Discover the irresistible charm of Chinese Pan Bread, a delightful skillet-cooked bread that’s golden-crisp on the outside and pillowy-soft on the inside. Made from simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and a touch of sugar, this bread is perfectly versatile—sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an extra layer of nutty flavor or enjoy it plain for a classic taste. This recipe showcases the art of quick stovetop cooking, offering a fuss-free alternative to traditional baked bread with a minimal prep time of just 20 minutes once the dough has risen. Perfect as a standalone snack, a side for soups, or a pairing for your favorite dips, Chinese Pan Bread is a must-try for anyone seeking a comforting homemade bread experience that’s easy yet satisfying.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, instant yeast, and sugar. Stir until the yeast and sugar dissolve. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon until it begins to come together into a dough.
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Drizzle the vegetable oil into a clean bowl, then place the dough in it. Turn the dough to lightly coat it with oil. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Punch down the dough to release air and transfer it to a floured surface. Divide it into 4 equal portions and roll each into a ball.
Flatten each dough ball into a disc about 1 cm thick. If desired, sprinkle the top with sesame seeds and press lightly to adhere them to the dough.
Heat a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with a thin layer of oil.
Place one dough disc into the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip it over and cook another 2-3 minutes on the other side. Repeat this process for the other discs.
Once all bread is cooked and golden, transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.
Serve warm with your favorite dips, soups, or enjoy it as a standalone snack.
Calories |
1310 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 21.3 g | 27% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.0 g | 15% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1973 mg | 86% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 242.6 g | 88% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.2 g | 36% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.7 g | ||
| Protein | 34.0 g | 68% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 140 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 15.5 mg | 86% | |
| Potassium | 402 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.