JAPANESE MILK BREAD

Japanese Milk Bread image

From Evil Shenanigans, author/photographer Kelly Jaggers: this makes a loaf of very VERY fluffy thick-cut white bread - First, it is typically made with a water or water/milk roux called a tanzhong. This roux super hydrates a small portion of the flour which makes the finished loaf more moist, springy, and helps keep it fresh for...

Provided by Beth Renzetti

Time 3h30m

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

FOR THE TANZHONG:
1/3 c heavy cream
1/3 c water
1/3 c bread flour
FOR THE BREAD:
1/2 c heavy cream
1/3 c water
1 Tbsp active dry yeast
1/3 c sugar
1 1/2 c unbleached all-purpose flour
1 1/2 c unbleached bread flour
1 Tbsp dry milk powder
1 Tbsp vital wheat gluten
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 large egg
4 Tbsp butter, melted and cooled

Steps:

1. Begin by making the tanzhong: In a medium saucepan combine the cream, water, and bread flour. Whisk until smooth then cook over medium heat until the mixture becomes very thick, about 5-7 minutes. The mixture should reach 150 F. Set aside to cool.
2. Now, prepare the bread dough. Combine the heavy cream and water and heat until it reaches 105 F. Add the yeast and 1 teaspoon of the sugar and allow to stand for 10 minutes, or until the mixture is foamy and bubbling.
3. In the work bowl of a stand mixer combine the remaining sugar, flours, milk powder, gluten, salt, egg, and butter along with the yeast mixture and the cooled tanzhong. Using the dough hook mix the dough on low speed for 3 minutes, or until the ingredients are just combined, then increase the speed to medium and mix for 8 minutes. The dough may seem sticky and loose, but this is ok.
4. Turn the dough out onto a work surface dusted with flour. Gently knead the dough, adding additional flour to keep it from sticking, for 3 minutes then form the dough into a smooth ball and place into a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap and allow to rise until double in bulk, about 1½ hours.
5. Once risen turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and use your palm to press the dough flat. Once flat use your finger tips to poke holes in the dough to make sure it is thoroughly degassed. You do not want any large gas bubbles to remain.
6. Divide the dough into two equal pieces. Form each piece into a log that is three inches longer than your pan. Twist the logs together to form a loaf and transfer to a lightly greased loaf pan. Cover with plastic or a damp kitchen towel and allow to proof until the dough reaches the top of the pan, about 45 minutes.
7. Heat the oven to 350 F. Bake the bread for 25 - 35 minutes, or until the bread is deeply golden brown and it sounds hollow when thumped on the side. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a rack to cool to room temperature. Cool completely before slicing.