Soft, fluffy, and simply irresistible – there’s nothing quite like the pleasure of sinking your teeth into a freshly steamed Chinese mantou bun. These cloud-like treats are a staple in Chinese cuisine, enjoyed on their own or as a perfect accompaniment to savory dishes or sweet spreads. Making your own mantou at home may seem daunting at first, but with this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll be whipping up these pillowy delights in no time. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure as we guide you through the steps of creating your very own Soft Fluffy Chinese Steamed Buns – Mantou!
**Soft Fluffy Chinese Steamed Buns Recipe – Mantou**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1 cup lukewarm water
– 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– ¼ cup sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
**Instructions:**
1. In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and activated.
2. In a separate large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture.
3. Pour the activated yeast mixture into the well and begin stirring with a wooden spoon, gradually incorporating the dry ingredients into the liquid. Continue stirring until a dough begins to form.
4. Once the mixture starts to come together, use your hands to knead the dough in the bowl until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, you can sprinkle a bit of extra flour as needed.
5. Drizzle the vegetable oil into the bowl and coat the dough evenly with oil. This will prevent it from drying out while rising. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
6. After the dough has risen, punch it down to release excess air. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for another 5-7 minutes.
7. Shape the dough into a log and cut it into smaller, equally sized pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then use a rolling pin to flatten and shape them into round discs.
8. Place the shaped mantou buns onto individual small pieces of parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking during steaming.
9. In a steamer basket lined with parchment paper or cabbage leaves, arrange the mantou buns, ensuring that there is enough space between them to expand during steaming. Cover the steamer with a lid.
10. Steam the mantou buns over boiling water for about 15-20 minutes or until they have puffed up and are cooked through.
11. Once steamed, remove the buns from the steamer and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your freshly made Soft Fluffy Chinese Steamed Buns – Mantou as is or with your favorite accompaniments!
Voila! You’ve just created a batch of delightful Soft Fluffy Chinese Steamed Buns – Mantou that are sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is a perfect introduction to the world of homemade Chinese steamed buns. So, roll up your sleeves, get steaming, and savor the delicious rewards of your culinary endeavors!
