The Chinese steamed buns, called Mantou, are fluffy clouds of bread that are very easy to make at home with just a few ingredients. Without an oven and without special tools, this simple recipe is winning everyone over because it’s economical, soft, and perfect any time of the day.
You can also cook Mantou without a steamer: I prepare them with a simple pot with a steam cooking rack, but a large pan with a raised grill and a bit of water works just fine too.
Mantou are delicious as they are, filled, or dipped in condensed milk for a super indulgent and different snack.
Before moving on to the recipe, let me remind you of other tasty and quick ideas
- Cost: Very economical
- Rest time: 1 Hour 20 Minutes
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 10 buns
- Cooking methods: Steam cooking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp fresh yeast
- 2/3 cup water
Tools
- 1 Stand Mixer
- 1 Pot
Preparation
First, let’s prepare the ingredients: they are few and simple, just how we like it. In the bowl of the stand mixer, we put the flour and sugar, then crumble in the fresh yeast. Start the machine at low speed and begin to knead. Add the water a little at a time, until you get a smooth, homogeneous, and elastic dough.
When the dough is ready, transfer it to a lightly floured work surface. Work it with your hands a little more, just to give it strength, then form a ball. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise for about 40 minutes.
Take the dough again and transfer it back to the lightly floured work surface. With a rolling pin, roll out a wide rectangle, about half a centimeter thick. Then roll it tightly, forming a loaf, as seen in the video. With the help of a knife, cut about 10 buns and place them on pieces of parchment paper. Place the buns on the rack where they will steam, and let them rest again for 40 minutes, covered. When they are ready, steam them for about 16 minutes.
My advice is to cook them in two or more “batches,” because they shouldn’t be too close to each other, like I placed them. They will grow a lot during cooking. Make sure to cover well with the lid, so that they cook in steam without issues.
✏️ FINAL NOTES
Chinese steamed buns, known as Mantou, are soft and light and remain soft for a couple of days if kept well sealed in a food bag. You can also freeze them after cooking and steam them again to make them as soft as freshly made.
If you don’t have a steamer, you can prepare Chinese steamed buns with a simple pot and a raised rack: the result will still be soft and perfect. This easy recipe with few ingredients is ideal to accompany savory dishes, for a different snack, or to enjoy in a sweet version with condensed milk or spreads.
Steam cooking makes Mantou incredibly soft and light, perfect to prepare in advance and serve instead of bread.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Can I make Mantou without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can knead by hand! Just work the dough until you get a smooth and elastic consistency, as if you were in a bakery.
