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Mantou

Made from a basic yeasted dough, mantou (Chinese steamed buns) have a light and fluffy texture that makes for a simple but highly versatile bread. Mantou are enjoyed fresh and warm, filled with sweet or savory fillings, dipped into chocolate or butterscotch sauce, or lightly fried in golden aromatic butter (similar to French beurre noisette).

Recipe Servings: 8

Prep Time
15 minutes
+ 35 minutes resting
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 10 minutes
Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Kosher
Halal

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp active dried yeast
  • 1 Tbsp sugar
  • ½ cup warm water
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp oil
  • 1 Tbsp water

Directions

  1. Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let yeast activate for 5 minutes.
  2. Sift flour and salt into a mixing bowl. Make a well in the center. Mix in oil and yeast mixture to make a stiff dough.
  3. Form dough into a ball. Knead on a floured surface for 10–12 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Cover dough and let it rest for 10 minutes. Roll out into a large rectangle. Fold into thirds by folding one-third to the center and the remaining third on top.
  5. Roll out into a rectangle, brush water over the surface, roll up tightly into a log, and cut into 8 pieces.
  6. Pour cold water into a steamer, place buns on the steamer tray, cover, and let rise for 20 minutes. If needed, place 4 pieces on a tray to rise, covered.
  7. Heat steamer. Cover buns and steam for 20 minutes.
  8. Repeat with a second batch if needed.

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