Steamed Egg Custard Buns

Short Description

Steamed Egg Custard Buns, also known as Liu Sha Bao, are soft and fluffy steamed buns filled with a rich, creamy custard made from salted egg yolks, butter, and milk powder. The molten center contrasts beautifully with the pillowy dough, making them a popular treat in dim sum cuisine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors
• The custard is smooth, creamy, and perfectly molten
• Fluffy, soft steamed dough that’s light yet satisfying
• Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack
• Can be made ahead and frozen for future enjoyment
• A unique and impressive addition to any homemade dim sum spread

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the custard filling:

• Salted egg yolks
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Milk powder
• Custard powder
• Evaporated milk

For the dough:

• All-purpose flour
• Instant dry yeast
• Baking powder
• Granulated sugar
• Neutral oil
• Lukewarm water

Directions

1. Prepare the custard filling
   Steam the salted egg yolks until cooked through and mash them into a fine texture.
   In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar until smooth. Add the mashed egg yolks, milk powder, custard powder, and evaporated milk. Mix until uniform.
   Chill the mixture in the refrigerator until firm, then portion into small balls and freeze until solid.
2. Make the dough
   In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, baking powder, sugar, and oil.
   Slowly add lukewarm water while stirring to form a soft dough. Knead until smooth and elastic.
   Cover and let it rest in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
3. Assemble the buns
   Divide the risen dough into equal portions and shape into balls. Flatten each ball into a disc, keeping the center slightly thicker.
   Place a frozen custard ball in the center and seal the dough around it.
   Place the buns on parchment paper squares, cover, and let them rest for 20 minutes.
4. Steam the buns
   Prepare a steamer and bring water to a boil. Steam the buns over medium heat for 10–12 minutes.
   Turn off the heat and leave the lid closed for 1 minute before removing the buns to prevent deflating.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 buns
• Preparation Time: 1 hour
• Cooking Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes

Variations

• Sweet custard version: Replace salted egg yolks with regular egg yolks and increase the sugar for a milder, sweet-only flavor.
• Chocolate custard: Add cocoa powder and chocolate chips to the custard mixture for a dessert twist.
• Fruit-infused custard: Blend mango or durian purée into the custard for a tropical variation.
• Matcha dough: Mix matcha powder into the dough for added flavor and color.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cooked buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked or uncooked filled buns in a single layer. Once frozen solid, transfer to a sealed bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Steam refrigerated buns for 3–4 minutes. For frozen buns, steam for 6–8 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

What are Steamed Egg Custard Buns?

They are soft steamed buns filled with a creamy, molten custard typically made with salted egg yolks, butter, and milk powder.

Can I use regular egg yolks instead of salted ones?

Yes, but the flavor will be sweeter and less rich. Salted egg yolks add a signature savory depth.

How do I get the molten custard texture?

Freeze the custard balls before wrapping them in dough. This helps them stay creamy and melt during steaming.

Why did my buns collapse after steaming?

Opening the steamer too quickly causes rapid temperature change. Let them rest with the lid on for a minute after steaming.

Can I make these buns ahead?

Yes. You can prepare the filling and dough in advance or freeze the assembled buns for later steaming.

How do I prevent the custard from leaking out?

Ensure the dough is sealed well around the filling and not too thin at the top.

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, plain mantou dough or premade bao dough can be used if you’re short on time.

Can I bake the buns instead of steaming?

These buns are traditionally steamed. Baking will change their texture, making them less fluffy and more bread-like.

Is custard powder necessary?

Yes, it adds flavor and structure. If unavailable, substitute with cornstarch and a splash of vanilla extract.

What can I serve these with?

They are usually enjoyed on their own but pair well with tea or as part of a dim sum spread.

Conclusion

Steamed Egg Custard Buns are a beloved dim sum classic for good reason. Their delicate exterior encases a rich, flowing custard that delivers a satisfying blend of sweetness and umami. Whether you’re serving them fresh from the steamer or pulling a batch from the freezer, these buns are sure to impress and delight every time.

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