how to make steam bread

Introduction

Steam bread, also known as mantou or Chinese steamed buns, is a delicious and popular dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as an accompaniment to various other dishes. This soft and fluffy bread is made by steaming dough, resulting in a unique texture and taste. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making steam bread at home, providing you with a step-by-step recipe and some helpful tips along the way.

Gathering the Ingredients

Before you embark on your steam bread-making journey, it is important to ensure that you have all the necessary ingredients. The following ingredients are typically used in a basic steam bread recipe:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour





• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of instant yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 cup of warm water

Preparing the Dough

The first step in making steam bread is preparing the dough. Follow these instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Mix them together until well combined.
2. Add the warm water gradually to the dry ingredients while stirring. Continue mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-10 minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Shape the dough into a ball and place it back into the mixing bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Shaping and Steaming the Bread

Once the dough has risen, it is time to shape and steam the bread. Follow these steps:

1. Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles that may have formed.
2. Place the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into smaller portions. The size of each portion will depend on the desired size of your steam bread. A typical portion size is about the size of a golf ball.
3. Take each portion of dough and shape it into a smooth ball by rolling it between your palms.
4. Once all the dough portions are shaped, cover them with a clean kitchen towel and let them rest for about 15-20 minutes. This rest period allows the dough to relax and become easier to work with.
5. After the resting time, flatten each dough ball into a disc shape using a rolling pin. Fold each disc in half and place it onto a small piece of parchment paper.
6. Arrange the parchment paper with the folded dough discs on a steamer basket, making sure to leave enough space between each bun to allow for expansion during steaming.
7. Fill a pot or wok with water and bring it to a boil. Carefully place the steamer basket with the dough buns over the boiling water.
8. Cover the pot or wok with a lid and steam the bread buns for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have a fluffy texture.

Serving and Enjoying

Once the steam bread buns are steamed and cooked, they are ready to be served and enjoyed. Here are a few suggestions on how to serve them:

• Eat them plain as a tasty and filling snack.
• Split them open and fill them with your favorite savory ingredients, such as barbecued pork, braised beef, or crispy fried chicken.
• Pair them with a hot bowl of soup for a comforting and nourishing meal.
• Use them as a base for steamed dumplings, where the steam bread acts as a delicious and chewy wrapper.

Conclusion

Now that you have learned how to make steam bread, you can confidently embark on your culinary adventure. Whether you enjoy them plain or filled with delectable ingredients, these homemade steam bread buns are sure to delight your taste buds. So, why not give this recipe a try and experience the joy of making and savoring your very own homemade steam bread?