Mantou, the classic Chinese steamed buns, are soft, light, and very easy to make with just a few ingredients. A genuine recipe you can make at home without special tools. I cooked them using a pot with a steaming rack, but if you don’t have one, you can use a large pan: just place a raised rack inside and add some water. Mantou are delicious as they are, stuffed, or dipped in condensed milk for a super tasty snack!
Before moving on to the recipe, I 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: Steaming, Stove
- 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 the way we like it. In the stand mixer bowl, we put the flour and sugar, then crumble the fresh yeast inside. We start the machine at low speed and begin to knead. Gradually add the water, until you get a smooth, homogeneous, and elastic dough.
When the dough is ready, we transfer it to a lightly floured work surface. We work it a bit more with our hands 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.
We take the dough again and transfer it back to the lightly floured work surface. With a rolling pin, roll out a wide rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Then roll it tightly, forming a log, 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 for another 40 minutes, covered. When 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, as I did. They will grow a lot during cooking. Make sure to cover well with the lid, so they steam without issues.
NOTES
Mantou are soft and light Chinese buns, perfect for a breakfast or snack different from the usual. The recipe is easy and requires few ingredients that you can easily find at home. If you don’t have a pot for steaming, you can use a pan with a raised rack. The buns are delicious to eat as they are, but you can also fill them with your favorite filling or dip them in condensed milk for a tasty touch. The rising and steaming make them super soft.
If you liked the recipe or if you have questions, feel free to comment here or on social Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and X.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I make Mantou without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can knead by hand! Just work the dough until you achieve a smooth and elastic consistency, like in a bakery.
