Spicy Sardine Buns [Sponge Dough Method]

To prepare my Papa's most loved dish Spicy Sardine Vege Salad, I bought a big can of sardines in tomato sauce but only use half of it.  With the balance, I used it to bake buns with sardine filling which are my nephews favourite too.

Using the sweet bun recipe [sponge dough method], these buns are light, fluffy and soft. Refer HERE to view photos on how to make buns using sponge dough method.
Ingredients for the buns-Sponge Dough Method

[makes  10  buns]
Step 1 - Ingredients

2 tsp instant yeast

160-170 ml  water

230 gm bread flour

• Mix yeast with water in mixing bowl, then add in flour.  Knead to form a soft and smooth dough.
• Cover and leave to proof for 1-1 1/2 hours or double in size.

Step 2 - Ingredients

60 gm sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1 small egg [20 gm]

25 ml water

100 gm bread flour

30 gm butter

1. Add all Step 2 ingredients  [except butter] to dough from Step 1.  Knead from low speed until well combined.  Continue to knead on medium speed until dough is soft and smooth [takes about 7-10 minutes].  Add in butter, continue to knead until dough is soft and elastic or window pane stage [Notes - if not baking buns immediately, the dough can be kept in plastic bag tied up and refrigerate.   Thaw to room temperature before using.   Advisable to keep up to 48 hours only].
2. Shape dough into a ball.  Cover and leave to proof for 15 minutes.
3. Punch down and divide dough in 60 gm per portion or into any portions preferred.
4. Shape dough into round balls.  Roll out each ball and fill it 1 tbsp of the sardine onion filling.  Gather the edges together and seal up the seam to shape into a triangular shaped bun or shape it into an oval shape.  Place bun on greased paper casing on a baking tray.
5. Leave to rise for 30-45 minutes or until double in size.  Brush with egg/milk glaze. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
6. Baked in preheated oven at 190 degrees for 12-15 minutes.  Brush buns with melted butter if preferred.
7. Remove to cool on rack.

Ingredients for Filling 

[Spicy Sardine Filling]
250 gm sardine in tomato sauce - pour away sauce

1 big onion - chopped small pieces
1.5 tbsp chilli  sauce [or 1 tsp chilli paste]
1/2 tsp ikan bilis [anchovies] stock granules
1/4 tsp pepper
1 tbsp lime juice
salt and sugar to taste

1. Heat 1/2 tbsp oil in pan to saute onions until soft.  Add in sardines and all the seasoning.
2. Stir fry to combine and cook until mixture is slightly dry.
3. Remove from pan to cool.    Filling is ready for use or refrigerate until required.

Note:

Filling is enough to make 10 buns.