Dragon Fruit Burger Buns

1. Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast with 1 teaspoon of sugar in 4 tablespoons of lukewarm water and leave to stand until the yeast is foamy. It takes about 5-10 minutes. If it is not foamy, start with new yeast. While the yeast is activating, measure all the ingredients to ensure even baking.

2. Prepare the Dragon Fruit Purée

Peel the dragon fruit and cut it into chunks. Using a blender, purée the dragon fruit until a smooth consistency is achieved. Measure out 150 grams of the purée and set it aside.

3. Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine 500 grams of plain flour, a pinch of salt, and the dragon fruit purée.

Add the activated yeast, 1 egg, 30 grams of softened unsalted butter, and 1 tablespoon of chia seeds.

Dragon fruit can be quite watery, so be gentle when adding the water. Start by adding a small amount of water and mix until a sticky dough forms. If necessary, add more water.

4. First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a tea towel, and let it rise for an hour, or until it doubles in size.

5. Shape the Burger Buns

Once the dough has risen, knead it with your hands for a few minutes and divide it into 8 equal portions. Form each portion into a round bun and place on a baking tray lined with baking parchment. Flatten slightly to form a burger bun shape.

6. Second Rise

Cover the burger buns with a tea towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes until they rise.

7. Preheat the Oven

While the buns are rising, preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).

8. Bake

Whisk 1 egg yolk with a tablespoon of milk and brush the top of the buns with it. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a nice finish.

Bake the burger buns for 15-18 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. When ready, they should have a soft, fluffy consistency.

9. Serve

Let the buns cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Serve them filled with my Corn Fritters, which go wonderfully with these Dragon Fruit Burger Buns. The sweetness of the dragon fruit complements the savoury, crunchy corn fritters, providing a satisfying balance of flavours and textures.

Tips for Perfect Dragon Fruit Burger Buns

Kneading the Dough: Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes by hand, or 5-7 minutes with a dough hook on a stand mixer. Proper kneading develops the gluten and gives the buns their characteristic soft and chewy texture.

Rising Time: Let the dough rise until it has doubled in volume. This may take approximately 1 hour, but the exact time may vary depending on room temperature. The dough should stand in a warm, draft-free place.

Shaping the Buns: Use a kitchen scale to weigh out equal portions of the dough. This helps in achieving equal portions and evenly baking.

Proper Storage

At Room Temperature: Place the completely cooled burger buns in an airtight container or wrap them individually in cling film or foil for up to 2 days.

In the Refrigerator: Dragon Fruit Burger Rolls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Be sure to store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in cling film to prevent them from drying out.

To eat, reheat the buns in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5-10 minutes to soften and freshen again.

In the Freezer: Wrap each completely cooled bun tightly in cling film or foil to prevent freezer burn. Place the wrapped buns in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the buns at room temperature and then reheat them in the oven for 10-12 minutes until warm and soft.

Variations

Whole Wheat Buns: Replace 150 grams of plain flour with whole wheat flour for a more rustic flavour.

Dragon Fruit Cheese Buns: Add 100 grams of grated cheese into the dough for a rich flavour.

Spiced Dragon Fruit Buns: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spicy undertone that pairs surprisingly well with the fruity notes of dragon fruit.

Related Recipes

Looking for more simple yet delicious recipes for buns and rolls? Check out the following recipes:

Sandwich Rolls

Lentil Buns

Golden Pan Buns

Conclusion

With their eye-catching appearance and soft texture, these Dragon Fruit Burger Buns are the perfect way to bring creativity into your cooking. Not only are they beautiful, but they also make a delicious addition to your meal, making every bite a delight. Combine them with a wide range of fillings for a fun twist on traditional sandwiches or burgers.