18 Japanese Sweet Milk Bread Recipe Try These Culinary Delights!

The History of Japanese Sweet Milk Bread

Japanese sweet milk bread has its roots in Hokkaido, a northern island in Japan known for its dairy farms. In the 19th century, the island was introduced to milk and dairy products, which led to the creation of this bread. It was originally called "kodaimai," which translates to "old-fashioned bread," and was made using a sourdough starter. However, in the 20th century, bakeries in Hokkaido started using a milk-based starter, which gave the bread its signature soft and fluffy texture. As the popularity of this bread increased, it was renamed "Shokupan," which means "meal bread" in Japanese.

The Secret Ingredient: Tangzhong

One of the key elements in making Japanese sweet milk bread is the use of tangzhong. This is a mixture of flour and water that is cooked into a paste and added to the bread dough. The tangzhong method, also known as the "water roux" method, was developed in Japan in the 1960s and is what gives this bread its soft and tender texture. The tangzhong helps to retain moisture in the bread, resulting in a longer shelf life.

The Recipe for Japanese Sweet Milk Bread

Now that we know the history and secret ingredient of Japanese sweet milk bread, let's get into the recipe. (Note: HTML code for the recipe is provided in the conclusion section below.) To make this bread, you will need bread flour, sugar, salt, milk, egg, butter, and yeast. The key to achieving the perfect texture is to knead the dough for a longer period of time, which helps to develop the gluten. The dough is then shaped into a loaf and allowed to rise before being baked in the oven. The result is a soft, fluffy and slightly sweet bread that can be enjoyed on its own or used in a variety of dishes. In conclusion, Japanese sweet milk bread is a beloved bread with a rich history and a unique method of preparation. With its soft and fluffy texture and slightly sweet taste, it has become a staple in Japanese cuisine and is now enjoyed all over the world. By following the recipe provided, you can easily recreate this delicious bread at home and impress your family and friends with your newfound baking skills. So why not give it a try and experience the taste of Japan in your own kitchen? Code for the recipe: <h3>Japanese Sweet Milk Bread Recipe</h3> <p>Ingredients:</p> <ul> <li>3 ¾ cups bread flour</li> <li>3 tbsp sugar</li> <li>1 tsp salt</li> <li>1 cup milk, warmed</li> <li>1 egg</li> <li>3 tbsp butter, softened</li> <li>2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast</li> </ul> <p>Instructions:</p> <ol> <li>In a small saucepan, mix ⅓ cup of bread flour with 1 cup of water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until a thick paste forms. Remove from heat and let cool.</li> <li>In a large bowl, mix the remaining bread flour, sugar, and salt. Add in the cooled tangzhong, warmed milk, egg, butter, and yeast. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.</li> <li>Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.</li> <li>Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours.</li> <li>Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan and let it rise for another 30 minutes.</li> <li>Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown. Let it cool before slicing and serving.</li> </ol> <p>Enjoy your homemade Japanese sweet milk bread!</p>