Soft Bread Rolls Filled with Flavorful Pork: A Fusion Delight
In the vast and diverse world of culinary arts, fusion is the magical bridge that brings together the best of different cuisines. One such delectable merger is that of soft, pillowy bread rolls combined with a savory, aromatic pork filling, drawing inspiration from both the world of Japanese sushi and traditional bakery staples. Let's embark on a flavorful journey to explore this innovative recipe.
A Brief Overview
This unique recipe marries the concept of the traditional soft bread roll with a tantalizing filling inspired by Thai stir fry. The incorporation of minced pork, long beans, lemon leaves, and Thai red curry paste offers a burst of flavors, while the bread provides a comforting, soft encasement. Topped with a piece of nori, or seaweed sheet, commonly used in sushi, it also adds an interesting visual and a subtle briny touch.
The Pork Filling
The heart of this dish is the flavorful pork filling. To create it:
1. Aromatic Ingredients: The inclusion of minced garlic and thinly sliced lemon leaves brings a fragrant depth to the filling.
2. Texture and Flavor: Chopped long beans not only contribute to the texture but also lend a slight crunchiness which contrasts beautifully with the softness of the minced pork.
3. Sauces and Seasoning: The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Thai red curry paste ensures a rich, savory, and slightly spicy undertone. The oyster sauce, in particular, brings a touch of umami that melds beautifully with the other ingredients.
Crafting the Perfect Bread Roll
The bread roll acts as the canvas for our flavorful filling:
1. The Dough: A mix of all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast forms the foundation. The addition of egg white and milk ensures the rolls are soft and slightly rich.
2. Mixing and Kneading: To achieve the perfect pillowy texture, it's crucial to knead the dough thoroughly. Incorporating unsalted butter during the mixing process lends a subtle richness and tender crumb.
3. Encasing the Filling: The true artistry comes into play when enveloping the pork mixture within the dough, sealing the flavorful goodness inside.
The Finishing Touches
What sets this roll apart is the thoughtful finishing.
1. Nori Decoration: Attaching a piece of nori to the bread's surface before baking not only makes these rolls visually striking but also introduces an intriguing sushi-inspired element.
2. Baking: Baking these rolls at 170°C ensures they rise well and attain a golden hue. A quick brush of oil post-baking imparts a delightful sheen.
These soft bread rolls filled with pork filling are more than just a dish; they're an experience. Every bite is a harmonious blend of soft, savory, aromatic, and slightly spicy flavors, proving that when culinary worlds collide, the result can be nothing short of spectacular. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply wish to indulge in a unique snack, this fusion delight promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
Pork Filling:
1. Take 100g long beans and chop them into small pieces.
2. Take 3 lemon leaves and slice them into strips.
3. Mince 1 clove of garlic finely.
4. Prepare 300g minced pork or (you can use chicken if you prefer).
5. In a pan, combine pork, beans, lemon leaves, garlic, 1 tsp. sugar, 2 tsp. soy sauce, 1 tbsp. oyster sauce, and 1 tsp. Thai red curry paste.
6. As the meat cooks, it will release juices. Continue to stir fry until the juices thicken. There's no need to add cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Set aside to cool.
Soft Bread Rolls:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine 500g all-purpose flour, 7g instant yeast, 30g sugar, 6g salt, 1 separated egg white, and 280g milk.
2. Start mixing at the lowest speed for 1 minute.
3. After 1 minute, increase the mixer's speed and continue mixing for another 5 minutes.
4. After 5 minutes of mixing, incorporate 30g unsalted butter.
5. Continue to mix for another 6 minutes or until the dough is well combined.
6. Conduct a windowpane test to check the dough's elasticity.
7. Divide the dough into 11 equal portions, each weighing 60g.
8. Flatten each portion, add a scoop of the cooled pork filling in the center, then shape into a ball, sealing the filling inside.
9. Place the filled dough balls on a baking sheet, allowing space for them to rise untill double in size.
10. Lightly brush each dough ball with milk.
11. Attach a piece of nori (seaweed sheet) onto the surface of each dough ball if desired.
12. Bake in a preheated oven at 170°C for 18 minutes.
13. After baking, brush each piece with a light layer of oil.
Enjoy your soft bread rolls with pork filling!
