If you have 1 egg, flour and sugar, prepare this delicious, no-oven recipe, very simple and delicious.

What We’re Making: Stovetop Fried Doughnuts (or Sweet Buns)

Since there’s no oven required and we have yeast and baking powder, these will be light, fluffy, and slightly sweet—perfect for dusting with sugar. The combination of yeast and baking powder gives them an extra lift.

Ingredients Recap:

• 240 ml lukewarm milk

• 2 tablespoons sugar (plus extra for dusting)

• 8 g dried yeast (about 2¼ teaspoons, or one standard packet)

• 1 egg

• Salt to taste (a pinch)

• 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 orange)

• 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable, canola, or melted coconut oil)

• 6 g baking powder (about 1½ teaspoons)

• 300 g flour (about 2½ cups, all-purpose)

• 1 tablespoon butter (melted, for brushing)

• Caster sugar for dusting (superfine sugar)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Part 1: Activate the Yeast

1. Warm the Milk: Gently warm the 240 ml of milk until it’s lukewarm (about 105-115°F or just warm to the touch—not hot!). If it’s too hot, it will kill the yeast.

2. Combine Yeast and Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and the 8 g of dried yeast. Stir gently.

3. Let It Rest: Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly on top. This means your yeast is active and ready to go.

Part 2: Make the Dough

1. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg lightly. Add the salt, orange zest, and 2 tablespoons of oil. Pour in the frothy yeast mixture and whisk to combine.

2. Add Dry Ingredients: Add the 300 g of flour and the 6 g of baking powder.

3. Mix to Form Dough: Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.

4. Knead: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, soft, and elastic. (If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon more flour at a time; if too dry, add a tiny splash of milk).

5. First Rise: Lightly oil the same bowl, place the dough back in, and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

Part 3: Shape the Doughnuts/Buns

1. Punch Down: Gently punch the risen dough down to release the air.

2. Roll Out: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about ½-inch (1 cm) thickness.

3. Cut Shapes: Use a round cookie cutter (or the rim of a glass) to cut out circles. If you want ring-shaped doughnuts, use a smaller cutter to remove the center. If you want buns, just keep the circles.

4. Second Rise: Place the cut circles on a piece of parchment paper or a lightly floured baking sheet. Cover loosely with the towel and let them rise again for 20-30 minutes—they’ll puff up nicely.

Part 4: Fry on the Stovetop

1. Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet, pot, or fryer, heat about 2 inches of oil (vegetable or canola) to 350°F (175°C) . If you don’t have a thermometer, a cube of bread should turn golden brown in about 60 seconds.

2. Fry Carefully: Gently place a few dough circles into the hot oil—don’t overcrowd. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, until they are puffed up and golden brown.

3. Drain: Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Part 5: Finish and Serve

1. Brush with Butter: While still warm, brush the top of each fried doughnut or bun with the melted butter. This helps the sugar stick.

2. Dust with Sugar: Generously sprinkle or toss them in caster sugar until well coated.

3. Serve Warm: These are absolutely best enjoyed warm and fresh. The orange zest makes them wonderfully aromatic!

Tips for Success

• Oil Temperature is Key: If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. If too cool, they’ll absorb oil and become greasy. Keep it at a steady 350°F.

• Don’t Overcrowd: Frying too many at once drops the oil temperature and leads to greasy results. Work in batches.

• Flavor Variations: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the caster sugar for cinnamon sugar doughnuts. Or, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

• Serving Suggestion: These are perfect with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or tea.

Enjoy your delicious, no-oven, stovetop treat