Today, I want to tell you all about milk bread, a cherished recipe my grandmother has been making for as long as I can remember. Soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet, her homemade loaf has always been a family favorite. The only addition I've made to this beloved recipe is the tangzhong method, which ensures the bread stays soft and pillowy for days.

If you haven't heard of the tangzhong technique before, then let me tell you that it's a Japanese method of making flour and water roux. This game-changer helps retain moisture in the bread and keeps it fresh for longer.

So here's how to make this delicious milk bread:

Step-by-Step Tangzhong Milk Bread Recipe

• Making the Tangzhong Paste: The first step to creating the perfect tangzhong milk bread is to prepare the tangzhong paste.
• In a saucepan, add your flour and gradually pour in the milk and water.

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• Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and stir continuously until a paste forms. Once thickened, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool.
• Making the Bread Dough: Warm the milk slightly, just until it's lukewarm—not hot.
• In a bowl, combine the warm milk with the yeast and sugar.

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• Stir, cover, and let it rest for 10 minutes to activate the yeast.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, semolina, the activated yeast mixture, the tangzhong paste, 2 whole eggs, and a yolk. Save the egg white—you'll use it later.

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• Using a standing mixer with a dough hook, knead the dough for 7-10 minutes. The dough will be sticky.

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• Grease it with a tablespoon of oil, then knead by hand for a few more minutes until it becomes soft and elastic.

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• Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it proof in a warm place for 2 hours. I like to use my oven with just the light on for this purpose.
• After the initial proofing, punch down the dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Knead by hand for another 10 minutes.

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• Then shape it into a loaf to fit your bread pan.
• Line the bread pan with parchment paper, place the loaf inside, cover, and let it proof for another 1.5 hours.
• Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Brush the loaf with the reserved egg white and let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before brushing again. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.

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• Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes, then lower the temperature to 180°C (350°F) and bake for another 40 minutes. Remember, each oven is different, so keep an eye on your bread.
• Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack for another 30 minutes before slicing.

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Wiki: Tangzhong Milk Bread Explained

With the recipe out of the way, let's look at some more interesting information. So, tangzhong is a bread-making technique originating from Asia, most commonly associated with Japanese milk bread but also rooted in Chinese culinary traditions.

As you have already seen, the method involves cooking flour and liquid (water or milk) into a roux before incorporating it into the dough. This gelatinized mixture retains moisture, resulting in soft and fluffy bread. Traditional Hokkaido Milk Bread uses tangzhong to make individual rolls or a pull-apart loaf, whereas our version combines this method with a classic family recipe, resulting in a more rustic, sweet loaf.

Key Differences and Nutrition

Speaking of differences, our milk bread version has subtle differences from the classic Japanese milk bread recipe. While Hokkaido Milk Bread is typically slightly sweet and light, our adaptation adds a rich, homemade feel with extra ingredients like semolina.

Milk bread recipes are often compared to brioche for their richness, but they are slightly less buttery and calorie-dense. Still, our loaf includes sugar, eggs, and milk, making it soft and flavorful.

Lastly, thanks to the addition of eggs and milk, milk bread has a higher protein and fat content than regular white bread.

FAQ

Do you still have some questions about tangzong bread or milk bread in general? Check out the FAQ below:

Q: Can tangzhong be frozen?

A: Yes, you can freeze tangzhong for up to 2-3 weeks. Store it in an airtight container and thaw it in the refrigerator before use.

Q: How long can you keep tangzhong?

A: Tangzhong can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Ensure it's covered tightly to prevent it from drying out.

Q: Is tangzhong Chinese or Japanese?

A: Tangzhong has roots in both Chinese and Japanese baking. It gained popularity through Japanese recipes like Hokkaido Milk Bread, but it is used widely in both cuisines.

Q: What is the tangzhong method?

A: The tangzhong method involves cooking flour and liquid into a roux to retain moisture in the bread. This results in a soft and fluffy texture and extends the bread's shelf life.

Q: Milk bread vs. white bread?

A: Milk bread is richer and softer than white bread, made with milk, sugar, and eggs, while white bread is usually leaner with just water, flour, and yeast.

Q: Milk bread vs. brioche?

A: While both are enriched breads, brioche contains significantly more butter, making it richer and more tender. Milk bread has a lighter, fluffier crumb and is less buttery.

Conclusion

I hope you give this easy milk bread recipe a try! If you make it, don't forget to tag us and share your thoughts. For a full video tutorial, head to our YouTube channel—don't forget to like and subscribe!

Enjoy your baking adventure!

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