Chinese cuisine

Steamed bread, also known as馒头(mantou) in Chinese, is a staple food in many parts of Asia. It’s a soft, white, steamed bun that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. While traditional methods of making mantou involve a lengthy fermentation process, there are quicker methods that can help you enjoy this delicious food in no time. In this article, we’ll explore a simple and fast way to make steamed bread using instant yeast and温水(warm water) to cut down on the fermentation time.
Quick and Easy Method for Making Steamed Bread (Mantou)

Introduction

Steamed bread is a popular choice for many people due to its soft texture and mild flavor. However, the traditional method of making mantou can be time-consuming, especially if you’re short on time. In this article, we’ll share a quick and easy method for making steamed bread using instant yeast and温水(warm water). This method will help you enjoy the delicious taste of steamed bread in half the time.

Ingredients

Before we start, let’s go through the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:

• Flour: 500 grams (approximately 4 cups)
• Instant Yeast: 7 grams (1 packet)
• Sugar: 10 grams (2 teaspoons)
• Salt: 5 grams (1 teaspoon)
• Water: 250 milliliters (approximately 1 cup) at a warm temperature (around 35°C)
• Baking Soda (Optional): 3 grams (1/2 teaspoon) for additional rise and softness (if using)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the instant yeast in the warm water along with the sugar. Stir until the yeast is completely dissolved and looks like a smooth slurry. Let this mixture stand for about 5 minutes until it becomes bubbly.
2. If the yeast mixture doesn’t become bubbly within 5 minutes, discard it and start over with fresh yeast as the yeast may have lost its potency.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking soda (if using). Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the dry ingredients and mix well using a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. If the dough seems too dry, add a little more warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it comes together.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If you find the dough too sticky, sprinkle some additional flour on your hands and the work surface.

Step 5: Let the Dough Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a large bowl that has been lightly oiled or greased. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let it rest in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until it has doubled in size. You can also place the bowl in a turned-off oven with the light on to create a warm environment.

Step 6: Shape the Buns

1. After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces depending on how big you want your buns to be. Shape each piece into a ball by rounding it off with your hands.
2. Cover the shaped buns with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let them rest for another 15 minutes. This step allows the buns to rise slightly before steaming, resulting in a softer texture.

Step 7: Steam the Buns

1. While the buns are resting, prepare your steamer by placing a layer of parchment paper or silicone mat on top of the steamer basket to prevent the buns from sticking. You can also use a steamer pot with a lid if you don’t have a dedicated steamer basket.
2. Place the buns in the steamer basket or pot, leaving some space between them to allow for expansion during steaming. Cover the steamer and let it sit for another 5 minutes before starting to steam.
3. Bring water to a boil in the steamer pot or below the basket. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and place the steamer basket on top. Steam the buns for about 12-15 minutes or until they’re fully cooked. You can check if they’re done by tapping on the top of one of the buns; if it sounds hollow, they’re ready.
4. Turn off the heat and let the buns sit in the steamer for another 3-5 minutes before removing them to cool slightly on a wire rack or plate before serving.

Tips and Variations

• Adding Flavorings: You can add various flavorings such as sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or grated cheese to enhance the taste of your steamed bread. Simply sprinkle these ingredients on top of the dough before shaping it into buns.
• Using Active Dry Yeast: If you don’t have instant yeast, you can use active dry yeast instead but remember to proof it in warm water first before adding it to your dough mixture. The fermentation time may be slightly longer when using active dry yeast compared to instant yeast due to its slower reaction rate at room temperature. However, both methods will yield similar results in terms of taste and texture when done correctly.
• No-Knead Version: For an even easier version without kneading, you can use a food processor or stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment to mix and knead your dough automatically while you attend to other tasks around your kitchen! Simply combine all ingredients in the bowl of your machine according to manufacturer instructions until a smooth dough forms then proceed with shaping and steaming steps as described above! This method saves time on manual labor but still produces delicious steamed bread! However note that no knead versions may not rise as high as hand kneaded versions due to lack of gluten development through manual labor but both methods are still delicious! Enjoy!