Homemade Burger Buns

Method

• 1
  For the starter, crumble the fresh yeast into a small bowl, sprinkle with 10 g sugar, and stir with a fork until liquid. Stir in 10 g flour and pour in 125 ml lukewarm milk. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 10 minutes until a strong foam has formed.
• 2
  In a small saucepan, whisk 20 g flour smoothly with the remaining 100 ml milk. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and takes on a pudding-like consistency (Tang Zhong). Immediately remove from heat, spread onto a plate, and let cool.
• 3
  Mix the remaining flour (320 g), the remaining sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Add one egg, an additional yolk (reserve the egg white for later), the starter, and the cooled Tang Zhong. Using the dough hook of a stand mixer, knead first slowly, then on medium speed for about 10 minutes, until a smooth, elastic dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
• 4
  Dice the room-temperature butter and knead it into the dough piece by piece. Only add the next piece when the previous one has been fully incorporated. The dough should have a silky sheen.
• 5
  Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about 60 minutes, until its volume has doubled.
• 6
  Gently press down the risen dough to remove air, and turn it out onto a lightly floured work surface. Divide into 8 equal portions (approx. 85-90 g per piece).
• 7
  Shape each piece of dough into a smooth ball. To do this, fold the edges towards the center, turn it over, and move it in a circular motion with a cupped hand on the work surface until the surface is nicely taut. Lightly flatten.
• 8
  Place the buns with sufficient space apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a second baking sheet or a large bowl and let rise again for 45-60 minutes. Preheat the oven in good time to 190 °C top/bottom heat (or 175 °C convection).
• 9
  Whisk the remaining egg white (or a whole egg) with a splash of water or milk. Carefully brush the buns with it, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and bake in the hot oven.
• 10
  Bake the burger buns for approx. 18-20 minutes until golden brown. They should be shiny and feel firm. If necessary, cover with aluminum foil towards the end if they start to get too dark.
• 11
  Let cool completely on a wire rack. Slice open before topping and briefly toast the cut sides.