If you have a sweet tooth and love exploring traditional Chinese treats, I can’t wait to introduce you to the delightful Chinese Brown Sugar Bread (Guo Kui) Recipe. This snack is a perfect balance of fluffy dough filled with a luscious, caramel-like brown sugar paste, pan-fried to golden perfection. Every bite offers a cozy, sweet warmth that feels like a gentle hug straight from the heart of Chinese culinary tradition. Whether you’re new to Chinese baking or a seasoned foodie, this recipe is a fun and rewarding way to bring a bit of authentic flavor into your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Chinese Brown Sugar Bread (Guo Kui) Recipe is wonderfully simple because the ingredients are straightforward yet each plays an important role. From the flour providing structure to the brown sugar adding deep sweetness, every component is essential to capture the authentic taste and texture.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the dough, giving it the right texture and chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast: Helps the dough rise, making it nice and fluffy.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Adds a touch of subtle sweetness to balance the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances overall taste and balances the sweetness.
- 3/4 cup warm water: Activates the yeast and brings the dough together.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: Adds moisture to the dough and helps with the fried crust.
- 1/2 cup Chinese brown sugar (or dark brown sugar): The star ingredient, providing a rich, deep caramel flavor.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for the sugar paste): Binds the brown sugar into a smooth paste.
- 1 tablespoon water (for forming sugar paste): Combines with flour and sugar to create that perfect filling texture.
- Additional oil for pan-frying: Ensures the bread crisps up beautifully without sticking.
How to Make Chinese Brown Sugar Bread (Guo Kui) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Knead the Dough
Begin by mixing the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Pour in the warm water and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, then stir until a rough dough forms. It’s best to knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic—this step is key to getting that light, tender crumb every time.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Transfer your dough into a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Allow it to rest for 45 to 60 minutes in a warm spot until it doubles in size. Watching the dough fluff up like this is always exciting—it means your bread will be soft and airy once cooked.
Step 3: Prepare the Brown Sugar Filling
While the dough is rising, mix the Chinese brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of flour, and 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl. Stir until the mixture forms a thick, sticky paste. This luscious filling will melt slightly during cooking, infusing the bread with that irresistible caramel richness.
Step 4: Shape and Fill the Dough
Once risen, punch the dough down gently to release air bubbles. Divide it into six equal pieces and roll each into a smooth ball. Flatten each ball into a small circle, then spoon some of the brown sugar paste right in the center. Carefully pinch the edges together to seal in the sweet filling—this step keeps the delicious sugar from leaking out during cooking.
Step 5: Pan-Fry to Golden Perfection
Gently flatten each filled dough ball into 4 to 5-inch discs. Heat a thin layer of oil in a skillet over medium-low heat and cook each disc for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Press lightly with your spatula to help it cook evenly and develop a crisp, golden crust. This slow frying gives you that perfect combination of a crunchy outside and soft, sweet inside.
How to Serve Chinese Brown Sugar Bread (Guo Kui) Recipe
Garnishes
This bread shines on its own, but you can add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top for a delicate nutty crunch, or lightly brush the finished breads with a little melted butter to give them an extra glossy finish that looks as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Chinese Brown Sugar Bread (Guo Kui) Recipe pairs beautifully with a warm cup of jasmine tea or soy milk, enhancing the sweet flavors and making it an ideal afternoon snack or a light breakfast treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the breads and arrange them on a beautiful platter with some fresh fruit or small bowls of dipping sauces like sweetened condensed milk or coconut cream. Offering a variety of textures and flavors will make this simple treat feel like a special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They will maintain their softness, but you might need to reheat them for the best experience.
Freezing
You can freeze the breads before cooking by sealing each filled dough ball in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to one month. When ready, thaw completely before pan-frying as instructed.
Reheating
To bring these breads back to their crispy, warm glory, reheat them gently in a skillet over low heat. Avoid the microwave, as this can make them soggy. A quick re-fry refreshes the crust while warming the sugary filling perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use regular brown sugar instead of Chinese brown sugar?
Yes! While Chinese brown sugar, also called black sugar, has a richer molasses flavor, dark brown sugar is a great substitute and will still provide that beautiful caramel sweetness needed for the filling.
Is the dough suitable for making this recipe without yeast?
Yeast is essential here for that fluffy, soft texture in the dough. Without it, the bread would be much denser and lose the signature lightness, so it’s best to stick with the yeast.
Can I bake the bread instead of pan-frying?
Baking would change the texture quite a bit. Pan-frying gives the bread its crispy crust and caramelizes the sugar filling nicely. However, if you prefer baking, you can try it but expect a softer, less crispy finish.
How sweet is this Chinese Brown Sugar Bread (Guo Kui) Recipe?
It offers a balanced sweetness—rich and caramel-like but not overpowering. The soft bread around creates a lovely contrast that makes it just the right amount of sweet and satisfying.
Can I add other fillings besides brown sugar?
Absolutely! While the traditional version uses brown sugar filling, you can experiment with red bean paste, sesame paste, or even savory fillings for a different twist.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a cozy, nostalgic snack, diving into this Chinese Brown Sugar Bread (Guo Kui) Recipe will not disappoint. It’s easy to make, wonderfully flavorful, and perfect to share with friends and family. Trust me, once you try this caramel-filled bread fresh off the skillet, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Print
Chinese Brown Sugar Bread (Guo Kui) Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 breads
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chinese Brown Sugar Bread, also known as Guo Kui, is a delightful snack featuring soft, chewy dough filled with a rich, sweet brown sugar paste. Pan-fried to golden perfection, this snack offers a crispy exterior and a warm, caramelized center, making it a beloved treat in Chinese cuisine.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Filling
- 1/2 cup Chinese brown sugar (or dark brown sugar)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for mixing with sugar)
- 1 tablespoon water (for forming sugar paste)
For Cooking
- Additional oil for pan-frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the warm water and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, stirring until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rest in a warm place for 45 to 60 minutes until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Filling: While the dough rises, mix the brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, and 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl to form a thick sugar paste.
- Divide and Shape Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten into a small circle.
- Add Filling and Seal: Spread a spoonful of the brown sugar paste in the center of each dough circle, then pinch the edges together tightly to seal the filling inside.
- Flatten the Filled Dough: Gently press each filled ball into a disc about 4 to 5 inches in diameter.
- Pan-Fry the Breads: Heat a thin layer of oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Cook each disc for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp, pressing lightly with a spatula to cook evenly.
- Cool and Serve: Transfer the breads to a rack to cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- Chinese brown sugar, also known as black sugar, provides the best authentic flavor, but dark brown sugar can be used as an alternative.
- Cook over medium-low heat to prevent the sugar filling from leaking out or burning.
- These breads are best enjoyed warm but can be reheated briefly in a skillet to restore crispness.
