Description
Shokupan, or Japanese milk bread, is an ultra-soft, fluffy white bread with a hint of sweetness and rich milky flavor. Made using the tangzhong method, it stays fresh and pillowy for days—perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying on its own.
Ingredients
- For the Tangzhong:
- 3 tablespoons bread flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- For the Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups bread flour
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/2 cup warm whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- All of the cooled tangzhong
Instructions
- Make the Tangzhong: In a small saucepan, whisk together bread flour, water, and milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens to a smooth paste. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine bread flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add the warm milk, egg, and cooled tangzhong. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes by mixer or 15 minutes by hand). Add softened butter and knead again until fully incorporated and dough is slightly tacky but elastic.
- Shape into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Bread: Punch down the dough and divide into 2 or 3 equal portions. Roll each into an oval, then fold and roll into a tight log. Place logs seam-side down in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Cover loosely and let rise for 45–60 minutes, or until puffy and nearly reaching the top of the pan.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
- Remove from pan and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
Tangzhong helps keep the bread soft and moist for days—don’t skip this step.Dough will be slightly sticky; resist over-flouring to maintain softness.Great for sandwiches, toast, and French toast.For sweeter bread, increase sugar by 1–2 tablespoons.To freeze, slice and wrap tightly; thaw at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
