Chinese Steamed Bread
Soft, fluffy, and delightfully versatile, Chinese Steamed Bread—also known as Mantou—is a beloved staple in Chinese cuisine that pairs perfectly with both sweet and savory dishes. Made with simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and a touch of sugar, these pillowy buns are gently proofed and steamed to perfection, resulting in a light, delicately chewy texture. Whether you shape them into smooth rounds or intricate twists, this recipe offers a step-by-step guide to creating homemade steamed bread that rivals restaurant-quality versions. Perfect as a breakfast treat dipped in sweetened condensed milk, a side for hearty stews, or simply enjoyed on its own, this recipe is easy to make and great for meal prep. Craft your own batch of this timeless classic, and discover why Chinese Steamed Bread is a cherished comfort food worldwide!
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Ingredients
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 7 g instant yeast
- 50 g granulated sugar
- 250 ml lukewarm water
- 20 ml neutral-flavored oil (e.g., vegetable or canola oil)
- 2 g baking powder
Directions
Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and baking powder. Mix well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
Step 2
Gradually add the lukewarm water to the dry ingredients while stirring with a wooden spoon or chopsticks. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
Step 3
Add the neutral-flavored oil and knead the dough with your hands for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, lightly flour your hands during kneading, but avoid adding too much extra flour.
Step 4
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it proof in a warm place for 1 hour, or until the dough doubles in size.
Step 5
After the dough has proofed, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for another 2–3 minutes to ensure smoothness.
Step 6
Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball or shape as desired (e.g., traditional round Mantou or twisted swirls). Place each portion on a small square of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 7
Arrange the shaped dough portions, spaced slightly apart, in a steamer basket. Cover the steamer with its lid and let the dough rest for an additional 15 minutes for a final proof.
Step 8
Prepare a pot of boiling water for steaming. Place the steamer basket over the pot, ensuring the bottom of the basket does not touch the water. Steam the bread over medium-high heat for 15–20 minutes.
Step 9
Once finished, turn off the heat but keep the lid on the steamer for 5 minutes before removing it. This step helps prevent the Mantou from collapsing due to sudden changes in temperature.
Step 10
Serve the steamed bread warm on its own, or with dipping sauces, sweetened condensed milk, or as a side to a savory dish. Store leftovers in an airtight container and gently reheat by steaming before serving.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (832.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2205.0 |
| Total Fat 25.2g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 2.2g | 0% |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 205.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 435.5g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 15.6g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 51.1g | |
| Protein 54.6g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 71mg | 0% |
| Iron 23.6mg | 0% |
| Potassium 615mg | 0% |
Source of Calories