Gabubu Bread is very similar to a Native American fry bread, with a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. However, unlike fry bread, Gabubu bread uses less fat for cooking.

Instead of deep frying, Gabubu bread is made by shallow frying it in a skillet, using less oil. Where is this delicious delicacy from, though? Although popular now, Gabubu bread may be difficult to find outside South Dakota.
This bread is so prevalent in this region that people often term it the official bread of South Dakota! Fry bread was famous amongst the families in West River and South Dakota. However, in a quest to look for a cheaper option, they came up with this fantastic recipe!
Before making this recipe, I wondered what else made it unique besides its texture. Well, simple ingredients, the ease of making the bread, and the recipe’s versatility make this recipe a star.
Equipments Required
- Measuring Cups: To get the perfect Gabubu bread with a crispy exterior and a soft interior, it is essential to be precise with the ingredients, and hence, you should use measuring cups.
- Measuring Spoons: To get the correct measurements, measuring spoons can be used to measure ingredients needed in smaller quantities for this recipe.
- Bowl: You will need a large bowl to mix all your ingredients and prepare the bread dough.
- Rolling Pin: This will help evenly roll out the bread before it is cooked.
- Spatula: To flip the bread while cooking.
- Cast Iron Skillet: A cast iron skillet is the best option for making bread, as it ensures even heat distribution. However, if you don’t have one, you can also use a regular skillet or a frying pan.
Gabubu Bread Ingredients & Substitutions
Note: This recipe is large enough to make four medium-sized Gabubu flatbreads. If you want to make more or less of the same, you must adjust the recipe quantities accordingly.
- 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour: Ideally, all-purpose flour is the best for this recipe. However, you can also use bread flour in its place, as the extra gluten content can be good for this recipe.
- 1 Tablespoon Baking Powder: Yes, this recipe does indeed need a lot of baking powder, as it is the primary leavening agent for the bread, giving it the ideal soft and chewy inside.
- 1 Tablespoon Canola Oil: The same vegetable or sunflower oil quantity will also work for this bread recipe.
- ¼ Teaspoons Granulated White Sugar: Even caster sugar will work in its place. This will add a hint of sweetness to the bread.
- 1 Teaspoon Salt: To enhance the flavor of the bread.
- 1.5 Cups Of Milk: Choose semi-skimmed or whole milk, but avoid completely skimmed milk.
- Canola Oil or Lard: For frying, so a few tablespoons of the same will work fine.
Preparation And Cooking Time
Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
---|---|---|
20 Minutes | 10 Minutes | 30 Minutes |
How To Make Gabubu Bread At Home
Step 1
Add sifted flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder to a bowl.
Step 2
Follow that by adding the canola oil and milk to the dry ingredients.
Step 3
Start mixing and kneading the ingredients gently.
Step 4
Mix the ingredients well until it forms a smooth dough, and transfer the same to a floured surface.
Step 5
Now, cut out four equal portions of the dough.
Step 6
Roll out each portion of the dough into a flatbread with uniform thickness.
Step 7
Transfer the rolled Gabubu bread dough to a hot cast iron skillet with canola oil or lard. Cook for 8-10 minutes on a low to medium heat until the bread browns.
Step 9
Your Gabubu Bread is ready.
Gabubu Bread Recipe Video
Expert Tips That I Recommend
- For this recipe, avoid using oil with a lower smoking point, like safflower or flaxseed oil, especially for frying the bread.
- Mix the dough as gently as you can to prevent unnecessary gluten formation.
- To ensure even cooking, cook only one Gabubu bread at a time, even if it is small.
- Ensure your heat is low or medium to prevent the oil from burning or reaching its smoke point too quickly, leaving it with a rancid flavor.
- Serve the Gabubu bread immediately, as it is one of those types of bread that is best enjoyed when it is piping hot.
- For a crispier dough, preheat your skillet before adding it.
FAQs About Gabubu Bread
Nutritional Information Per Serving
However, Gabubu bread is a decently healthy option to enjoy in moderation and occasionally. Although it has few calories or fat, it is also cooked in a lot of oil, so it is best to have it just sometimes.
Calories | 181.3 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 33.2 g |
Protein | 2.1 g |
Fat | 2.9 g |
Cholesterol | 3 mg |
Sodium | 664 mg |
Gabubu Bread is moderately healthy and can be enjoyed by people on various diets. It is great for a vegan, vegetarian, or lactose-free diet. However, it may not be the best option for those on a gluten-free or keto diet or for people trying to lose weight.
Recipe Variations For Different Diets
- Gluten-Free Diet: Those on a gluten-free diet must substitute gluten-free flour for the one used in this recipe. The result may differ from Gabubu bread made with all-purpose flour; however, it will still taste amazing.
- Keto-Diet: Unfortunately, those on a keto diet may have to try a completely different recipe for Gabubu bread, which is made with eggs rather than flour. Sadly, there is no way to eliminate carbohydrates from this particular recipe.
- Low-Calorie Diet: Although this bread does not have a high-calorie count, the all-purpose flour and too much oil may be troublesome for those trying to lose weight. To make it healthier, switch the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and use less fat while shallowly frying the bread.
Storing And Reheating This Recipe
Storing
- On The Counter: If you made your bread a few hours before you would like to eat it, you can just leave it on the counter. I recommend wrapping the bread in aluminum foil to preserve heat and natural flavor.
- In The Refrigerator: To enjoy the pre-made bread another day, it is best to refrigerate it. Wrap the bread in aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. Keep the airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- In The Freezer: Ideally, gabubu bread should not be frozen. However, if you must, wrap it in aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container or a ziplock bag. After that, put it in the freezer, and remember to thaw it before reheating.
Reheating
- In The Microwave: A quick way to get your Gabubu bread all hot and steaming is to heat it in the microwave. Set the microwave at the highest heat setting, and heat the bread on a microwave-safe plate for 30-second intervals until piping hot. Depending on your microwave’s size and heat setting, your bread should be ready in 1-2 minutes.
- On A Pan: This method of heating Gabubu bread is much more efficient, as it retains the outer crispy texture. Heat your cast iron pan with oil, and place the Gabubu bread in it. Let it heat on each side for a few minutes, then serve hot and enjoy.
- In The Oven: You can reheat your Gabubu bread in the oven. Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and place the bread in it. Let it heat up for 5-8 minutes until steaming hot, and then you are done!
What To Serve With This Recipe
For those with a giant sweet tooth, this gabubu bread can be like a pancake, topped with maple syrup or Chocolate Sauce. A delicious Blueberry Compote and whipped cream will also flavor this dish.
As far as sweetness goes, my favorite combination with this recipe will always be to sprinkle some cinnamon, brown sugar, and a little Cream Cheese Frosting on top. Now, coming to the savory side, the options are endless!
To make this bread the ultimate breakfast treat, you can serve it with mashed avocados or Scrambled Eggs and bacon. Besides, this bread will go well with a delicious Beef Stew, or even a well-made Chicken Curry will do it justice!
Printable Version
Gabubu Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Tablespoon Baking Powder
- 1 Tablespoon Canola Oil
- ¼ Teaspoon Granulated White Sugar
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1½ Cups Milk
- Canola Oil or Lard for frying
Equipment
- Measuring cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Bowl
- Rolling Pin
- Spatula
- Cast-Iron Skillet
Instructions
- Add sifted flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder to a bowl, ensuring it is not too old and has not expired.
- Follow that by adding the canola oil and milk to the dry ingredients.
- Start mixing and kneading the ingredients gently.
- Mix the ingredients well until it forms a smooth dough, and transfer the same to a floured surface.
- Now, cut out four equal portions of the dough.
- Roll out each portion of the dough into a flatbread with uniform thickness.
- Transfer the rolled Gabubu Bread dough to a hot cast iron skillet with canola oil or lard. Cook for 8-10 minutes on a low to medium heat until the bread browns.
- Flip the bread and cook the other side, adding a little bit of oil. Once done on both sides, which should take about 20-30 minutes, transfer the bread to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off the excess oil.
- Your Gabubu Bread is ready.
Video
Notes
- For this recipe, avoid using oil with a lower smoking point, like safflower or flaxseed oil, especially for frying the bread.
- Mix the dough as gently as you can to prevent unnecessary gluten formation.
- To ensure even cooking, cook only one Gabubu bread at a time, even if it is small.
- Ensure your heat is low or medium to prevent the oil from burning or reaching its smoke point too quickly, leaving it with a rancid flavor.
- Serve the Gabubu bread immediately, as it is one of those types of bread that is best enjoyed when it is piping hot.
- For a crispier dough, preheat your skillet before adding it.
Nutrition
More Bread Recipes That You Can Try
Conclusion
Gabubu Bread is a South Dakota delicacy that needs much more recognition than it currently receives.
The bread is so easy to make, which is surely a plus. But other than that, of course, it is super delicious! This is one of those recipes that makes you go in awe just by seeing how a bunch of simple ingredients can make something so delicious.
So now, don’t wait to try this fantastic recipe! When you try this recipe out, let me know in the comments how it turned out for you, regardless of whether you tried the original recipe or one of its variations.