Best Easy Mantou Recipe

Soft, pillowy mantou are classic Chinese steamed bread rolls perfect for any meal. A vegetarian, family-friendly staple that pairs with soups and stir-fries.

Cook 90 min Difficulty NORMAL 150 kcal
#vegetarian #family-friendly #Chinese bread #steamed rolls
Image coming soon
Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • All-purpose flour 3 cups
  • Whole milk 1 cup
  • Active dry yeast 2 tsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Sugar 2 tbsp
  • Vegetable oil 1 tbsp
  • Salt 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 30 g 80%
Protein 4 g 10%
Fat 1.5 g 9%
Serving size 60g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Warm the whole milk until just lukewarm (about 105°F), then stir in the sugar to dissolve.

  2. 2

    Sprinkle active dry yeast over the milk and let it bloom for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

  3. 3

    In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the bloomed yeast mixture and vegetable oil.

  4. 4

    Mix and knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for at least 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  5. 5

    Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm area for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.

  6. 6

    Punch down the dough and divide into 8 even pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth roll.

  7. 7

    Arrange rolls on parchment paper in the steamer basket, leaving space to expand. Let rest uncovered for 20–30 minutes.

  8. 8

    Bring water in the steamer to a boil, then reduce heat to a steady medium. Steam mantou for 12–15 minutes without removing the lid.

  9. 9

    After steaming, turn off the heat and let the rolls sit for 5 minutes before opening the steamer to prevent collapsing.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What are the essential ingredients that define mantou's classic flavor and texture?
The core ingredients for mantou are all-purpose flour, whole milk, active dry yeast, sugar, and a touch of oil. The flour forms the structure, yeast delivers the distinct rise and pillowy texture, while milk and a little oil contribute to the soft, tender crumb. Sugar provides slight sweetness, giving mantou its characteristic subtle flavor.
Q. What's the most important step for achieving mantou's perfect soft texture at home?
Ensuring a thorough knead and a complete first rise is critical for that classic, fluffy mantou crumb. Use medium-low heat for steaming—overheating can make rolls dense, while under-heating can lead to gummy centers. Always let mantou rest before opening the steamer post-cooking to keep the rolls from collapsing.
Q. How do I prevent mantou from becoming dense or collapsed after steaming?
Dense mantou usually results from insufficient kneading or incomplete proofing, while collapsed rolls often come from sudden temperature changes. Always knead dough until fully elastic, allow proper resting before steaming, and let mantou sit in the steamer for 5 minutes after cooking before removing the lid to maintain their shape and light texture.
Q. What are the nutritional values of mantou per serving?
Each serving of mantou (60g) contains about 150 kcal, with 30g carbohydrates (80% of calories), 4g protein (10%), and 1.5g fat (9%). These rolls are mostly carbohydrate-based, making them an excellent side for balanced meals.
AI 채팅 아이콘