Irresistibly Soft Tangzhong Milk Bread

Why Make This Recipe

If you’ve ever enjoyed a slice of soft, fluffy bread that practically melts in your mouth, then you know how special Tangzhong Milk Bread can be. This bread is not just any everyday loaf; it’s incredibly soft due to a unique method called “tangzhong,” which involves cooking a portion of the flour with liquid before mixing it into the dough. This technique creates a super moist bread that can stay fresh longer than regular bread. Whether you’re looking for something lovely to serve at breakfast, a delightful sandwich bread, or a treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea, this Tangzhong Milk Bread is a marvelous choice.

Making this bread from scratch may seem intimidating, but it is much easier than it appears. The ingredients are simple, and the steps are straightforward. Plus, when you share this bread with family and friends, the smiles on their faces will be a priceless reward for your effort.

How to Make Irresistibly Soft Tangzhong Milk Bread

Ingredients

To create this mouthwatering Tangzhong Milk Bread, you will need the following 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 brushing)

Directions

1. Prepare the tangzhong:
   Begin by making the tangzhong, which is essential for achieving that soft texture. In a small saucepan, combine 20 g of high protein bread flour with 100 g of milk or water. Cook this mixture over low heat, stirring it with a whisk or spatula until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency. This should take only a few minutes. Once thickened, take it off the heat and allow it to cool down to room temperature.

2. Prepare the dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled tangzhong, 130 g of chilled milk, the egg yolk, castor sugar, salt, the optional milk powder, and the dried instant yeast. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix these ingredients together. Gradually add in 270-290 g of high protein bread flour, mixing until a sticky dough begins to form.

3. Incorporate butter:
   Now it’s time to make the dough smooth and elastic. Add 25 g of softened unsalted butter to the dough mixture. Knead this mixture by hand or with a dough hook for about 5-10 minutes, until the dough becomes soft and pliable.

4. First rise:
   Transfer the kneaded dough to a greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Place it in a warm, draft-free area to rise. Allow the dough to rest until it has doubled in size, which will take about 1 to 1.5 hours.

5. Shape loaves:
   After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into equal portions, depending on how big you want your rolls or loaves to be. Shape each portion into smooth rolls or form them into a loaf shape. Place the shaped dough into a greased baking pan, ensuring there are a few inches between each piece.

6. Second rise:
   Cover the shaped dough again and let it rise for an additional 30-45 minutes until they’ve puffed up a bit.

7. Bake:
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Once preheated, brush the tops of your dough with an egg wash or icy cold water for a beautiful golden color. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

8. Cool:
   Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This will help avoid sogginess at the bottom. Once it is on the rack, let it cool completely before slicing.

How to Serve Irresistibly Soft Tangzhong Milk Bread

This bread is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas on how to serve it:

• As Toast: Slice the bread and toast it lightly. Spread some butter, jam, or your favorite spread on top for a delicious breakfast or snack.
• For Sandwiches: Use it to make classic sandwiches. Its soft texture pairs well with deli meats, cheeses, and fresh veggies.
• With Soups or Stews: Serve warm slices alongside a hearty bowl of soup or stew. The bread can easily soak up delicious broth.
• As French Toast: For a special treat, make French toast using this milk bread. Its softness will elevate this classic breakfast dish.
• With Sweet Fillings: Try filling the bread with sweet fillings like nutella, peanut butter, or whipped cream. You can even add fruits for an extra touch!

How to Store Irresistibly Soft Tangzhong Milk Bread

To ensure your Tangzhong Milk Bread remains fresh:

• At Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container or a plastic bag at room temperature. It is best enjoyed within a few days.
• In the Refrigerator: If you live in a humid climate, consider refrigerating the bread. Wrap it tightly or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. It can last up to a week when refrigerated.
• Freezing: For longer storage, this bread freezes well. Slice the bread and wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, simply toast or thaw the slices.

Tips to Make Irresistibly Soft Tangzhong Milk Bread

Here are some simple tips to help you perfect your Tangzhong Milk Bread:

1. Use High-Protein Flour: The protein content in high-protein flour helps create a stronger gluten structure, resulting in a better rise and chewier texture.

2. Monitor the Tangzhong Consistency: Make sure your tangzhong isn’t too dry or too runny. It should be smooth and thick enough to hold its shape like pudding.

3. Knead Well: Kneading the dough properly is essential. A well-kneaded dough allows more air to incorporate, which results in fluffier bread.

4. Don’t Rush the Rises: Give your dough enough time to rise, both during the first and the second rise. Patience is key to achieving the softness.

5. Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before putting the bread in. This ensures an even bake and good crust development.

Variation

While the classic Tangzhong Milk Bread is delicious on its own, you can try some variations to mix things up:

• Add Fruits or Nuts: Incorporate ingredients like dried cranberries, raisins, or nuts into the dough for extra texture and flavor.
• Flavors: Incorporate extracts like vanilla or almond into the dough for a subtle sweet aroma.
• Cheese Bread: For a savory twist, add shredded cheese to the dough before shaping. This will create ooey-gooey pockets of cheese inside the bread.
• Fillings: You can fill the dough with red bean paste, chocolate spread, or cinnamon sugar before rolling it out for a delightful surprise inside.

FAQs

1. What is tangzhong, and why is it important?

Tangzhong is a technique used in bread baking where a portion of flour is combined with water or milk and cooked to create a thick slurry. This mixture helps to retain moisture, resulting in softer bread that stays fresh longer.

2. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of high-protein bread flour?

While you can use all-purpose flour, it may lead to slightly denser bread. High-protein bread flour creates a chewier texture and better rise in the final loaf, so it’s highly recommended for this recipe.

3. How can I tell when the bread is done baking?

A good indicator is the color of the bread; it should be a golden brown. You can also tap the bottom of the loaf; if it sounds hollow, it’s likely done. Using a kitchen thermometer, the internal temperature should read about 90-95°C (195-205°F).

4. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! You can substitute the egg yolk with a flaxseed egg or use silken tofu as an egg replacer. Use plant-based milk and butter to keep the recipe completely vegan-friendly.

5. How do I reheat the bread if it has been stored?

You can gently reheat slices in a toaster or warming oven, or wrap the entire loaf in foil and place it in a 350°F (180°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This will help revive its softness.

With this simple guide, you’ll be well on your way to baking the softest and most delectable Tangzhong Milk Bread. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll find yourself enjoying the satisfaction of creating something truly special with your own hands!