Irresistibly Soft Tangzhong Milk Bread

Why Make This Recipe

If you’re searching for a bread that’s soft, fluffy, and incredibly satisfying, then you’ve come to the right place. Irresistibly Soft Tangzhong Milk Bread is a wonderful addition to any kitchen. This bread seems to melt in your mouth, with a tenderness that makes it an instant favorite for both kids and adults. With its slightly sweet taste and soft texture, this bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert.

The secret behind the soft texture lies in a technique called "Tangzhong." This method involves cooking a small portion of flour and liquid to create a roux that adds moisture and elasticity to the bread. The result is a loaf that stays fresh and soft for days. You won’t just enjoy the process of making it—your family and friends will love indulging in warm slices fresh from the oven. Let’s unlock the secrets of making this delectable bread!

How to Make Irresistibly Soft Tangzhong Milk Bread

Creating the perfect loaf of Irresistibly Soft Tangzhong Milk Bread does require a little patience, but trust us, it’s worth the effort. The process is simple and broken down into clear steps, so even novice bakers can shine in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Before you get started, gather these ingredients:

• 20 g high protein bread flour
• 100 g milk or water
• 130 g fresh chilled milk
• 1 large egg yolk
• 30 g castor sugar
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 10 g milk powder (optional)
• 270-290 g high protein bread flour
• 1 tsp dried instant yeast
• 25 g unsalted butter (softened)
• Icy cold water or egg wash (for glazing)

Directions

With your ingredients on hand, let’s dive into the method for crafting this beautiful bread:

1. Prepare Tangzhong: Start by combining 20 g of high protein bread flour with 100 g of milk or water in a saucepan. Cook this mixture over low heat, stirring continuously until it thickens. Once it reaches a pudding-like consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.

2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooled Tangzhong with 130 g of milk, 1 egg yolk, 30 g of castor sugar, 0.5 tsp of salt, 10 g of optional milk powder, and 1 tsp of dried instant yeast. Use a whisk or spatula to mix everything until it’s well blended.

3. Add the Flour: Gradually incorporate the remaining 270-290 g of high protein bread flour into your liquid mixture until a soft dough begins to form. Depending on the humidity and temperature, you may need to use more or less flour.

4. Knead the Dough: Once you’ve formed a dough, add the 25 g of softened unsalted butter. Knead this mixture for about 5 to 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer, you can use the dough hook attachment for this step.

5. First Rise: Transfer your kneaded dough to a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm area for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

6. Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into smaller portions and shape each piece into a ball.

7. Second Rise: Place the dough balls in greased pans, ensuring there’s space for them to rise. Cover them again and let them rest for another 30 to 45 minutes until they puff up.

8. Preheat the Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

9. Glaze and Bake: After the final rise, brush the tops of the loaves with egg wash or icy cold water for a nice sheen. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.

10. Cool and Slice: Once baked, remove the loaves from the oven and cool them on a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely before slicing to maintain their soft texture.

How to Serve Irresistibly Soft Tangzhong Milk Bread

This Tangzhong Milk Bread is perfect on its own, but there are so many ways to serve it. You can enjoy slices straight out of the oven, with butter or margarine for a classic touch. It also pairs beautifully with jams, honey, or fresh fruit spreads for a delightful breakfast or snack.

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider using this versatile bread to create sandwiches. The soft texture makes it an excellent choice for a variety of fillings, from sweet (like Nutella with banana) to savory (such as ham and cheese). Some even love to use it for French toast or bread pudding. There are endless delicious options!

How to Store Irresistibly Soft Tangzhong Milk Bread

To keep your Irresistibly Soft Tangzhong Milk Bread fresh, it’s essential to store it properly. Here are a few tips:

1. At Room Temperature: Keep the bread wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or in a bread bag at room temperature. This will help retain its softness for up to three days.

2. In the Refrigerator: If you plan to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it. However, this might make the bread a bit less soft.

3. Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the sliced or whole bread tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw it at room temperature or reheat slices in the oven.

Tips to Make Irresistibly Soft Tangzhong Milk Bread

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Since bread baking relies heavily on the quality of the ingredients, choose high protein bread flour and fresh milk for the best results.

• Measure Accurately: Baking is a science; precise measurements lead to better results. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy, especially for flour.

• Check Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft and slightly sticky; don’t be afraid to adjust the flour amount slightly if needed.

• Temperature Matters: Yeast thrives in warm conditions. If your kitchen feels cool, find a warm spot to let the dough rise, or use the oven (turned off) with the light on to create a comfy environment.

• Don’t Rush: Give your dough enough time to rise during both stages. This is crucial for achieving the soft texture you’re looking for.

Variation

While the basic recipe is already fantastic, you can customize it to suit your taste:

1. Add Flavors: Mix in ingredients like vanilla extract, lemon zest, or spices (like cinnamon) to infuse additional flavor into the dough.

2. Chocolate Chips or Nuts: Add chocolate chips, dried fruit, or chopped nuts for a delightful twist on the classic recipe.

3. Herbs and Cheese: Try incorporating herbs or cheese into the dough for a savory version, perfect for dinner rolls or savory sandwiches.

4. Milk Options: You can experiment with different types of milk, such as almond, coconut, or oat milk, especially if you’re looking for dairy-free alternatives.

FAQs

Can I make the Tangzhong Milk Bread in a bread machine?

Yes! You can use a bread machine for the kneading and rising steps. Just make sure to follow the machine’s instructions and add ingredients in the correct order.

What if I don’t have high protein bread flour?

While high protein bread flour is ideal for the best texture, you can substitute with all-purpose flour. The bread may not be as incredibly soft, but it will still be delicious.

Can I omit the milk powder?

Yes, you can skip the milk powder if you don’t have it on hand. The milk powder adds flavor and helps the bread stay fresh longer, but the recipe will still work without it.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The bread is done when it reaches a golden-brown color, and it sounds hollow when you tap on the bottom. You can also use an instant-read thermometer; bread is done when it reaches an internal temperature of about 90°C (190°F).

Can I bake this bread in a different pan?

Absolutely! You can use different-shaped pans, like muffin tins for individual rolls, or a loaf pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary based on the size and shape of the pan.

With a little time and love, you can create the most irresistibly soft Tangzhong Milk Bread that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! Happy baking!

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