Homemade Steamed Mantou

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 10g (2 tsp) instant yeast 10g (2 tsp) instant yeast
• 50g (1/4 cup) sugar 50g (1/4 cup) sugar
• 250ml (1 cup) warm water 250ml (1 cup) warm water
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 0.5g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 32g, 4g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   Gradually add warm water to the dry ingredients while stirring with a wooden spoon until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough back into the mixing bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles and knead for another 5 minutes.
6. 6.
   Divide the dough into small portions and shape them into round balls.
7. 7.
   Place the dough balls on individual pieces of parchment paper and let them rest for 15 minutes.
8. 8.
   Prepare a steamer by bringing water to a boil.
9. 9.
   Arrange the dough balls in the steamer, leaving space between them to allow for expansion.
10. 10.
    Steam the mantou over high heat for 15-20 minutes or until they are puffed up and cooked through.
11. 11.
    Remove the steamer from heat and let the mantou cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Flour — Use all-purpose flour for the best results. Bread flour can also be used for a slightly chewier texture.
• Instant yeast — Make sure the yeast is fresh and active to ensure proper rising of the dough.
• Warm water — The water should be warm to the touch but not hot, as hot water can kill the yeast.
• Sugar — The sugar helps activate the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to the mantou.
• Salt — A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor of the mantou.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a lighter texture, make sure the dough has enough time to rise and double in size.
• If you prefer a sweeter mantou, you can increase the amount of sugar in the dough.
• For a more savory version, add a pinch of garlic powder or herbs to the dough.
• Experiment with different fillings such as char siu (barbecue pork), red bean paste, or custard for added variety.
• Leftover mantou can be stored in an airtight container and reheated by steaming for a few minutes.

Serving advice

Serve the steamed mantou warm as a side dish or as a main course with your favorite fillings. They can be enjoyed plain or dipped in sauces like soy sauce or sweet chili sauce.

Presentation advice

Arrange the steamed mantou on a serving platter or bamboo steamer to showcase their fluffy texture. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an added touch of color.