Pai Bao Bread
Soft, sweet, and pillowy bread commonly enjoyed as a delightful treat in Asian bakeries, best known for its rich texture and slightly sweet flavor.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 500 g Bread flour Preferably with 12-14% protein content
- 250 ml Milk Warm milk for best results
- 50 g Sugar Adjust according to sweetness preference
- 10 g Yeast Active dry yeast recommended
- 1 tsp Salt Enhances flavor
- 50 g Butter Melted, optional for richness
- 1 large Egg For richness in dough
Instructions
Preparation of Dough
- Combine the bread flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, and egg until well combined.
- Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Proofing
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size (1-2 hours).
Shaping
- After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a small roll and place them closely together in a baking dish.
Second Proofing
- Cover the rolls and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
Baking
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for approximately 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
Notes
Experiment with different flour blends for unique textures. Store flour in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for optimal freshness.