Steamed Chinese Mantou Buns

Light, fluffy, and subtly sweet, Mantou are traditional Chinese steamed buns made with just a handful of ingredients. These soft rolls are often served as a snack, side dish, or even dessert. Made with flour, milk, and a touch of sugar, they’re airy, chewy, and perfect for both sweet and savory pairings.

What Is Mantou?

Mantou is a type of Chinese steamed bread, traditionally eaten across Northern China. Unlike stuffed baozi, mantou is typically unfilled and relies on its soft, spongy texture and mild flavor. These buns are made with flour, water (or milk), and yeast—then steamed rather than baked. Modern sweet versions are often brushed with butter or sprinkled with powdered sugar, making them a delightful snack or dessert.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

• Soft and Pillowy: The steam cooking method yields incredibly fluffy buns.
• Simple and Wholesome: Only a few pantry staples needed.
• Naturally Sweet: A hint of sugar makes them perfect for breakfast or a light dessert.
• Versatile: Serve plain, with dips, or drizzle with condensed milk or honey.

Cooking Tips

1. Use warm—not hot—water to activate the yeast (around 100–110°F).
2. Rest the dough for at least an hour to ensure proper rising and fluffiness.
3. Brush with melted butter before rolling for a richer flavor and extra tenderness.
4. Steam with a lid wrapped in a cloth to prevent condensation from dripping onto the buns.
5. Avoid peeking while steaming—keep the steam trapped to ensure a full rise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the Difference Between Mantou and Baozi?

Mantou are plain steamed buns, while baozi are typically filled with savory or sweet fillings like pork or red bean paste.

Can I Make Mantou Without a Steamer?

Yes! Use a metal colander over a pot of simmering water, covered with a lid wrapped in a towel to trap steam without dripping water on the dough.

How Do I Know the Dough Has Risen Enough?

It should double in size and leave a soft indentation when pressed gently with your fingertip.

Can I Use Water Instead of Milk?

Yes, but milk adds richness and a slightly sweeter flavor to the final bun.

Are Mantou Served Hot or Cold?

They’re best enjoyed warm, fresh from the steamer, but also taste great at room temperature.

Can I Make Them in Advance?

Absolutely. You can steam and store them, then reheat before serving.

How to Freeze

Wrap cooled buns individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Re-steam directly from frozen for 8–10 minutes until hot and fluffy again.

How to Store

Allow mantou to cool completely. Place in an airtight container or wrap in plastic and store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in a steamer for 3–5 minutes to restore softness.

How To Make Mantou Buns

In a small bowl, stir the dry yeast into the warm water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour and sugar. Add the yeast mixture, milk, and vegetable oil.

Mix until a dough forms. Cover and let the dough rest for 5 minutes to relax the gluten.

Roll out the dough on a floured surface. Brush evenly with melted butter, roll it up tightly into a log, and cut into equal-sized pieces.

Place each roll on a parchment square, cover loosely, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.

Transfer buns to a bamboo or metal steamer. Steam over medium-high heat for 12 minutes. Do not open the lid during this time.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve warm.