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Korean Salt Bread

Korean Salt Bread Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/2 cups (300g) bread flour
  • 2 1/4 tsp (7g) instant yeast
  • 2 tbsp (25g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk, warmed to about 105°F (40°C)
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 3 tbsp (42g) unsalted butter, very soft
  • 4 tbsp (56g) cold unsalted butter, cut into 8 equal small cubes
  • 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk, for egg wash
  • Flaky sea salt, for topping
  • Sesame seeds (optional)

Method
 

  1. Whisk flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a mixer bowl. Add warm milk and egg, mix to a shaggy dough. Add soft butter gradually and mix until absorbed.
  2. Knead on medium speed for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and passes the windowpane test. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and rise until doubled, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
  3. Punch down dough and divide into 8 pieces. Flatten each piece into a disk, place a cold butter cube in the center with a pinch of flaky salt, seal tightly, and roll into a smooth ball. Place seam side down on a parchment lined sheet.
  4. Cover and let rise until puffed and almost doubled, about 40 to 50 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush rolls with egg yolk and milk wash, then top with sesame seeds if using.
  5. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes until deeply golden. Sprinkle flaky salt on top immediately after baking. Cool 5 minutes on the pan, then enjoy warm.

Notes

Plan for about 2 hours of total rise time, which is not counted in the prep. The finished rolls are softest the same day, but even the next day a quick oven reheat brings back the warm, buttery center.