Brioche Bun Recipe with Savory Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry Filling

Why You’ll Love This brioche bun recipe

  • Ease of preparation: This brioche bun recipe is simple and approachable, requiring minimal ingredients and straightforward steps. The dough comes together easily in about 20 minutes, making it accessible for bakers of all levels while yielding fresh, soft buns in just over two hours including rising and baking.
  • Health benefits: Made with wholesome ingredients such as eggs, milk, and unsalted butter, these brioche buns offer essential nutrients including protein, calcium, and vitamin A. The recipe allows for wholesome alternatives, supporting well-rounded nutrition without compromising on delicious buttery flavor.
  • Versatility: The brioche bun recipe adapts well to different dietary preferences. It can be modified with plant-based milk and butter for vegan diets, gluten-free flours for those with sensitivities, or lightened by swapping sugar with natural alternatives. The fluffy yet sturdy buns pair well with numerous fillings including steak and shrimp stir fry.
  • Distinctive flavor: Rich and buttery with a subtle sweetness, these brioche buns boast a tender crumb and golden crust. Their delicate flavor perfectly complements savory fillings or sweet toppings, elevating any sandwich or burger experience with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture unique to brioche.
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Essential Ingredients for brioche bun recipe

  • 2 cups whole milk, heated to about 110 °F (237 ml) – activates yeast and hydrates dough
  • 1/2 cup sugar (100 g), divided – balances flavor with subtle sweetness
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast (about 4.5 g) – leavens dough and creates light texture
  • 6 to 7 cups all-purpose flour (720-840 g) – forms dough structure
  • 6 large eggs – add richness and tenderness
  • 200 grams unsalted butter, softened – contributes moisture and buttery flavor
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt – enhances flavor
  • 1 egg mixed with 3 tablespoons water (for brushing) – creates shiny, golden crust
  • Optional toppings: sesame seeds or poppy seeds – add texture and visual appeal

Special Dietary Options

  • Vegan: Substitute eggs with flax or chia eggs; use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk alternatives like almond or oat milk.
  • Gluten-free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend appropriate for yeast breads.
  • Low-calorie: Use light butter or margarine substitutes and reduce sugar; consider natural sugar alternatives such as honey or maple syrup.

How to Prepare the Perfect brioche bun recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

First Step: Activate the Yeast and Prepare Ingredients

Warm the milk to about 110 °F (43 °C) to avoid killing the yeast. In a large bowl or stand mixer bowl, combine warm milk, active dry yeast, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 2 cups of flour. Whisk until smooth. Cover and let mixture rest in a warm place for 15-30 minutes until frothy, signaling active yeast.

Second Step: Mix Wet Ingredients and Develop Dough

In a separate bowl, whisk the six eggs together. Add eggs, salt, and softened butter to the yeast mixture. Mix well together. Gradually add the remaining flour in small amounts, mixing thoroughly before adding more. Knead the dough by hand for 10-15 minutes or by stand mixer with dough hook for 7-8 minutes until elastic, soft, and slightly sticky. Avoid adding excess flour to preserve light texture.

Third Step: First Proof

Transfer dough to a greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm environment for about 1 to 2 hours or until doubled in size. This step develops flavor and texture.

Fourth Step: Shape the Buns

Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release air. Divide uniformly into 18 to 24 pieces for small buns or 8 pieces for larger ones. Shape each piece into smooth rounds by flattening slightly. Use a bench scraper or clean hands to handle sticky dough. Place shaped buns on parchment-lined baking sheets spaced apart.

Fifth Step: Proof Again

Cover shaped buns and allow them to proof for 30 to 50 minutes until puffed and nearly doubled. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C).

Sixth Step: Egg Wash and Baking

Whisk one egg with 3 tablespoons water to create an egg wash. Brush tops of buns evenly for a shiny golden finish. Optionally sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds. Bake buns for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown on top and cooked through.

Final Step: Cooling and Serving

Remove buns from oven and cool on wire racks briefly before serving. These soft, buttery brioche buns are excellent for sandwiches, burgers, or enjoyed fresh alongside savory steak and shrimp stir fry fillings. For dietary changes, apply substitutions in earlier mixing stages as indicated.


Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your brioche bun recipe

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

  • Replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or commercial egg replacer to make vegan-friendly buns without compromising texture.
  • Use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk for vegan adaptations.
  • Switch to gluten-free active dry yeast blends and gluten-free all-purpose flour mixes to accommodate gluten sensitivities.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

  • Add caramelized onions, roasted peppers, or fresh herbs to the dough for flavored buns that complement the steak and shrimp stir fry filling.
  • Use dairy-free or low-calorie butter substitutes and milk alternatives to reduce fat content.
  • Adjust salt and seasoning blends for reduced sodium or add fragrant herbs such as rosemary or thyme for subtle flavor layers.

Mastering brioche bun recipe: Advanced Tips and Variations

Patience during dough rising and avoiding excess flour yield perhaps the lightest, fluffiest brioche buns.

  • Pro cooking techniques: Use a stand mixer with a dough hook for thorough kneading. Try slow cold fermentation overnight in the fridge for enhanced flavor and improved dough texture.
  • Flavor variations: Mix cinnamon, nutmeg, or citrus zest into dough for sweet twists. Incorporate cheese or herbs for savory versions perfect to pair with steak and shrimp stir fry fillings.
  • Presentation tips: Brush baked buns with melted butter for added shine and softness; garnish with toasted sesame or poppy seeds for eye-catching texture.
  • Make-ahead options: Prepare dough and shape buns ahead of time; freeze shaped buns before final proof for easy baking on demand.

How to Store brioche bun recipe: Best Practices

Method Details
Refrigeration Store buns in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap to keep them fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing Freeze individual buns wrapped in foil and placed in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature.
Reheating Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to refresh softness and aroma before serving.
Meal Prep Bake in batches and freeze extras for easy sandwiches or burgers, perfect for busy days and meal planning.
brioche bun recipe

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About brioche bun recipe

What ingredients do I need to make brioche buns at home?

To make brioche buns, you’ll need all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, eggs, butter, milk, sugar, and salt. Eggs and butter are key for the rich, tender texture and golden color characteristic of brioche. Milk adds moisture and softness, while sugar helps with fermentation and adds slight sweetness. Using fresh ingredients and properly measuring each will help achieve the best results.

How do brioche buns differ from regular hamburger buns?

Brioche buns contain a higher amount of eggs and butter compared to regular hamburger buns, making them richer, softer, and more tender. This gives brioche a slightly sweet, buttery flavor and a fluffy texture, whereas regular buns tend to be firmer and less rich. These qualities make brioche buns ideal for gourmet sandwiches and burgers.

What is the best way to shape and proof brioche buns before baking?

After the dough has risen, divide it into equal portions and gently shape each into a smooth ball by tucking the edges under. Place them on a baking sheet with space between each. Cover with a clean cloth and let the buns proof in a warm spot for about 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size. Proper proofing helps achieve a light, airy crumb.

Can I freeze brioche buns, and how should I store them?

Yes, brioche buns freeze well. Let the buns cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for a few hours or warm them gently in the oven before serving to restore softness.

What toppings work best on brioche buns to enhance flavor?

Popular toppings for brioche buns include sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or coarse sea salt for added texture and taste. You can also brush the tops with an egg wash before baking to create a shiny, golden crust. For a sweeter touch, a light sprinkle of sugar or cinnamon-sugar mixture can complement their natural sweetness.

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brioche bun recipe


  • Author: Isabella Hayes
  • Total Time: 2-2.5 hours
  • Yield: 18 to 24 buns (or 8 larger buns)
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

🍞 Enjoy the rich, buttery softness of homemade Brioche Buns, perfect for any sandwich or burger.
🥩🍤 These buns pair beautifully with savory steak and shrimp stir fry for a satisfying and flavorful meal.


Ingredients

– 2 cups whole milk for activating yeast and hydrating dough

– 1/2 cup sugar, divided for balancing flavor with subtle sweetness

– 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast for leavening dough and creating light texture

– 6 to 7 cups all-purpose flour for forming dough structure

– 6 large eggs for adding richness and tenderness

– 200 grams unsalted butter for contributing moisture and buttery flavor

– 1/8 teaspoon salt for enhancing flavor

– 1 egg mixed with 3 tablespoons water for creating shiny, golden crust

– sesame seeds

– poppy seeds


Instructions

First Step: Activate the Yeast and Prepare Ingredients Warm the milk to about 110 °F (43 °C) to avoid killing the yeast. In a large bowl or stand mixer bowl, combine warm milk, active dry yeast, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 2 cups of flour. Whisk until smooth. Cover and let mixture rest in a warm place for 15-30 minutes until frothy, signaling active yeast.

Second Step: Mix Wet Ingredients and Develop Dough In a separate bowl, whisk the six eggs together. Add eggs, salt, and softened butter to the yeast mixture. Mix well together. Gradually add the remaining flour in small amounts, mixing thoroughly before adding more. Knead the dough by hand for 10-15 minutes or by stand mixer with dough hook for 7-8 minutes until elastic, soft, and slightly sticky. Avoid adding excess flour to preserve light texture.

Third Step: First Proof Transfer dough to a greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm environment for about 1 to 2 hours or until doubled in size. This step develops flavor and texture.

Fourth Step: Shape the Buns Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release air. Divide uniformly into 18 to 24 pieces for small buns or 8 pieces for larger ones. Shape each piece into smooth rounds by flattening slightly. Use a bench scraper or clean hands to handle sticky dough. Place shaped buns on parchment-lined baking sheets spaced apart.

Fifth Step: Proof Again Cover shaped buns and allow them to proof for 30 to 50 minutes until puffed and nearly doubled. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C).

Sixth Step: Egg Wash and Baking Whisk one egg with 3 tablespoons water to create an egg wash. Brush tops of buns evenly for a shiny golden finish. Optionally sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds. Bake buns for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown on top and cooked through.

Final Step: Cooling and Serving Remove buns from oven and cool on wire racks briefly before serving. These soft, buttery brioche buns are excellent for sandwiches, burgers, or enjoyed fresh alongside savory steak and shrimp stir fry fillings. For dietary changes, apply substitutions in earlier mixing stages as indicated.

Notes

🌡 Use milk heated to about 110 °F to activate yeast properly for a light, fluffy dough.
🧈 Opt for softened butter over melted for better dough texture and fluffiness.
🍽 Avoid adding too much extra flour; the dough should be slightly sticky to keep buns light and tender.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Proofing and rising time: 1.5-2 hours
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bun
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg

Keywords: Brioche Bun, Steak, Shrimp, Savory Filling

1 thought on “Brioche Bun Recipe with Savory Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry Filling”

  1. This brioche bun recipe was a game-changer for my burger nights! 🍔 I added a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for a little twist, and it turned out amazing. Has anyone tried stuffing these buns with chocolate for a sweet treat? 🤔

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