Taiwanese Bread

Taiwanese Bread Recipe - Vegetarian Food from Taiwan

Region / culture: Taiwan | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 12 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Taiwanese bread is a popular and delicious treat that is enjoyed by many around the world. This soft and fluffy bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even as a dessert. With its rich and buttery flavor, Taiwanese bread is sure to satisfy your cravings.

History

Taiwanese bread has its roots in traditional Chinese baking techniques, but has evolved over the years to become a unique and beloved dish in Taiwan. The recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own twist to the classic bread. Today, Taiwanese bread can be found in bakeries and homes all over the world.

Ingredients

500 g bread flour
2.5 g ascorbic acid (optional)
175 g iced water
7.5 g dry instant yeast
5 g salt
100 g sugar
50 g butter
50 g shortening
30 g fresh milk
100 g egg yolks

How to prepare

Combine part of the water from the recipe with the yeast and 50 g of sugar. Set aside.
Using the dough hook attachment of your machine, mix the bread flour and remaining sugar together.
Pour in the yeast mixture and continue mixing at a slow speed.
Add water and milk in a thin stream until the mixture looks completely wet. Add more water as necessary.
Increase the speed and add the butter and shortening in pieces until the mixture looks completely lubricated.
Add egg yolks and salt.
Continue mixing at high speed until the dough leaves the sides of the bowl clean. Mix until gluten is developed. Test the dough by taking a small piece and stretching it. It should not break easily and should feel elastic. The dough will be very sticky.
Rest the dough in a large greased bowl, turning the dough once to grease the top. Cover with plastic. Do not disturb for about 30 minutes.
At this point, you can shape the dough into anything you want.

Filipino ensaimada

Divide the dough into two.
Divide each half into 50 g pieces.
Roll up each dough tightly into a bun.
Place the buns in a greased tray, cover with greased plastic, and set aside for 10 minutes.
Roll each dough into a rectangle and generously spread butter on top.
Cover the entire surface with grated cheese (edam works excellently) and roll up the dough on the long side into a thin baton.
Coil this baton into a tight cinnamon bun shape and place it in round, greased fluted molds or large muffin tins.
Butter the tops and set aside to let them rise until double in size. This might take between 1 to 2 hours (depending on the temperature of your kitchen - for faster rising, place inside an empty cabinet).
Just before baking, brush the tops gently with beaten egg mixed with a few tablespoons of water.
Bake in a preheated 400°F (204°C) oven for approximately 18 to 25 minutes. The tops should be just golden. Due to the richness of the dough, the bread will turn brown easily.
Remove immediately to cooling racks. Brush with more butter and sprinkle with a little sugar and more grated cheese.

Variations

You can add raisins, nuts, or chocolate chips to the dough for a different flavor and texture. You can also top the bread with sesame seeds or a sprinkle of sugar before baking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to knead the dough thoroughly to develop the gluten and create a soft and fluffy texture.

- Let the dough rest and rise properly to ensure a light and airy bread.

- Brushing the tops of the bread with egg wash before baking will give it a beautiful golden color.

- Be careful not to overbake the bread, as it can become dry and tough.

Serving Suggestions

Taiwanese bread can be enjoyed on its own, or with a spread of butter or jam. It also pairs well with a cup of tea or coffee.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Taiwanese bread is to knead the dough thoroughly and let it rest and rise properly. This will ensure a soft and fluffy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use vegetable oil instead of shortening, and almond milk instead of dairy milk for a vegan version of Taiwanese bread.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Presentation Ideas

You can shape the bread into rolls, buns, or even braids for a beautiful presentation. You can also top the bread with a glaze or icing for a sweet finish.

Pairing Recommendations

Taiwanese bread pairs well with a variety of dishes, such as soups, salads, and sandwiches. It also goes well with a glass of milk or a fruity beverage.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Taiwanese bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Taiwanese bread contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Taiwanese bread contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Taiwanese bread contains approximately 10g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Taiwanese bread contains approximately 5g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Taiwanese bread is a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin B.

Alergens

Taiwanese bread contains gluten, dairy, and eggs.

Summary

Taiwanese bread is a delicious and satisfying treat that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a snack or meal.

Summary

Taiwanese bread is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any time of day. With its soft and fluffy texture, rich flavor, and nutritious ingredients, Taiwanese bread is sure to become a favorite in your home.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. I was at a local market in Taiwan, surrounded by the vibrant colors and tantalizing smells of street food vendors. As I wandered through the aisles, my eyes were drawn to a small stall where an elderly woman was skillfully shaping dough into perfect round balls.

Intrigued, I approached the stall and watched as she deftly flattened the dough and placed it onto a sizzling hot griddle. The smell of warm bread wafted through the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. I couldn't resist the urge to try one of these Taiwanese breads for myself.

I purchased a freshly cooked piece and took a bite. The bread was soft and fluffy with a slight crispy exterior, and it had a subtle sweetness that made it irresistible. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this delicious treat.

The elderly woman noticed my interest and smiled warmly at me. She introduced herself as Mrs. Lin and explained that she had been making Taiwanese bread for over fifty years. She graciously offered to teach me her recipe, and I eagerly accepted.

Mrs. Lin invited me to her home the following day, where she patiently guided me through the process of making Taiwanese bread. She showed me how to mix the ingredients – flour, water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar – until they formed a smooth and elastic dough. She then demonstrated the proper technique for shaping the dough into balls and flattening them into rounds before cooking them on a griddle.

As the bread cooked, Mrs. Lin shared stories of her youth and the many places she had traveled to perfect her craft. She told me about the time she spent in Japan, learning new techniques and flavors that she incorporated into her recipe. She also spoke fondly of her grandmother, who had passed down the original Taiwanese bread recipe to her many years ago.

I listened intently, soaking up every bit of knowledge that Mrs. Lin shared with me. I was amazed by her passion for cooking and her dedication to preserving traditional recipes. By the end of the day, I had a notebook filled with detailed instructions and tips on how to make Taiwanese bread.

Over the next few weeks, I practiced making Taiwanese bread in my own kitchen, following Mrs. Lin's recipe to the letter. I experimented with different fillings and toppings, adding my own twist to the traditional recipe. Each batch I made brought me closer to mastering the art of Taiwanese bread, and I felt a sense of pride with each successful loaf.

As I continued to perfect my technique, I shared my creations with family and friends, who were amazed by the flavors and textures of the bread. They begged me to teach them how to make it, and soon I found myself passing on Mrs. Lin's recipe to a new generation of budding bakers.

Years passed, and the recipe for Taiwanese bread became a staple in my household. It was a dish that brought us together, a reminder of the shared experiences and memories we had created over the years. I often thought of Mrs. Lin and the kindness she had shown me in teaching me her recipe, and I felt grateful for the opportunity to carry on her legacy.

Today, whenever I make Taiwanese bread, I think of Mrs. Lin and the day I first saw her cooking at the market. I am reminded of the joy and satisfaction that comes from creating something delicious with your own hands, and the importance of passing on traditional recipes to future generations.

In the end, it is not just the taste of the bread that I love, but the memories and stories that come with it. The recipe for Taiwanese bread may have been handed down to me by Mrs. Lin, but it is now a part of my own culinary journey, a symbol of the connections we form through food and the joy we find in sharing it with others.