What is Mantou?
Mantou is a traditional Chinese bread, added as part of the World on a Plate bread guide with baking times, ingredients and a clear step-by-step method.
soft steamed wheat bun
Serve with dishes from the Chinese cuisine page, alongside soups, stews, dips, breakfast plates or sharing boards depending on the bread style.
Bread profile
Country of origin
Mantou belongs with Chinese. This bread belongs to Chinese food culture and helps readers understand how everyday baking connects to regional meals, family tables and local ingredients.
Open the Chinese cuisine page to see recipes, food history and menu ideas.
Serve with dishes from the Chinese cuisine page, alongside soups, stews, dips, breakfast plates or sharing boards depending on the bread style.
How to bake Mantou
Ingredients
strong white flour
use bread flour if possible
fine salt
instant yeast
or 15g fresh yeast
warm water
adjust by feel
olive oil
where traditional
sesame seeds or flour
for finishing when suitable
Step-by-step method
Mix the dough
Combine the flour, yeast, salt and warm liquid until no dry patches remain. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First rise
Cover and leave until puffy and almost doubled. Keep the bowl warm but not hot.
Shape
Divide into even pieces, roll smooth, then place on small squares of baking paper.
Second rise
Rest until the buns feel light and slightly springy.
Steam
Steam over medium heat for 12 to 15 minutes, then turn off the heat and wait 3 minutes before lifting the lid.
Serve
Serve warm, or cool and re-steam briefly before eating.
