Description
Steamed Bun (Mantou) is a soft and fluffy Chinese bread made from simple pantry ingredients. These buns can be served with jam, nut butter, butter, or paired with savory dishes like Spicy Thai Basil Tofu. The perfect breakfast or side dish, Mantou is a delicious and versatile treat that is easy to make and vegan-friendly.
Ingredients
Scale
- 240 g all-purpose flour (about 2 cups)
- 3 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon Instant dry yeast
- a pinch of salt
- 133 g water
Instructions
- Place flour in a mound on a cleaned surface and create a well in the middle. Add yeast, salt, and sugar in the well. Gradually pour in water, bringing surrounding flour into the mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Continue kneading the dough for 10-12 minutes until smooth and air bubbles are removed.
- Divide dough into 8 equal portions (about 48g each). Mold each portion into a ball and place on parchment paper.
- Let the buns rest for 30 minutes, uncovered, to create a smooth outer skin.
- Prepare a pot with boiling water for steaming. Steam the buns in a bamboo steamer for 12 minutes, then remove and serve warm.
Notes
- Measure flour with the spoon & sweep method: spoon flour into a measuring cup, then level it with a knife.
- If using a standing mixer, follow the kneading instructions above for best results.
- Ensure no tiny holes in the dough portions to avoid wrinkly tops after steaming.
- For the best results, use a bamboo steamer, but a stainless steel steamer can work with a cloth on the lid to prevent condensation.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Breakfast, Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Mantou, Steamed Bun, Bao, Comfort Food, Vegan Buns, Chinese Breakfast