Discover the irresistible charm of Sri Lankan cuisine with these delectable Fish Buns! Perfectly golden and flaky on the outside, with a mouthwatering fish filling that will transport your taste buds straight to the shores of Sri Lanka. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply craving a unique snack, these buns are sure to impress. With just a little time and a handful of ingredients, you can create a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to dive into this flavorful adventure? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Sri Lankan
Serves: 8 buns
Ingredients
- 500g fish (tuna or mackerel)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1 tsp curry powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the fish filling. If using fresh fish, clean and fillet the fish, then steam or boil it until fully cooked. If using canned fish, simply drain it and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the finely chopped green chilies and curry powder. Sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the cooked fish to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces as you mix it with the onion and spices. Season with salt to taste. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and the remaining melted butter. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In another bowl, combine the milk and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this milk mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead gently for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Once the dough has rested, divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten it into a disc about 1/4 inch thick.
- Place a generous spoonful of the fish filling in the center of each disc. Carefully fold the edges over the filling, pinching to seal and form a bun. Ensure there are no gaps to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Place the prepared buns on the lined baking sheet. Brush the tops of each bun with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the buns are golden brown and cooked through.
- Once baked, remove the buns from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Sri Lankan fish buns warm!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Fish: For the best flavor, opt for fresh tuna or mackerel. If using canned fish, ensure it's high quality for optimal taste.
- Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chilies based on your heat preference. You can also add a pinch of chili powder for an extra kick!
- Perfect Dough Consistency: When mixing the dough, ensure it’s not too sticky. If it is, add a little more flour until you achieve a smooth, elastic texture.
- Seal the Buns Well: Make sure to pinch the edges of the buns tightly to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Egg Wash for Shine: Don’t skip the egg wash! It gives the buns a beautiful golden color and adds a lovely sheen.
- Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve the buns warm right out of the oven. They’re perfect on their own or with a side of spicy dipping sauce.
- Batch Cooking: These buns freeze well! Prepare a larger batch and freeze them before baking. Just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer when you’re ready to enjoy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 65mg
