Homemade Traditional Chinese Mantou Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon of instant yeast
  • 250 milliliters of warm water
  • 50 grams of sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and instant yeast.
  2. In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water, then add this to the flour mixture.
  3. Add the vegetable oil to the bowl and mix until a dough begins to form.
  4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the kneaded dough back into the bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and leave it to rise in a warm place for 2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
  6. After the dough has risen, punch it down and knead it again for a few minutes.
  7. Divide the dough into small pieces and shape each piece into a round bun.
  8. Place the buns on a baking tray lined with baking paper, cover them with a cloth, and leave them to rise again for about 30 minutes.
  9. Steam the buns in a steamer for about 15 minutes, until they are fluffy and cooked through.
  10. Remove the buns from the steamer and let them cool before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
  • Adding fillings to the mantou such as red bean paste, chocolate, or custard.
  • Using different types of flour like rice flour or corn flour to make gluten-free mantou.
  • Replacing the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
  • Adding herbs or spices like garlic, cinnamon, or sesame seeds to the dough for additional flavor.
  • Making savory mantou by adding ingredients like shredded cheese, minced meat, or vegetables to the dough.
  • Using a different cooking method like baking the mantou in the oven for a crispier crust.
  • Experimenting with different toppings such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or sea salt.
  • Making mini mantou by shaping the dough into smaller buns.
  • Creating colorful mantou by using natural food coloring like beet juice or spinach puree.

Recipe overview

Mantou, commonly known as Chinese steamed buns, are an essential component of Chinese cuisine. These soft and fluffy buns are versatile and can be eaten on their own or paired with a variety of dishes. This simple and easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through the process of making your own homemade mantou. Expect to engage in a bit of kneading, and prepare for the delightful aromas that will fill your kitchen during the steaming process. With just five ingredients, you can recreate this Asian classic in your own kitchen. The process involves mixing, kneading, and letting the dough rise before shaping the buns and steaming them to perfection. Enjoy the satisfaction of seeing your mantou rise and fluff up in the steamer, and the joy of biting into a freshly steamed bun, made by your own hands.

Common questions

  1. Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can use bread flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour. It will result in a slightly different texture, but the mantou will still turn out delicious.
  2. Do I need to activate the instant yeast before adding it to the flour? No, you do not need to activate the instant yeast separately. You can add it directly to the flour mixture.
  3. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast? Yes, you can use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast. However, you will need to activate it in warm water with a bit of sugar before adding it to the flour.
  4. Can I make the dough in a bread machine? Yes, you can use a bread machine to make the dough. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing and kneading the dough.
  5. How can I tell if the dough has doubled in size? You can check if the dough has doubled in size by poking it lightly with your finger. If the indentation remains, it has risen enough.
  6. Can I freeze the uncooked mantou? Yes, you can freeze the uncooked mantou. Place them on a tray in the freezer until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Steam them directly from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the cooking time.
  7. What can I serve mantou with? Mantou can be served as a side dish, with savory fillings, or as a dessert. They are often enjoyed with dishes like braised pork, stir-fried vegetables, or condensed milk for a sweet treat.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Mantou, these delectably soft and fluffy steamed buns, are an integral part of Chinese cuisine. Their origin traces back to the Zhou dynasty where they were made as sacrifices to the gods. The term 'Mantou', interestingly, is said to have come from a tale involving the famous strategist Zhuge Liang. After a victorious battle, he and his army had to cross a raging river where the river god demanded heads of 50 men as a sacrifice. Being a man of wisdom and compassion, Zhuge Liang couldn't bear the thought of losing his men. Instead, he ordered his soldiers to slaughter livestock and fill the dough with the meat, shaping them into the form of human heads. These were then tossed into the river. The river god was appeased, and the tactic saved his men. This event gave birth to what we now know as Mantou. Although modern Mantou is most commonly served plain, the story is often remembered through its stuffed counterpart, the Baozi.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.