Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 4–6
Sink your teeth into the soft, pillowy goodness of Steamed Bread Mantou, traditional Chinese steamed bread that’s light, fluffy, and subtly sweet. 🍞✨ Often enjoyed as a staple in Northern Chinese cuisine, Mantou is versatile—perfect on its own, paired with savory dishes, or served with sweet condensed milk for dipping. Whether steamed plain or filled with sweet or savory fillings, these soft buns are a comforting treat for any meal of the day.
Ingredients For Steamed Bread
🔥 For the Dough:
☑ 2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
☑ 2 teaspoons🥄 instant dry yeast 🌱
☑ 1 tablespoon🥄 sugar 🍬
☑ ½ teaspoon🥄 salt 🧂
☑ ¾ cup warm water (around 100°F/38°C) 💧
☑ 1 tablespoon🥄 vegetable oil 🛢️
🔥 Optional Add-ins:
☑ 2 tablespoons🥄 sweetened condensed milk for a richer flavor 🥛
☑ Black sesame seeds or red bean paste for fillings 🌰
☑ Matcha powder or pumpkin puree for colorful variations 🍵🎃
👩🍳 Cooking Steps For Steamed Bread
🔥 Step 1: Prepare the Dough
1️⃣ In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2️⃣ Add flour, salt, and vegetable oil to the yeast mixture.
3️⃣ Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4️⃣ Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
🍞 Step 2: Shape the Mantou
1️⃣ Punch down the risen dough to release air.
2️⃣ Roll the dough into a log and cut it into equal-sized pieces.
3️⃣ Shape each piece into smooth, round buns or roll them into spirals for a traditional look.
🔥 Step 3: Steam the Mantou
1️⃣ Place the shaped dough on parchment paper squares to prevent sticking.
2️⃣ Arrange them in a steamer basket, leaving space between each bun.
3️⃣ Cover and let rest for 15 minutes for a second rise.
4️⃣ Steam over medium heat for 12–15 minutes.
5️⃣ Turn off the heat and let the Mantou sit covered for another 5 minutes to prevent collapsing.
✨ Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
1️⃣ Serve warm, plain, or with sweet condensed milk for dipping.
2️⃣ Enjoy as a side with savory dishes like braised pork or spicy tofu.
3️⃣ Leftover Mantou can be pan-fried the next day for a crispy twist!
Light, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth soft—Steamed Bread Mantou is a comforting bite of Chinese culinary tradition!🍞
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Discover rare culinary experiences at Good Food and More—where every recipe is a journey through heritage, craftsmanship, and unforgettable flavors.
