Gold Thread Steamed Buns 金絲卷

Ingredients
Makes 10 buns

• 1 1/4 cups lukewarm water
• 4 cups unbleached all purpose flour
• 1 1/4tsp active dry yeast
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2/3 cup sweet potato, cooked and mashed

Method

1.  Dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water in a large bowl.
2.  Mix all ingredients with the yeast water mixture until all is blended, and then knead the dough until it's smooth, around 5 minutes.

3.  Let the dough rest for 5 minutes in the bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap or a lid.

4.  Divide the dough into 2 equal parts.

5.  Add the mashed sweet potato into one of the dough, and knead it until the sweet potato well blend.
6.  Dust the work surface with flour and roll the sweet potato part into a flat rectangle, 16" x 10".

7.  Brush the surface with oil, and then fold like a three-fold brochure.

8.  Cut the rectangle lengthwise into 1/8" strips.

9.  Brush the strips with oil evenly to avoid sticking together.
10. Roll the white dough part into a flat rectangle 12" x 5".

11. Place the sweet potato strips together gently on the white dough.

12. Fold the white dough into a log.

13. Slice the log into 10 pieces. 

14. Lay the buns on the square baking papers. (Cut the parchment paper in squares slightly bigger than the buns.)
15. Spread the buns on the steamer and pour some warm water in the bottom of the steamer. 

16. Cover the steamer, and let the buns rise for 20 minutes. 

17. After the final rise, turn on the steamer and steam the buns for 15 minutes until it's cooked. 
18. Serve immediately.


Gold thread steamed buns are often served deep-fried with sprinkle of salt on top.   They have a golden brown color with a soft and fluffy texture. They are versatile as you can serve as an accompaniment to savory dishes or enjoy them just the way they are.