Steam Bread Baking Time: How Long Should You Wait?

Steam bread, also known as mantou, is a type of bread cooked by steaming instead of baking. This cooking method gives it a unique texture and taste. It is a traditional staple in many East Asian cuisines, including Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. The name mantou comes from the Chinese words man, meaning barbarian, and tou, meaning head. According to legend, these steam breads were created during the Three Kingdoms period in China by a military strategist who shaped them like human heads to provide sustenance for his troops. Steam bread is made by combining flour, water, yeast, and sometimes sugar or salt to form a dough. The cooking time for steamed bread is flexible, and it can be cooked for longer without burning. This is because it cooks at the temperature water boils (212°F) rather than the 350°F of a conventional oven. So, how long do you cook steam bread?

The ingredients required

• Flour: Cake flour or bread flour is typically used. The amount can range from 1 kg to 8 cups, depending on the recipe.
• Liquid: Lukewarm or warm water is usually mixed with the flour to form a dough. Vegetable oil or other oils may also be added.
• Leavening agent: Instant or active dry yeast is commonly used as a leavening agent.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar is often added to feed the yeast and add sweetness to the bread.
• Salt: Salt is added to most recipes to enhance flavour.
• Fat: Margarine or butter is used in some recipes to add flavour and moisture to the bread.

Some recipes may also include additional ingredients such as rolled oats, honey, or other sweeteners. The specific amounts of each ingredient may vary, so it is essential to follow a reliable recipe.

Additionally, while not an ingredient, it is worth noting that the type of oven or cookware used can also impact the cooking process and final product. Some recipes utilise a Dutch oven, a cast-iron pan, or a metal/enamel bowl for steaming.

How to prepare the dough

Steamed bread is cooked by steaming the dough in a pot of water, rather than baking it in an oven. This method of cooking bread makes it ultra-moist and flavourful without being gummy or fatty.

Step 1: Gather your ingredients

The ingredients you will need to prepare the dough are:

• Flour (cake flour or all-purpose flour)
• Liquid (water, milk, or buttermilk)
• Leavening agent (yeast or baking powder)
• Fat (oil, butter, or margarine)
• Sweetener (sugar or honey)
• Salt

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the dry ingredients. Create a well in the centre of the mixture, this is where you will add your liquid.

Step 3: Add the liquid

Gradually add your chosen liquid (water, milk, or buttermilk) to the well in the centre of the dry ingredients. Mix the liquid into the dry ingredients until a dough begins to form. It is important to add the liquid slowly to ensure that the dough does not become too wet.

Step 4: Knead the dough

Once your dough has formed, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 5-10 minutes. The dough should be kneaded until it is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. If the dough is still sticky, you can add a small amount of flour to your hands and the surface as you knead.

Step 5: Let the dough rise

After kneading, shape the dough into a ball and place it back into the bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and place it in a warm, draft-free area to rise. The dough should be left to rise until it has doubled in size, which can take around 1-2 hours depending on the temperature and humidity of your environment.

Step 6: Knock down and reshape the dough

Once the dough has risen, remove it from the bowl and knock it down to remove any air bubbles. This is done by gently punching the dough or pressing it down with your hands. After knocking it down, reshape the dough into a ball and proceed to the next step.

Step 7: Prepare your steaming setup

While the dough is rising, prepare your setup for steaming. This involves having a large pot or saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, a heat-proof bowl that can fit inside the pot, and a trivet or steamer basket to elevate the bowl above the water.

Step 8: Place the dough in the steaming setup

Once the dough has risen and been knocked down, place it into the greased heat-proof bowl and cover it with greaseproof paper or foil. Place the bowl into the pot or saucepan, ensuring that the water level reaches halfway up the sides of the bowl.

Now your dough is prepared and ready to be steamed! Place the pot on the stove, bring the water to a boil, and follow the steaming instructions provided in your recipe.

How to steam the dough

Firstly, prepare your dough. Mix your dry ingredients, including flour, salt, and sugar, in a bowl. Add in any fats such as margarine or butter and rub them into the flour with your fingertips. Next, add your yeast and mix. Then, add lukewarm water to the flour mixture and knead the dough until it becomes soft and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rest for around 5 minutes.

Once the dough has rested, knock it down and shape it into a ball. Place the dough into a greased bowl, preferably made of enamel or metal, ensuring it fits snugly. Cover the bowl with a lid or greased plastic.

Now, you can start the steaming process. Pour water into a large saucepan or pot, filling it about halfway or one-third full. Bring the water to a boil. Carefully place the bowl containing the dough into the saucepan, ensuring that the water does not reach more than halfway up the bowl. Cover the saucepan with a lid, making sure the lid is dry to prevent condensation from dripping onto the dough.

Maintain a steady medium heat and let the dough steam for approximately 1 to 3.5 hours, depending on the size of your loaf. For a large loaf, steam for around 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes. Do not lift the lid during the steaming process, as this can cause the dough to collapse.

After the allotted time, carefully remove the bowl from the saucepan and let the bread cool slightly. To check if your bread is fully cooked, insert a knife or skewer into the centre of the loaf. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready. If not, continue steaming for another 20 minutes and then check again.

Finally, remove the bread from the bowl, slice, and serve. Enjoy your freshly steamed bread!

How long to steam it for

The cooking time for steamed bread depends on the type of steamed bread you are making. For example, the cooking time for a South African-style steamed bread is different from that of a Chinese-style steamed bread.

For a South African-style steamed bread, the bread should be steamed for around 2 and a half hours. The water should be kept at a medium heat, and it should not evaporate completely. It is important to note that during the steaming process, you may need to refill the water.

For a Chinese-style steamed bread, also known as mantou, the small individual buns should be steamed for around 15-20 minutes. The steamer should be kept covered during the cooking process to prevent heat loss.

In general, steamed bread can be cooked for longer than the recommended time without changing substantially. This is because steamed bread cooks at the temperature at which water boils (212°F), whereas oven-baked bread cooks at a higher temperature (350°F).

How to serve it

Steamed bread is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways and is perfect for mopping up soups and stews. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:

As a Side

Steamed bread can be a delicious side dish, especially when served warm with a generous slathering of butter and a lick of apricot jam. The crustless nature of the bread makes it ideal for dipping and pairing with hearty meals.

With Stews and Soups

As mentioned earlier, steamed bread is a perfect companion to stews and soups. Its soft, moist texture makes it ideal for soaking up flavours without falling apart. Whether it's a rich and meaty stew or a hearty vegetable soup, steamed bread will only enhance the experience.

Sweet or Savoury Toppings

Try serving steamed bread with various toppings to elevate the flavour and texture. For a sweet option, consider butter, honey, or jam. If you're feeling more savoury, try spreading some cream cheese or dipping the bread in olive oil infused with herbs.

As a Sandwich

Slice the steamed bread and use it as you would any other bread to make sandwiches. Its soft texture will make it easy to bite into, and its ability to absorb flavours will enhance the taste of your favourite sandwich fillings.

Cultural Variations

Steamed bread is enjoyed in various cultures, and each has its own unique way of serving it. For example, in South Africa, steamed bread is often served with stew, while in early America, it was a staple food due to the lack of ovens.

No matter how you choose to serve it, steamed bread is a delicious and versatile dish that can complement or elevate any meal. Its soft, moist texture and ability to absorb flavours make it a perfect side or main dish.

Frequently asked questions