
Twisted Scallion Sourdough Mantou (Chinese Steamed Bun)
Updated: Jun 5, 2021
Was strolling along Chinatown a few days back and got carried away by the aroma of steamed bun and scallion from faraway. Went home and did a few attempts to get the texture, shape and taste the way I desired. So, here you go, this is my version of twisted scallion mautou!


Ingredient
Active or Cold Sourdough Discard 200g
Japanese Pastry Flour 250g
Cold Fresh Milk or Non Diary Milk 60g
Sugar 20g
Sunflower Oil or Vegetable Oil 6g
Scallion (prepare another 10g oil and pinch of salt)
Method
1. Preparation of sauteed scallion
Heat pan, add oil, sauteed scallion and add pinch of salt, set aside to cool, approx. 3 minutes
2. Preparation of the dough
In a mixing bowl, add sourdough discard, cold fresh milk, sugar, and flour except oil
Mix until ingredients (except oil) are combined using a spatula, approx. 2-3 minutes
Add oil, hand knead till dough is soft and smooth
Round it off into a ball
Cover with a moist cloth and rest for 10 minutes
3. Shaping of dough "Twisting method"
Roll into a rectangle sheet (not too thin)
Spread sauteĢed scallions over the rectangle dough
Fold up 2 times
Cut into strips
(Click HERE to watch the time-lapse of making and twisting the mantou!)
Put the buns into a steamer, cover and proof over warm water for 1.5-2 hours
4. And finally, it's ready to steamed
Turn on fire to medium heat and steam for 15-18 minutes
Do not open the lid immediately, let it cool down for at least 15 minutes before opening the steamer lid
Open the lid and serve warm
Tips
Low protein flour is recommended
Hand kneading is recommended
Add any fillings or make it a plain bun
Be mindful of the liquid content and add water gradually
Flour or oil the counter-top lightly to prevent the dough from sticking
If you do not have a bamboo steamer, you can wrap the pot cover to prevent water vapour from dripping on the buns
Note
This recipe yields approx. 10 steamed buns
Nishio Peacock is used as Japanese Pastry Flour (Protein 8.3%), the product can be found at our shop, simply click "Order Form" to find out