Japanese Milk Bread Recipe: Soft & Fluffy Shokupan 🍞🥛🇯🇵


 

Step 1: Make the Tangzhong

  1. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, whisk together the bread flour and water until smooth.
  2. Cook over low heat (or microwave in short bursts) while stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and forms a paste-like consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon.
  3. Transfer the tangzhong to a clean bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it cool completely before proceeding.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
  2. Add the warm milk, cooled tangzhong, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract (if using). Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough either by hand or using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. The dough should pass the "windowpane test" (stretch without tearing).

Step 3: First Rise

  1. Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Loaf

  1. Once risen, punch down the dough to release air bubbles.
  2. Divide the dough into equal portions (usually 3-4 pieces depending on your pan size) and shape each piece into a rectangle.
  3. Roll up the rectangles tightly like cinnamon rolls and place them seam-side down in a greased loaf pan, leaving space between each roll.

Step 5: Second Rise

  1. Cover the loaf pan with a clean towel and let the shaped dough rise again for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it reaches just above the rim of the pan.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Beat the reserved egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the top of the risen dough lightly with the egg wash.
  3. Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown on top and hollow-sounding when tapped.
  4. Remove the bread from the pan immediately after baking and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Japanese Milk Bread turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:

  1. Perfect Your Tangzhong : Ensure the tangzhong cools completely before adding it to the dough; otherwise, it may kill the yeast.
  2. Knead Properly : A well-kneaded dough ensures a smooth, even texture. Don’t skimp on this step!
  3. Control Rising Conditions : Optimal rising happens in a warm, humid environment. If needed, place the dough near a bowl of warm water.
  4. Use High-Quality Ingredients : Fresh yeast, premium flour, and full-fat milk contribute to better flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

This Japanese Milk Bread pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments:

  • Breakfast Toast : Enjoy thin slices toasted with butter, jam, or honey.
  • French Toast : Dip slices in egg batter and cook for a luxurious weekend brunch.
  • Sandwiches : Use thick slices for gourmet sandwiches filled with ham, cheese, or avocado.
  • Dessert Treats : Transform leftover slices into bread pudding or French toast casserole.

Conclusion

The Japanese Milk Bread (Shokupan) recipe proves that homemade bread can rival—and even surpass—store-bought loaves. By following this guide, you’ll create a loaf that’s not only delicious but also impressively soft and fluffy. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or enjoying a quiet morning at home, this bread is sure to become a favorite.

Bonus: How to Boost Engagement Around This Recipe

If you’re sharing this recipe online, consider these strategies to increase engagement and drive traffic to your site:

  1. Include High-Quality Photos : Capture stunning images of the finished loaf, highlighting its golden crust and soft interior.
  2. Create a Video Tutorial : A short video showing how to knead the dough and shape the loaf can attract more views and shares.
  3. Engage with Readers : Ask questions like, “What’s your favorite way to enjoy soft bread?” or “Have you tried making tangzhong before?”
  4. Optimize for SEO : Use keywords like "Japanese bread recipes," "soft bread ideas," and "how to make shokupan" throughout the article.

By incorporating these tips, you’ll create content that resonates with readers and keeps them coming back for more. Happy baking! 🍞