Fluffy Chinese Steamed Buns (Mantou) - One Proofing Method

Updated at: 26/12/2024

Fluffy, pillowy mantou—Chinese steamed buns—are a delightful culinary experience, perfect as a breakfast staple, a midday snack, or a comforting side dish. Their simple elegance belies a subtle complexity of texture and flavor, achieved through a delicate balance of ingredients and a precise steaming process. These versatile buns can be enjoyed plain, or transformed with savory fillings or sweet toppings, making them adaptable to countless preferences and occasions. The subtle sweetness of the dough, achieved without added sugar, is a testament to the power of simple ingredients and careful technique.

This recipe simplifies the traditional mantou process, utilizing a single proofing step to streamline preparation without sacrificing texture or flavor. Prepare to be amazed by how easy it is to create these incredibly soft and delicious steamed buns from scratch. For a detailed, step-by-step guide to making perfect mantou, continue reading below.

Tools Needed

  • stand mixer
  • mixing bowl
  • steamer
  • cup

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare and Knead the Dough

  • Mix sugar and instant yeast with water (cold or chilled, depending on room temperature).
  • Pour yeast mixture into flour and knead with a stand mixer for about 1 minute.
  • Add vegetable oil (or n). Continue kneading for at least 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  • Lightly dust a surface with flour, knead the dough again, and place it in a smooth bowl. (Dough temperature should be below 28°C)
Mix sugar and instant yeast with water (cold or chilled, depending on room temperature).Pour yeast mixture into flour and knead with a stand mixer for about 1 minute.Add vegetable oil (or n). Continue kneading for at least 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.Lightly dust a surface with flour, knead the dough again, and place it in a smooth bowl. (Dough temperature should be below 28°C)
Prepare and Knead the Dough

Step 2. Shape and Rest the Buns

  • Divide the dough into 7 or 8 portions.
  • Take one portion, shape it into a round ball, and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
  • Roll the dough ball to make it taller. Repeat for all portions.
Divide the dough into 7 or 8 portions.Take one portion, shape it into a round ball, and let it rest for a couple of minutes.Roll the dough ball to make it taller. Repeat for all portions.
Shape and Rest the Buns

Step 3. Steam the Buns

  • Set up the steamer with cold water in the bottom.
  • Bring the water to a boil on high heat, then reduce to medium-low heat.
  • Steam for 13 minutes. Turn off the heat, and let stand for 5 minutes before opening the lid.
Set up the steamer with cold water in the bottom.Bring the water to a boil on high heat, then reduce to medium-low heat.Steam for 13 minutes. Turn off the heat, and let stand for 5 minutes before opening the lid.
Steam the Buns

Step 4. Optional: Make Mini Buns

  • (Optional) For mini buns, divide the dough into two portions, roll each into a long log (2cm diameter), and cut into small sections.
(Optional) For mini buns, divide the dough into two portions, roll each into a long log (2cm diameter), and cut into small sections.
Optional: Make Mini Buns

Read more: Easy Steamed Tofu with Shallot Sauce Recipe - Vegan Delight

Tips

  • To check proofing, place a small piece of dough in a cup of room temperature water. A well-proofed dough will float due to gas production.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Why is my mantou dough sticky?

This usually means you've added too much water. Next time, add the water gradually and knead until the dough is smooth but not sticky. You might need slightly less water than the recipe calls for, depending on the flour.

2. How do I know when my mantou is cooked?

The buns should be plump and light golden brown on top. Gently press the top; if it springs back, they're done. If the top feels soft and slightly indented, they need a little more steaming time.

3. Can I freeze leftover mantou?

Absolutely! Once cooled completely, place the mantou in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be steamed from frozen—just add a few minutes to the steaming time.


Making fluffy mantou at home is easier than you think! With this simplified one-proofing method, you can enjoy these delicious steamed buns whenever the craving strikes. So grab your ingredients and embark on this rewarding culinary adventure!