Japanese Milk Bread: The Fluffiest & Tastiest Bread Secret

Content Summary

Bored of the same old sandwich bread? Then it's time to try milk bread! A new bread has graced our shelves, and it is called Japanese milk bread, or Shokupan. Once you've had a chance to try this scrumptious bread, you'll want go back to eating plain sourdough again!

This blog post is all about milk bread! We'll go through what is milk bread, what distinguishes it from regular bread, and share a delicious recipe for Japanese milk bread. Ready to learn more? Let's get started!

What Is Milk Bread?

Milk bread or Shokupan is a type of bread that originated in Japan. It is made with a specific type of flour called "shirotama" or "milkflower." that results in an ultra-smooth texture. The addition of milk and eggs to the dough make the bread extra fluffy and delectable.
Chigiri bubbles milk bread is a type of chōshoku (Japanese breakfast) made from shirotama flour, milk, and eggs. It is another popular breakfast item from Hokkaido, and has a reputation for being extremely fluffy and delicious.
The main difference between Chigiri bubbles milk bread and Shokupan milk bread is the addition of Chigiri (glutinous rice flour) to the dough. This gives the bread a slightly different texture and flavor. Chigiri bubbles milk bread is also typically shaped into small balls, whereas regular milk bread (Shokupan) is usually baked in a loaf pan.

What Makes Milk Bread So Special?

As mentioned, milk bread is made with a special type of flour that results in an ultra-smooth texture.
This flour is milled from a variety of different wheat grains, including durum wheat, hard red wheat, and soft white wheat.
The combination of these different types of wheat gives milk bread its unique flavor and ultra-smooth texture.
In addition to the shirotama flour, milk and eggs are also added to the dough. This combination helps to make the bread extra fluffy and moist.
Milk bread is typically baked in a loaf pan, resulting in a tall, round loaf that's perfect for slicing and using in sandwiches.

How To Make Milk Bread At Home?

If you're feeling adventurous, why not try making milk bread at home? It's actually not as difficult as you might think! Here's a quick and easy recipe for Japanese milk bread that anyone can make:

Ingredients

1 cup milk
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter , softened
2 eggs , beaten

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine milk, sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, or until the yeast has dissolved.

2. Add flour and salt to the bowl, and mix until well combined.

3. Add butter and eggs to the dough, and mix until everything is well combined.

4. Knead the dough for 10 minutes, then place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour.

5. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

6. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it on a greased baking sheet. Bake the bread for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown.

7. Let the bread cool before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

So there you have it! Now you know all about Japanese milk bread and how to make it at home. Give this recipe a try and see for yourself just how delicious milk bread can be!

Tips & Tricks

If you can't find shirotama flour, you can use all-purpose flour instead.
Feel free to add raisins, nuts, or chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious twist on the traditional recipe.
Milk bread can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply slice the bread before freezing and then toast it when you're ready to enjoy.
There are many different ways to enjoy milk bread. One popular way is to slice it thinly and spread some butter on top. You can also add some jam or honey for a sweet treat.
Milk bread is also delicious when toasted and served with a savory topping, such as cheese or avocado.

Whether you enjoy it plain or topped with your favorite spread, milk bread is sure to become your new favorite! Give it a try today and see for yourself!

Japanese Milk Bread (Shokupan) 食パン | Just One Cookbook

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