Liaoning-style Fluffy Milk Bread

Ingredients

While the original Japanese Shokupan is known for its simplicity and subtle sweetness, the Liaoning-style Fluffy Milk Bread incorporates the unique flavors of Liaoning cuisine. Liaoning cuisine is characterized by its emphasis on fresh ingredients and delicate flavors. The Liaoning-style Fluffy Milk Bread retains the soft and fluffy texture of Shokupan but adds a touch of sweetness that is distinct to Liaoning cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Shokupan, so you can check it out.

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• 50g (¼ cup) granulated sugar 50g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
• 8g (1 ½ tsp) salt 8g (1 ½ tsp) salt
• 250ml (1 cup) warm milk 250ml (1 cup) warm milk
• 50g (¼ cup) unsalted butter, softened 50g (¼ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg 1 large egg

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 3.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 6g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   Make a well in the center and pour in the warm milk, softened butter, and egg.
3. 3.
   Mix the ingredients together until a rough dough forms.
4. 4.
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles and divide it into equal portions.
7. 7.
   Shape each portion into a loaf and place them in greased loaf pans.
8. 8.
   Cover the pans with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes.
9. 9.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
10. 10.
    Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. 11.
    Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Flour — Use all-purpose flour for the best results. Bread flour can be used as a substitute, but it may result in a slightly denser texture.
• Instant yeast — Make sure the yeast is fresh and active. If using active dry yeast, proof it in warm milk before adding it to the dough.
• Milk — Warm the milk to around 37°C (98°F) to activate the yeast. Avoid overheating, as it can kill the yeast.
• Butter — Soften the butter at room temperature before adding it to the dough. This will ensure even distribution and a smoother texture.
• Egg — Use a large egg at room temperature for best results.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the milk with heavy cream.
• To achieve a softer crust, brush the bread with melted butter immediately after removing it from the oven.
• For a touch of sweetness, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top of the bread before serving.
• Experiment with different shapes and sizes for a more visually appealing presentation.
• This bread is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Liaoning-style Fluffy Milk Bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve it warm with butter and jam for a delightful breakfast or snack. It also makes a perfect base for sandwiches, both savory and sweet. Try it with your favorite fillings such as ham and cheese or Nutella and bananas. The soft and fluffy texture of the bread will elevate any dish it accompanies.

Presentation advice

To showcase the beauty of Liaoning-style Fluffy Milk Bread, slice it into thick, even slices and arrange them on a serving platter. You can also tear the bread into rustic chunks for a more casual presentation. Dust the bread with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Serve it alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a complete Liaoning-style experience.