Sesame Flatbread (芝麻烧饼)

芝麻烧饼

Sesame Flatbread (芝麻烧饼) — Northern Chinese Home CookingBeijing (English) home cooking.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• White sesame seeds
• Lard or vegetable oil
• Warm water
• Salt
• Dark soy sauce

Instructions

1. Make the dough: mix flour and salt, add lard and warm water. Knead until smooth (about 8 minutes). Cover and rest for 20 minutes. (Dough should be soft and slightly tacky, like an earlobe)
2. Prepare the oil paste (油酥): mix 40g flour with 40g melted lard into a smooth paste. (Paste should be creamy and spreadable, like peanut butter)
3. Roll the dough into a rectangle. Spread oil paste evenly, then roll up tightly like a jelly roll. (Layers should be visible when you cut the roll)
4. Cut into 4 equal pieces. Take one piece, stretch slightly, then coil into a spiral. Flatten with palm. (Spiral layers should be visible on the cut surface)
5. Brush top with water, press firmly into sesame seeds. Place seam-side down on baking sheet. (Sesame seeds should adhere well, not falling off)
6. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 18-20 minutes until golden. Cool 5 minutes before serving. (Bottom should be deep golden brown)