Fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth mantou – those pillowy soft steamed buns – are a beloved staple in many Asian cuisines. This recipe, passed down through generations in my family, delivers the quintessential brown sugar mantou experience: a delightful balance of sweetness and a subtly yeasty aroma. Forget dry, dense buns; this recipe guarantees perfectly tender results every time, thanks to a few simple techniques and the right balance of ingredients. The unique caramel-like sweetness of brown sugar elevates these mantou to a truly special treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack.
These irresistible brown sugar mantou are surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. The subtly sweet dough is incredibly forgiving, and the steaming process ensures perfectly soft and fluffy buns. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure and create your own batch of these delightful treats? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to make these incredibly delicious brown sugar mantou!
Tools Needed
- Chopsticks
- Mixing bowl
- Saran wrap
- Bamboo steamer
- Steamer paper/parchment paper
- Oven
Ingredients
- Flour
- Cornstarch
- Baking powder
- Yeast
- Warm water
- Brown sugar (cane sugar)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare and Knead the Dough
- flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and yeast.
- In a separate bowl, pour warm water (as hot as possible before boiling).
- Add brown sugar to the dry ingredients.
- Gently pour in the warm water while stirring with chopsticks, adding a little at a time until there's no loose powder.
- Knead the dough for no more than 2 minutes using your hands until smooth.
- Once the dough has risen (sticky honeycomb structure), flour your board, and knead the dough until smooth and not sticky (about 10 minutes).
Step 2. First Rise and Shaping
- Preheat the oven (this helps the dough rise). Place the dough in a bowl, cover with saran wrap and the lid, and turn off the oven.
- Let the dough rise for about half an hour.
- Divide the dough into 8-10 even pieces. Fold each piece inward to create a smooth, round shape.
- Let the shaped dough rise again for 20-30 minutes in the preheated (off) oven until it’s about 1.5 times bigger.
Step 3. Steam the Mantou
- Set up a bamboo steamer, lining it with steamer paper or parchment paper.
- Steam the mantou over high heat for 8 minutes, then reduce to medium heat, ensuring steam is visible. Let sit for 5 minutes before opening the lid.
Read more: Easy Steamed Tofu with Shallot Sauce Recipe - Vegan Delight
Tips
- Use cane sugar brown sugar for a healthier option.
- The amount of water needed may vary depending on the absorbency of your flour.
- Don't add too much flour when kneading, otherwise it will get too dry.
- Get help shaping the mantou to prevent them from drying out.
- Avoid over-steaming. Maintain a consistent medium steam to avoid burning or creating cracks.
Nutrition
- Calories: varies
- Fat: variesg
- Carbs: variesg
- Protein: variesg
FAQs
1. Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?
While you can, brown sugar provides a unique caramel-like flavor and moist texture that regular sugar won't replicate. The mantou will be less flavorful and potentially drier.
2. My mantou are sticking to the steamer basket. What did I do wrong?
Make sure to generously grease your steamer basket with oil before placing the mantou. Also, ensure there's enough space between each bun to allow for steam circulation.
3. How do I know when my mantou are cooked?
The mantou are done when they're puffed up significantly and feel light. You can also gently press the top; if it springs back, they're ready.
With a little patience and these simple steps, you'll be rewarded with a batch of incredibly soft and flavorful brown sugar mantou. These delightful buns are perfect for sharing with family and friends, or simply enjoying as a comforting treat all to yourself. Now go forth and create some magical, fluffy mantou!