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Unbelievably Soft Japanese Milk Bread (No Eggs!)


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  • Author: nevaeh-hall
  • Total Time: 180 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A pillowy, lightly sweet loaf made using the tangzhong method, perfect for sandwiches or French toast.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 25 g bread flour (for tangzhong)
  • 125 g whole milk (or plant milk, for tangzhong)
  • 400 g bread flour
  • 4050 g sugar
  • 7 g salt
  • 68 g instant yeast
  • 180200 g lukewarm milk (34–38°C)
  • 5060 g softened unsalted butter
  • Milk wash (for brushing before baking)

Instructions

  1. Make the tangzhong by whisking 25 g bread flour with 125 g whole milk in a saucepan and cooking over medium-low heat until thickened and reaching 65°C.
  2. Let the tangzhong cool to room temperature.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine 400 g bread flour, 40–50 g sugar, 7 g salt, and 6–8 g instant yeast.
  4. Add in 180–200 g lukewarm milk and the cooled tangzhong, mix well.
  5. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic (8–12 minutes with a stand mixer or 12–18 minutes by hand).
  6. Add 50–60 g softened unsalted butter and knead until incorporated and glossy.
  7. Bulk-proof in a lightly oiled bowl at 27–30°C until doubled (about 60–90 minutes).
  8. Deflate, shape into a loaf, and place in a greased 9×5 loaf pan.
  9. Final-proof until the dough rises 1 cm above the rim and brush with milk.
  10. Bake in a preheated oven at 175–180°C for 25–30 minutes, or until top is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 90–94°C.
  11. Cool on a rack to prevent sogginess.

Notes

For best results, use a digital scale and thermometer for accurate measurements. Consider making variations, such as using dairy-free milk or adding flavorings like raisins or chocolate chips.

  • Prep Time: 60 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg