Mantu
Description
The pastry is prepared simply and quickly. In China these buns are always plain. They are served as bread or with tea and sweet sauces. If they are served instead of bread, they act as a substitute for plain boiled rice. Traditionally, steamed buns are eaten while still warm. Try making “Mantou” and you will be pleasantly surprised by the result.
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
Prepare all the ingredients.
- 2
Step 2
Add sugar and yeast to warm water, stir, and let it sit for a few minutes until a characteristic “cap” appears.
- 3
Step 3
Put the flour into a deep bowl.
- 4
Step 4
Add the starter.
- 5
Step 5
Stir and pour in the vegetable oil.
- 6
Step 6
Knead the dough, shape it into a ball, brush with butter, cover, and place in a warm spot to rise for about 1 hour.
- 7
Step 7
During this time, the dough will rise.
- 8
Step 8
The dough should be kneaded and divided into two parts. Roll each part into a sausage shape and cut it into four pieces.
- 9
Step 9
From each piece of dough, shape balls by hand and place each dough piece on a square of parchment. This trick will prevent the buns from sticking to the bottom of the steamer during cooking. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rest for about 40 minutes.
- 10
Step 10
Then carefully transfer the buns onto the steamer rack and steam them for 15 minutes.
- 11
Step 11
After steaming the buns, do not remove them from the steamer for another 5–10 minutes. If you open the lid immediately, the surface of the buns will wrinkle.
- 12
Step 12
Chinese steamed buns "Mantou" are ready and can be served immediately.
- 13
Step 13
The buns turn out amazingly tender, tasty, and soft.