Japan · Asia

Shokupan

The tangzhong roux pre-gelatinizes starch for the fluffiest crumb in baking.

Advanced#44 most lovedUses: Starch Gelatinization
Japanese milk breadshokupan tangzhong

The Chemistry in This Bake

Pre-cooking a flour-water roux (tangzhong) to gelatinize its starch before adding it to the main dough.

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Ingredients

  • Bread flour
  • Milk
  • Sugar
  • Butter
  • Instant yeast
  • Salt
  • Egg
  • Water (for tangzhong)

Method

  1. Cook a flour-and-water roux (tangzhong) at 65 °C until it thickens and gelatinizes; cool.

  2. Knead all ingredients including the cooled tangzhong until the dough passes the windowpane test.

  3. Bulk ferment until doubled.

  4. Divide, ball up, rest, and roll each piece into a tight cylinder.

  5. Place in a pullman tin and proof until nearly reaching the rim.

  6. Bake at 190 °C for 30-35 minutes until deep golden; brush with butter.