Chinese Steamed Buns (Mantou)
Category: Yeast Breads
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Chinese steamed buns, or mantou, are soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet. A staple in Chinese cuisine, these buns are incredibly versatile and can be served as a snack, side dish, or even filled with savory or sweet fillings. The process of making mantou is relatively simple and involves just a few key ingredients. In this recipe, we guide you through the steps to create perfect mantou, using basic pantry items and a touch of patience for a fluffy, delicious result.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 330g |
| Water | 150g |
| Sugar | 80g |
| Dry active yeast | 6g |
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Sugars | 7g |
| Fat | 0.3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
Begin by placing 150g of warm water into the bowl of a stand mixer. Sprinkle in the 6g of dry active yeast and allow it to activate for about 5 minutes. The yeast should begin to froth, indicating it’s ready to mix with the rest of the ingredients.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
Add 330g of all-purpose flour and 80g of sugar to the yeast mixture. Mix everything together on low speed using the dough hook until the ingredients start to combine. Once the mixture starts coming together, increase the speed slightly and let the dough knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. Shape the Dough:
Once the dough has been kneaded to perfection, transfer it onto a lightly floured surface. Shape the dough into a round ball by folding the edges toward the center and rolling it gently in your hands.
4. First Rise:
Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, covering it with plastic wrap or a damp cloth. Allow the dough to rise at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This is a crucial step for creating the soft, airy texture of the buns.
5. Divide the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, place it onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Gently press the dough to release any air bubbles. Using a dough scraper or knife, divide the dough into 3 equal portions. Roll each portion into a log, then trim the ends to ensure uniformity.
6. Portion the Dough:
Cut each log into small pieces, each weighing approximately 30-40g. Shape each piece into a ball by rolling it between your hands, then flatten it slightly into a small rectangle. This step will help achieve the desired shape for the buns.
7. Prepare for Steaming:
Place each piece of dough onto a small square of parchment paper. This will prevent the buns from sticking during steaming and make them easier to remove afterward. Arrange the dough pieces on a tray, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow room for further expansion.
8. Second Rise:
Cover the tray with plastic wrap and leave the buns to rise for another 40 minutes at room temperature. This second rise ensures the mantou will have a light and airy texture.
9. Steam the Buns:
Once the buns have risen, it’s time to cook them. Prepare a bamboo steamer or a steam basket. Bring a pot of water to a boil, then place the steamer over the pot, ensuring the water is simmering, not boiling vigorously. Carefully arrange the buns in the steamer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Steam the mantou for about 15-20 minutes, until they are fully cooked and fluffy.
10. Serve:
Once steamed, remove the buns from the steamer and allow them to cool slightly. Serve the mantou in a traditional bamboo basket or on a plate, ideally with savory or sweet fillings of your choice, or simply as a soft, sweet snack.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with savory fillings like braised pork or stir-fried vegetables.
- Enjoy with a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk for a light dessert.
- Serve alongside soups or stews to soak up the broth.
These fluffy Chinese steamed buns are the perfect addition to any meal, and their soft, pillowy texture is sure to delight everyone at the table. Whether served plain or filled with your favorite ingredients, mantou is a versatile dish that will quickly become a family favorite.
Enjoy making this traditional recipe at home for a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine!
