Mantou (Chinese Steamed Buns)

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour 500 g
• Warm water 270 ml
• Instant dry yeast 1 1/2 tsp (5 g)
• Sugar 20 g
• Flour, for dusting 20 g
• Vegetable oil, for the steamer 1 tsp

Instructions

1. 1

   Dissolve the sugar and yeast in the warm water, pour it into the flour and mix into a shaggy dough.

2. 2

   Knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, cover and leave to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until doubled.

3. 3

   Punch the dough down on a lightly floured surface and knead for 3-4 minutes to push out the air bubbles.

4. 4

   Roll the dough into a log about 5 cm thick and cut it into 8 equal pieces, or shape each piece into a round bun.

5. 5

   Set the buns on squares of oiled baking paper in a steamer, cover and let rise for 15-20 minutes.

6. 6

   Steam over boiling water for 15 minutes, then turn off the heat and leave the lid on for 5 minutes before opening so the buns do not collapse.