Why You’ll Love Soft and Fluffy Matcha Spiral Mantou Steamed Buns Recipe
These mantou are incredibly soft, light, and pleasing to eat. The spiral design makes them look special without requiring complicated shaping, and the dough itself is simple and approachable. You can keep the flavor mild with matcha or swap in another powder flavor you enjoy. They are also versatile enough to eat plain, with a sweet spread, or with savory dishes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the plain dough:
- all-purpose flour
- cake flour
- instant yeast
- sugar
- cooking oil
- milk
- extra flour for dusting
For the matcha dough:
- matcha powder
- all-purpose flour
- cake flour
- instant yeast
- sugar
- cooking oil
- milk
- extra flour for dusting
Directions
- Make the plain dough by combining the flours, yeast, sugar, and oil in a mixing bowl. Add the milk gradually until the dough comes together, then knead until smooth and elastic.
- Make the matcha dough in a separate bowl using the same base ingredients, adding the matcha powder with the dry ingredients. Add milk little by little and knead until the dough is smooth. Let it rest briefly.
- Lightly flour your work surface and roll the plain dough into a thin rectangle.
- Roll the matcha dough into a similar-sized rectangle.
- Lay one sheet of dough on top of the other and press gently so they stick together.
- Starting from the long side nearest you, roll the dough tightly into a log.
- Use a sharp serrated knife to slice the log into even pieces.
- Place each bun on a small piece of parchment paper, cover loosely, and let them proof until they look puffed and about half larger than before.
- Bring the steamer water to a boil. Wrap the lid with a towel to prevent condensation from dripping onto the buns.
- Reduce the heat to medium, place the buns in the steamer with a little space between them, and steam with the lid slightly ajar.
- Once done, turn off the heat and let the buns sit in the steamer for a few minutes before uncovering.
- Transfer to a wire rack so the bottoms stay dry and not soggy.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 8 large mantou.
Prep time: 40 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Proofing time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
You can easily change the look and flavor of these steamed buns by swapping the matcha for another dry flavoring. Cocoa powder creates a chocolate spiral, while beetroot powder gives a pink tone. Black sesame powder or charcoal powder can create a dramatic darker swirl. For a sweeter version, serve the buns with condensed milk, jam, chocolate spread, or honey. You can also make smaller buns if you want more portions for lunchboxes or sharing.
Storage/Reheating
Store cooled mantou in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a couple of days, or freeze them for longer storage. For best freezing results, place the buns on a tray first so they firm up individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
To reheat, steam refrigerated buns for a few minutes until soft and warmed through. Frozen buns can go straight into the steamer without thawing. Steam until heated through and fluffy again. Avoid microwaving too long, as that can make them chewy.
FAQs
What is mantou?
Mantou is a Chinese steamed bun that is usually soft, fluffy, and lightly sweet or neutral in flavor. It is often eaten plain or served with both sweet and savory foods.
Can I use only all-purpose flour?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly different. Using a mix of all-purpose flour and cake flour helps create a softer and fluffier bun.
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, but you should bloom it first in a little warm milk before mixing it into the dough.
Why didn’t my mantou turn out smooth?
This usually happens when the dough is not kneaded enough, the buns are overproofed, or the steaming temperature is too high.
How do I know when the buns are proofed enough?
They should look puffed and feel slightly airy. A gentle press should leave a small indentation that slowly springs back.
Why should the steamer lid stay slightly ajar?
Leaving the lid slightly ajar helps control condensation and steam pressure, which can reduce wrinkling and collapsing.
Can I make these buns without matcha?
Yes. You can leave the dough plain or replace the matcha with cocoa powder or another dry flavoring.
Can I make smaller mantou?
Yes. Just divide the rolled log into more pieces and adjust the steaming time slightly if needed.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes. These buns can be made less sweet, and the sugar level can be adjusted to your taste.
What can I serve with mantou?
They are delicious on their own, with jam or condensed milk, or alongside savory dishes such as braised meats, stir-fries, or soups.
Conclusion
These matcha spiral mantou steamed buns are soft, beautiful, and surprisingly simple to make. With their fluffy texture and eye-catching swirl, they are a lovely homemade treat that feels both comforting and special. Whether you enjoy them plain or pair them with a favorite spread, they are a wonderful recipe to keep in your rotation.
