Chinese Steamed Milk Bun, Mantou Recipe, CiCi Li - Asian Home Cooking Recipes

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: bread flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients.

yeast

💰Cheaper: baking soda

Baking soda can be used for a quicker rise.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey adds natural sweetness with unique flavor.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil is healthier while canola is cost-effective.

Mix all-purpose flour, sugar, instant yeast, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl.

Add vegetable oil and whole milk to the dry ingredients; mix with chopsticks.

Knead the dough on a flat working surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.

Let the dough rest for 3 minutes in summer or 5 minutes in winter.

Roll the dough into a rectangular shape using a rolling pin, ensuring to roll out any air bubbles.

Fold the dough into a letter shape, then roll it into a rectangular shape again, repeating until smooth and with minimal air bubbles.

Brush a thin layer of water on the dough, then roll it up into a cylinder shape.

Slice the ends of the rolled dough and cut it into equal pieces.

Preheat the oven to 170°F (77°C) for 1 minute, then turn it off and place a pot of boiling water at the bottom.

Put the steamer with the dough inside the oven to rise for 45 minutes.

Bring water to a boil and steam the buns on high heat for about 15 minutes.

Uncover a small gap to let hot air out for about 5 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens