside while preparing the fillings.
Prepare the filling: Finely slice the spring onions and garlic cloves. Grate the mozzarella cheese and set all aside.
Divide the dough: Cut your dough into 4 equal portions for individual buns.
Roll and shape the dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out one piece of dough until approximately 0.75cm thick. Fold in the two outer edges to create a thin rectangular strip. Roll it out again in one direction to maintain the 0.75cm thickness, forming a long, thin strip. Trim the top and bottom edges to make a perfect rectangle.
Add filling and assemble: Drizzle olive oil on one side of the dough strip. Sprinkle the top half evenly with scallions, garlic, and mozzarella. Cut the bottom half of the strip into mini strips to create an attractive pattern. Carefully roll the bun up from the filled side to the cut side. Repeat for the remaining dough pieces.
Steam the buns: Place each bun on parchment paper and steam them for 15-20 minutes or until the buns are fluffy and cooked through.
Optional pan-fry: For an added crispy bottom, heat a pan over high heat and pan-fry the steamed buns for about 3 minutes until golden and crisp. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Use vegan yoghurt and plant-based cheese to make this recipe fully vegan.
Steaming is the main cooking method for soft, fluffy buns, but pan-frying at the end adds a delightful crispy texture.
Self-raising flour eliminates the need for additional leavening agents, simplifying the dough preparation.
These buns are best served fresh but can be reheated by steaming or pan-frying again.
If you prefer, you can garnish with sesame seeds before steaming for extra flavor and crunch.

Keywords: scallion buns, Chinese buns, steamed buns, vegetarian snack, quick buns, Greek yoghurt dough, homemade buns