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    Healthy Little Cravings » Recipes » breads and buns » Whole Wheat Hamburger Buns (Extra Fluffy Using Tangzhong Method)

    · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Whole Wheat Hamburger Buns (Extra Fluffy Using Tangzhong Method)

    Ohhhh boy, what a week it has been! I honestly don't know how I'm finally finding some time to sit down and write a blog post.
    Ok, am I sounding too dramatic?
    Let me explain: we adopted a 70 days old kitten last week and I'm feeling like a new mom!
    Why this premise, you saying?
    Well, he "helped" me shooting these whole wheat hamburger buns the other day! Oh, he also licked them cause they're sooo good! (look at the pic!)

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Jump to the recipe
    Whole wheat milk buns recipe for hamburgers
    Meet Denver, my helper! Can you spot it?

    You have a burger, you don't have a bun. Then try these whole wheat hamburger buns!

    This recipe was born last week, because I had a burger recipe ready (you can find it here), but didn't have any burger buns in my pantry or freezer. Actually, I never do, simply because I never buy processed buns at the store.

    Carpe diem, don't miss the chance! I thought.

    I immediately went to my kitchen, checked if I had all the ingredients (I didn't have milk, oops) and activated my bread machine.
    Oh, no, right: I've made the water roux first.
    I've basically used the same recipe I used back in March, when I made Hokkaido milk bread. Remember it? It was EXTREMELY FLUFFY and delicious! No wonder it's one of the most popular recipes on the blog!
    And these came out super soft too (despite the whole wheat flour).

    So, friend, if you were looking for a whole wheat hamburger buns' recipe for your delicious burgers, I'm glad to say you just found it!

    Whole wheat hamburger buns easy recipe using Tangzhong method. Buns with sesame seeds on top
    Look at them: perfectly golden brown!

    Tangzhong method for extra softness

    Last week when I made these beauties, I decided, as I mentioned before, to follow my multiple-times-tested Hokkaido milk bread recipe.
    For one main reason: I wanted soft hamburger buns, not tough! And I knew the Tangzhong was the answer to that.

    I don't know if you’re familiar with Tangzhong method, in case you don't please go read the Hokkaido bread post.
    Briefly: it's a mixture of water + flour that gives the loaf extra softness. That's because together they will form a gel that will hold onto water into the dough and, because the liquids won’t evaporate, you’ll obtain a higher moisture bread.

    How to make a water roux:

    Tangzhong, a.k.a water roux, is so easy to prepare. You'll need 2 ingredients, a pan and a whisk.

    1. Combine water and sifted bread flour into a small pan, then gently whisk;
    2. Now place the pan over low heat on the stove;
    3. Whisk all the time with a spatula or a tiny silicon whisk, until you obtain a thick gel-consistency mixture;
    4. If you have a thermometer, measure it: it should reach 65°C/150°F;
    5. Turn off the heat and let cool down at room temperature.

    Easy uh? It takes 2 minutes and it gives your bread extra fluffiness.
    Just make sure you prepare it in advance, so it has time to cool down.
    Result? You'll have the best whole wheat hamburger buns ever!

    Hokkaido Milk Bread made with Tangzhong method, made with water roux
    My Hokkaido milk bread made back in March

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS about these soft hamburger buns:

    • What makes these buns soft and fluffy?

    The Tangzhong method! As I mentioned above and in my japanese bread recipe back in March, the water roux will hold onto moisture and that will result in a softer loaf. If I were you, I'd start using it in every recipe from now on!

    • Does the whole wheat flour make the buns sturdy?

    The texture of these whole wheat hamburger buns is a bit more dense than the regular ones made with bread flour. But they're not tough at all. Indeed, they're perfect for holding your burgers!

    • Can I use milk instead of water?

    I encourage you to use it! Milk gives so much more flavor. I've made these with water just because I forgot to buy milk.
    I'll test the milk buns recipe soon!

    • How long do these hamburger buns last?

    The water roux method also makes your bread last longer. These wheat buns will last ⅔ days into a airtight container, but my advice is to freeze them so they will last weeks...months!

    Milk buns for hamburgers
    Top your soft hamburger buns with a lot of sesame seeds!

    If you make this recipe, please be sure to give it a rating and leave a comment! It would make me so happy!  🙂

    Remember: if you try one of my recipes, tag me on Instagram or DM me the photos! 


    Whole wheat hamburger buns easy recipe using Tangzhong method. Buns with sesame seeds on top

    SOFT WHOLE WHEAT HAMBURGER BUNS

    These burger buns are a healthier version of the regular ones: made with whole wheat flour, rich in fibers!
    Print Pin
    Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Rising time: 1 hour hour 40 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 2 hours hours 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8 buns
    Author: Roberta

    Ingredients

    For the Tangzhong (water roux):
    • 25 gr Bread flour
    • 100 gr Water
    For the buns:
    • 320 gr Whole wheat flour
    • 5 gr Salt
    • 30 gr Brown sugar (or white)
    • 5 gr Dry yeast
    • 120 gr Warm water - at 35-40° Celsius approapproximately
    • 5 gr Condensed milk
    • Half Beaten egg - approximately 25 gr
    • 20 gr Extra virgin olive oil
    • 5 gr Water
    To brush the top:
    • Milk - (or a combination of condensed milk and water)
    • Half Beaten Egg
    • Sesame seeds

    Instructions

    For the Tangzhong (water roux):
    • Start with the water roux: in a small pan, combine water and flour then whisk.
      Place it over low heat on the stove and keep whisking with a spatula or a tiny silicon whisk, until you get a thick gel-consistency mixture (and it reaches 65°C/150°F)
    • Pour the water roux on a plate, cover with plastic wrap and let it cool at room temperature.
    For the hamburger buns:
    • (I usually use a bread machine, but if you have a stand mixer that's even better. You can make them by hand too.)
    • Put whole wheat flour, sugar, salt into the machine and program it for "dough", press Start. Add dry yeast and 120 gr of warm water (ideally at 35-40° C / 95°-104°F).
    • Gradually add the beaten egg, condensed milk, Tangzhong and let incorporate.
    • Add the oil + water and let knead for 15/20 minutes.
    • Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let it rise for 50 minutes in a warm place (in Summer, you'll probably need less time).
    • After the dough has doubled in size, press it - gently! - to degas it.
    • Divide it into 8 pieces (about 75 gr each) and roll them into balls. Cover and let them rise for 50 minutes.
    • Preheat your oven at 180°C (350°F).
    • Combine milk and egg, brush the buns and sprinkle some sesame seeds on top.
      Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
    • As soon as you take them out of the oven, brush with more milk.
    • Let cool down on a cooling rack.
    Tried this recipe?Mention @roberta.dallalba on Instagram or DM me!

    Loved this recipe? I've got another one for you, using the Tangzhong method: my Hokkaido milk bread recipe!

    Hokkaido Milk Bread made with Tangzhong method, made with water roux
    SOFT JAPANESE BREAD MADE WITH CONDENSED MILK

    © Healthy Little Cravings - Roberta Dall’Alba.
    I own all content and photos’ copyright.

    Before using my photos and recipes, please email me.
    If you would like to republish a recipe, please link back to this post and re-write the instructions in your own words.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jackie says

      January 12, 2024 at 1:44 am

      I made these and my husband loved them! I wish I could share a picture, they were so pretty.

      Does “condensed milk” refer to sweetened condensed milk? I used regular milk with a pinch of dry milk added since I didn’t have evaporated or condensed milk on hand.
      Thanks for sharing the recipe!

      Reply
    2. Maria says

      March 14, 2023 at 7:00 pm

      Hi! I want to try your recipe! Could condensed milk be substituted?

      Reply
      • Roberta says

        March 15, 2023 at 9:58 am

        Hey Maria:) just omit it!:)

        Reply

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