Whole Wheat Steamed Buns (Mantou)

A black and white drawing of a clock on a white background.

Prep Time

2+ hrs.

A black and white drawing of a pot with a handle.

Cook Time

15 min.

A black and white drawing of three gears on a white background.

Difficulty

Moderate

A black and white drawing of a fork and a knife

Yield

12

A black and white drawing of a clock on a white background.

Prep Time

2+ hrs.

A black and white drawing of a pot with a handle.

Cook Time

15 min.

A black and white drawing of three gears on a white background.

Difficulty

Moderate

A black and white drawing of a fork and a knife

Yield

12

It can be a little bit of a lengthy process to get these going, but the payoff is worth it!
Especially with the fillings possible - pork shoulder, pork belly, pickled veggies...

Now, let's do it!

INGREDIENTS


  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup plus 1 tsp sugar
  • 1.5 cups bread flour (or all purpose flour)
  • 1.5 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup rendered pork fat or unsalted buter, at room temp

INSTRUCTIONS


  • Combine water, yeast, and 1 tsp of the sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook. Stir and let stir until it gets foamy on top.
  • Add the rest 1/4 cup sugar, the flours, salt, and baking powder to the bowl and mix on lowest setting to combine. Add milk, pork fat (or butter, and turn up the mixer a notch. Knead for 10 min. until the dough gathers into a smooth and pliable ball on the hook. Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise, preferably in a warm setting, for 1.5 hours.
  • Cut 12 squares of parchment paper about 3 inches across.
  • Once the dough has risen, punch it down to deflate and transfer to a clean work surface. Use a dough cutter or nife to cut the dough into 3 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a log and divide into 4, giving 12 dough lumps. One at a time, use one hand to roll into a ball.  Flatten the bottom of each ball by pressing down into the work surface as you roll. Place each onto the parchment paper, cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 40 minutes more.
  • Pour water to come 3 inches up the sides of a large pot and set up a steamer basket. Bring to a boil over high heat, then, working in batches, place the buns inside with some space in between. Steam for 15 minutes, or until the buns are fluffy and dry.
  • Let cool and then slice to stuff with filling. Buns can be frozen in an airtight container. To reheat, steam until soft, about 10 minutes. If stored in the refrigerator, reheat in the microwave, 30 seconds or less.  Or try the unconventional method - brush with butter and toast on the griddle.

A few thoughts and some reviews.

Too intimidated to cook Chinese food at home but crave those punchy flavors? Not anymore. Put down that takeout kung pao chicken and get in the kitchen! The three fun-loving Chinese-American siblings behind the acclaimed restaurant Mei Mei take the fear factor out of cooking this complex cuisine, infusing it with creativity, playfulness, and ease.
Introduction: A Family Style Cookbook. Family Style (adj, adv, n). a) A method of serving a meal, particularly popular in Chinese cuisine, where dishes are placed in the center of the table and shared by all eaters.

Introduction: A Family Style Cookbook. Family Style (adj, adv, n). b) The best way to eat, no matter what kind of food. Everyone gets to try everything.

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