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Mantou Recipe (馒头食谱)

Mantou Recipe (馒头)

A soft and fluffy Chinese steamed bun made with an easy single-proof method. I love making these mantou because they come out smooth, light, and perfect for breakfast or snacks.Author: Use Default
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 4 People
Course: Breakfast, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: Chinese, Chinese, Singaporean, Asian
Calories: 297
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 300 g All-purpose flour
  • 1.5 tsp Instant yeast
  • 2 tbsp Sugar Optional
  • 150 ml Water Use chilled if room is warm
  • 1 tbsp Vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp Flour For dusting

Equipment

  • 1 Stand mixer Helps knead dough without warming it
  • 1 Bamboo steamer Prevents water drip & adds aroma
  • 1 Sharp knife For knife-cut mantou
  • 1 Parchment sheets Prevent sticking

Method
 

Step 1:
  1. Mix water, sugar, and instant yeast. I use chilled water when my room is warm so the yeast doesn’t activate early.
Step 2:
  1. Add liquid into flour and start kneading. After 1 minute, pour the oil and continue kneading until smooth and elastic.
Step 3:
  1. Dust the board and shape the dough into a long log. Cut into equal pieces with a sharp knife or shape round if you like.
Step 4:
  1. Place each piece on parchment inside the steamer and let them proof for 30–60 minutes until they are about 1.5× bigger.
Step 5:
  1. Steam on high heat first, then medium for about 13–18 minutes. Rest 5 minutes before opening the lid so the buns stay smooth.

Notes

  • Milk can be used instead of water for softer buns.
  • Wrapping the metal steamer lid with a cloth prevents water drops.
  • Re-steam leftovers for 3–5 minutes to make them soft again.