How To Make Easy Japanese Milk Bread Recipe At Home

Embark on a culinary journey as we unravel the secrets to crafting the perfect Japanese Milk Bread and shokupan recipe right in the comfort of your home. This cherished Japanese Milk Bread recipe promises not just a loaf but a symphony of flavors and textures that encapsulate the essence of Japanese baking. Join Kiichin as we delve into the intricacies of each step in this guide on how to make Japanese Milk Bread, ensuring that your kitchen transforms into a haven of soft, pillowy bread that mirrors the authenticity of this beloved Japanese delight.

1. What is Milk Bread? (Shokupan)

Milk bread, a culinary delight known by various names such as Japanese milk bread, shokupan, and Korean milk bread, stands out for its remarkable softness, fluffiness, and light texture. Whether toasted, used for sandwiches, or enjoyed on its own, this versatile bread, a Japanese milk bread recipe and bread Japanese recipe favorite, adds an extra layer of distinction, notably when crafted with the renowned quality of Hokkaido milk.

Milk bread is a soft, fluffy bread enriched with milk, creating a tender texture

You can find these delectable loaves, including Japanese shokupan, in popular Asian bakeries like 85° Bakery, Tous Les Jours, and Paris Baguette. The bread can take on a golden crust when baked in open loaf pans or a rectangular shape, ideal for sandwiches, when baked in pullman loaf pans.

Traditionally, Asian milk bread, including the Japanese milk bread recipe, relies on techniques like tangzhong or yuddane, involving a roux or starter made by heating water and flour together. However, a baker's secret for achieving the utmost fluffiness lies in the use of dough enhancer. This professional-grade ingredient, also known as dough conditioner or dough improver, ensures that the bread remains irresistibly soft, light, and fresh for extended periods. In essence, milk bread represents a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, making it a cherished choice for those who appreciate the artistry of baking and the delightful results it produces.

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2. How to Make Japanese Milk Bread Recipe

Shokupan Ingredients for 1 loaf:

• ⅓ cup (45 grams) bread flour
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) whole milk

For the dough, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 2½ cups (325 grams) of bread flour
• ¼ cup (60 grams) of sugar
• 2 teaspoons (7 grams) of active dry yeast (equivalent to 1 packet)
• 1 teaspoon (4 grams) of salt
• 1 egg
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) of warm whole milk (reserve extra for brushing on the unbaked loaf)
• 4 tablespoons (60 grams) of unsalted butter (cut into pieces and softened at room temperature, plus extra for greasing bowls and the pan).

Step-by-Step Guide to Make Easy Japanese Milk Bread Recipe at Home:

2.1. Step 1: Craft the Starter

Begin by crafting the starter with our Japanese milk bread recipe. In a small heavy pot, whisk together flour, milk, and ½ cup water (120 milliliters) until achieving a smooth consistency. Simmer the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens (approximately 10 minutes; it thickens further as it cools). Look for the readiness indicator: the spoon leaving tracks on the pot's bottom. Transfer the mixture into a measuring cup, lightly cover the surface with plastic wrap, and set it aside to cool to room temperature. You'll end up with about 1 cup of starter.

2.2. Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Proceed to make the dough. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix briefly until evenly combined.

Step 2

2.3. Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Introduce the egg, milk, and ½ cup of the starter to the mixer. Turn it on low speed and knead for 5 minutes.

2.4. Step 4: Add Butter and Knead

Add the softened butter and continue kneading for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, ensuring the dough becomes smooth, springy, and slightly tacky.

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2.5. Step 5: First Rise

Lightly butter the inside of a bowl. Lift the dough out of the mixer bowl, shape it into a ball using your hands, and place it in the prepared bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel and allow it to rise in a warm place until doubled in size, typically 40 to 60 minutes.

2.6. Step 6: Punch Down and Shape

Punch the dough down, then scoop it out onto a surface. Using a bench scraper or large knife, cut the dough in half. Form each half into a ball, cover, and let it rise for an additional 15 minutes.

2.7. Step 7: Preheat and Prepare Pan

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Meanwhile, generously butter a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan.

Step 7

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2.8. Step 8: Roll Out the Dough

With a rolling pin, gently roll out one dough ball into a thick oval following our Japanese milk bread recipe. By this point, the dough should be moist and non-sticky. You likely won't need to flour the surface, but you can flour the pin if necessary. Roll away from your body, then pull in, forming an oval about 12 inches long and 6 inches across.

2.9. Step 9: Shape and Place in Pan

Fold the top 3 inches of the oval down, then fold the bottom 3 inches up, creating a rough square. Starting from the right edge, roll up the dough into a fat log. Place it in the buttered pan, seam side down and crosswise, near one end. Repeat the process with the other dough ball, placing it near the opposite end.

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2.10. Step 10: Final Rise and Bake

Cover and let it rest for an additional 30 to 40 minutes until the risen dough is visible over the pan's edge, and the dough logs meet in the center. Brush the tops with milk and bake on the bottom shelf of the oven until golden brown and puffed, taking approximately 35 to 40 minutes.

2.11. Step 11: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the bread, made using our Japanese milk bread recipe, to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Let it cool for at least 1 hour to allow the crust to soften and maintain a lofty crumb. (Cutting too soon may deflate the air bubbles trapped in the bread.)

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Conclusion

As you savor the aroma of freshly baked Japanese Milk Bread from our Japanese milk bread recipe wafting through your kitchen, we hope this culinary adventure has brought joy to your cooking repertoire. Stay tuned to Kiichin for more exciting recipes, tips, and insights into the world of international cuisines. Keep exploring, experimenting, and creating in your kitchen, and may your love for cooking continue to rise just like the perfect loaf of Japanese Milk Bread. Don't forget to follow Kiichin for a continuous infusion of culinary inspiration!