Japanese Milk Bread: Crafting the Perfect Shokupan with Apron
Indulge in the world of Japanese baking with the elegant and soft Shokupan, also known as Japanese Milk Bread. This fluffy, slightly sweet bread is famous for its delicate texture and the cloud-like softness that melts in your mouth. It’s a staple in Japanese meals and now, with the help of Apron, it can become a favorite in your home too.
Preparing the Yudane Dough
Yudane plays a vital role in achieving the Shokupan’s distinctive soft and moist texture.
Ingredients:
- Flour: 25g (or 2 Tablespoons)
- Hot Milk: 40ml
Steps:
- Mix the flour and hot milk until a sticky, paste-like dough is formed.
- Allow it to cool, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours, or ideally, overnight.
Crafting the Main Dough
Ingredients:
- Honey: 20g (or 1 Tablespoon)
- Lukewarm Milk: 140ml
- Instant Yeast: 2.5g
- Flour: 240g (or approximately 1 and 3/4 cups)
- Sugar: 15g (or 2 Tablespoons)
- Salt: 2.5g (or 1/2 teaspoon)
- Whipping Cream: 30ml
- Unsalted Butter: 15g (or 1 Tablespoon)
Baking Information:
- Pan Size: 10x10cm (produces 2 loaves)
- Baking Temperature: 190°C (or 370°F)
- Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
Procedure:
- Dough Formation:
- Combine the honey and lukewarm milk, stirring until honey is dissolved. Introduce the yeast and let it sit until frothy.
- Mix together the flour, sugar, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add the yeast-milk mixture and Yudane dough, mixing well.
- Add the whipping cream and knead consistently.
- Incorporate the unsalted butter, ensuring it’s fully integrated into the dough.
- Kneading and First Proofing:
- Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place it in a greased bowl, covering it with a damp cloth. Allow it to rise until it has doubled in size.
- Forming and Second Proofing:
- Gently deflate the dough and divide it as per the pan size.
- Shape the pieces and position them in the prepared pan.
- Allow them to undergo a second rise until they nearly double in size.
- Baking the Bread:
- Preheat the oven as per the specified temperature.
- Bake until the bread is golden and emits a hollow sound when tapped.
- Let it cool before slicing to preserve its soft interior.
Apron brings to us this beautifully simple and satisfying recipe, connecting us to a traditional Japanese culinary delight. Remember to like, share, and subscribe to Apron’s channel for more tasty recipes and click the bell icon to stay updated with the latest culinary adventures!
Wishing you a joyful baking experience!
Note: Accuracy in baking is key, so while approximations in cups and tablespoons are provided, using a scale for grams will yield the best results. Happy baking!
