Fluffy Garlic Milk Bread

INGREDIENTS

  • 350g bread flour

  • 75g sugar (less if you want the bread less sweet)

  • 1 packet of dry yeast (7-8g)

  • 1 large egg (egg replacement OK)

  • 175 ml warm milk (coconut milk OK)

  • 30 g unsalted butter, softened (vegan butter OK)

  • Pinch of salt or a teaspoon of white or red miso 

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, mixed with salt, minced garlic and other herbs (scallions or parsley), paprika and garlic powder. Mix all together into garlic butter that is spreadable. (Add chicken bouillon powder or msg for added deliciousness)

  • Prior to baking, sprinkle more salt on the bread

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Combine the flour, salt or miso paste, and sugar and set aside. 

  2. Combine the yeast, with a pinch of sugar, with the warm milk. Set aside for 10 minutes.

  3. Using low mixing (level 2 on Kitchen aide) and the dough hook, mix the dry together. Whisk the egg into the milk, and then slowly pour into the dry ingredients. Knead with mixer for about 10 minutes. If the dough looks too dry, add in a little milk.

  4. You should have a nice kneadable bread dough after 10 minutes, it should not be sticky, but it should also not be dry. Cover and set aside for about 10 minutes in a warm place.

  5. Add the softened butter (30g) to the dough and knead for another 10 minutes on low. Check to see if you get the windowpane effect when you stretch the dough. Again it should not be sticky, should not be dry. 

  6. Roll into a ball. Cover and set aside for about 15 minutes in a warm space. It should increase in size.

  7. Remove the dough and roll into a ball, then divide it into about seven to eight equal pieces. Turn each piece into a smooth ball, then roll them flat (think gua bao shape), and smother with the garlic butter spread. Fold in half and put onto the bread or loaf pan, open side facing up. Repeat with each piece.

  8. Proof in the oven or a warm space for about an hour. It should puff up nicely. About 20 to 30 minutes before baking, preheat the oven to 350F (180C) with a rack in the center.

  9. Brush with egg wash if you like a shinier top. 

  10. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. Please cover the top with aluminum foil at about 20 minutes to avoid burning the top.

  11. Serve warm!

  12. Adapted from a Ciao Kitchen Recipe and a Milk Bread Recipe found on Subtle Asian Baking (the Pandan Milk Bread)

  13. Troubleshooting: If the dough is too wet, add a little bread flour. If the dough is too dry, add a little milk. Must be well incorporated and kneaded.

Thanks to modern asian baking for these tips

Siena BeachamComment