July 06, 2021
Mantou (Chinese Steamed Buns)
Traditional fluffy Chinese steamed buns, perfect for dipping into chilli crab sauce or shape into round buns instead of cutting to use for bao sliders.
Ingredients
250g plain flour
1 tsp instant yeast
1 tbsp caster sugar
130ml warm water
Pinch of salt
Method
- Mix together all the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl then add the water. Bring together to a dough and knead for 10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a clean bowl, cover with clingfilm and leave to rise for 1 hour.
- Remove the dough from the bowl and knead a little to remove any air bubbles. Cut the dough in half, roll each half into a log shape about 2 inches thick. Using a sharp knife, cut each length of dough into 1 inch pieces. (you can make bigger or smaller buns if you wish).
- Place into a steamer basket lined with baking paper, spacing out a little. Cover and leave to prove for 20 minutes.
- Bring a pan of water to the boil and steam the mantou for around 10 minutes until light and fluffy.
N.B. For Fried Mantou – after steaming, heat 1 inch of oil in a frying pan and fry the mantou for a few minutes, turning to brown on all sides; drain on kitchen paper. Perfect to serve with Chilli Crab!