We start with the “Tangzhong”. It is a method of Asian origin in which we make a “roux” mixing flour, milk and water while cooking them over medium heat. When it thickens like heavy cream, remove it from fire and let it cool
Warm milk between 98 and 102 °F and add instant yeast. Stir and let it act for about ten minutes
Mix the dry ingredients flour, salt and sugar. When they're ready, put them into the mixer at low speed
Add yeast, Tangzhong dough, and eggs into the mixer
After the mix is incorporated add the soft butter little by little. Then increase the mixer speed to medium and let it knead for at least 6 minutes. It will look and feel gooey, uniform, and BEAUTIFUL
Grease a bowl throughly to transfer the dough. As it's wet dough, you'll need a spatula to remove it and put it in the bowl
Cover well and let it rest for at least an hour and a half, or until it has doubled its size
Flour a clean surface to place your dough
Divide the dough into 6 pieces. If you want them to be the same, use a scale to weigh them
Take a piece and stretch its edges. Then, bring them towards the center, turn it over and knead it in circular movements. Repeat with all the pieces. This way, your buns will be round with a tigh dough
Put each ball on a tray with baking paper and squash them a little bit
Cover the buns with another tray with a similar size or clean towels. Let them grow for one hour and a half, if you have cold weather. If you're in a warm place, forty minutes could be enough. The most important thing is to let them double their size
While the buns grow you can prepare the sauce and the toppings
Prepare a bit of egg wash with whole milk and an egg. The egg wash will help your buns to acquire a shiny and golden tone, like brioche bread
Varnish each of your buns with egg wash
Bake your buns in a preheated oven at 400 °F to bake between 15 and 18 minutes. Still, keep an eye on the buns, so they tan well but don't get burnt
After taking the buns out from the oven brush the buns with melted butter. This will make them look even more attractive and it will make them taste even better, of course!