Unveiling the Secret of the Crispy and Fluffy Laotongguan Sandwich - Exploring the Artistry of Traditional Delicacies through Baking Techniques

Old Tongguan meat sandwiched in a bun, with its golden and crispy crust and distinct layers, as well as its tender and richly flavored meat, is deeply loved by diners. As a representative of Shaanxi's intangible cultural heritage cuisine, its seemingly simple "meat in a bun" actually conceals many secrets. How can one replicate the authentic crispy texture at home or in a restaurant setting? Our company has visited many intangible cultural heritage inheritors and experienced chefs, and summarized the following key techniques.

I. Oven Temperature

Oven temperature is an important factor that cannot be ignored when baking Tongguan Roujiamo. The temperature of the baking tray is usually set at 220℃, which ensures that the dough is evenly colored during the baking process and lays a good foundation for subsequent baking. At the same time, the temperature of the oven is also crucial, generally set at 230℃. High temperature can make the dough expand rapidly, with a crispy crust and soft interior. During the baking process, it is also necessary to pay attention to the characteristic that the temperature in the middle of the baking tray is higher than that on the edge, and adjust the position of the dough in time to ensure even baking.

II. Baking Time

The control of baking time is equally crucial. Place the prepared dough on the baking rack with the top side facing up and put it into the oven. When the surface of the dough puffs up (about 3 minutes), flip it over to the other side and continue baking. Bake the other side in the oven for about 1 minute until both sides are golden brown. During this process, closely monitor the changes in the dough to avoid over-baking, which may result in a burnt crust or an undercooked interior.

III. Changes in the Dough

The changes in the dough are an important basis for judging whether the baking is successful. During the grilling process, the dough will gradually take on color and a thin, crispy crust will form on the surface. Once placed in the oven, the dough will rapidly expand, with the surface bulging to create a crispy texture with distinct layers. During the baking process, it is also necessary to pay attention to observing the color and shape changes of the dough, and adjust the baking time and temperature in a timely manner to ensure that the baked dough has a crispy outer crust, a soft inner texture, and clear layers.

In addition, during the baking process, the following details should be noted:

1. The oil stains on the griddle should be cleaned every day; otherwise, it will affect the baking effect.
2. The oil brush should be kept clean. If it gets dirty, it should be replaced in time to avoid affecting the taste and color of the dough.