The definitive guide to Hokkaido milk bread: History, recipes and tips

The definitive guide to Hokkaido milk bread: History, recipes and tips.

Hokkaido milk bread is a Japanese-style bread that has taken the baking world by storm. With its soft and delicate texture, it's no wonder it has become a favorite of bread and pastry enthusiasts. But what makes this bread so special? In this definitive guide to Hokkaido milk bread, we'll take a deep dive into its history, explore different recipes, and give you tips for perfecting your loaf. From its Japanese origins to its rise in popularity around the world, we will discover the secrets of this delicious bread. Whether you are an experienced or novice baker, this guide is a must-read for anyone who wants to master the art of Hokkaido milk bread. So grab your bowl and get started!

Introduction to Hokkaido Milk Bread

Hokkaido milk bread is a soft and delicate Japanese bread that has become very popular in recent years. This bread is known for its soft texture and delicate flavor. Hokkaido milk bread is also known for its ability to stay soft and fresh for several days after baking. This makes it a great choice for those who want to have fresh bread every day without having to buy it every time.

The history of Hokkaido milk bread

Hokkaido milk bread has its roots in Japanese bread making, which began during the Meiji period (1868-1912). During this period, Japan began to adopt Western technologies, including baking. Initially, Japanese bread was similar to French bread, but over the years a softer bread was developed that was more suited to Japanese tastes.

The science behind Hokkaido milk bread

Hokkaido milk bread is known for its soft and delicate texture. The reason for this lies in the pasta preparation technique. Hokkaido milk bread dough is made by a method called tangzhong, which involves cooking some of the flour with water or milk. This creates a sort of mushy dough which is then incorporated into the main pasta. Baking tangzhong helps create a soft, delicate texture in the dough, which results in soft, fluffy bread.

Hokkaido Milk Bread Recipe - Step by Step Guide

Here is the recipe for Hokkaido milk bread:

**Ingredients for milk-roux or tangzhong :**

• 100 g milk
• 20 gf arina 00

**Dough ingredients:**

• 400 g of bread flour
• 60 g of sugar
• 6 g of salt
• 6 g of dry yeast
• 200 ml of whole milk
• 1 egg
• 60 g of butter

Procedure for tangzhong

First prepare the milk-roux or tangzhong (possibly the day before!). Pour the flour and milk into a saucepan, mix with a whisk so that no lumps form. Cook over low heat until it reaches a temperature of 65°C, then transfer the milk-roux into a bowl and let it cool at room temperature for about twenty minutes and then in the fridge until completely cold.
NOTE: For the dough, however, the ingredients must all be at room temperature, so organize yourself by calculating the times carefully!

**Method:**

1. Dissolve the dry yeast in 50 ml of warm milk and leave to rest for 10 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour , sugar and salt .
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and remaining milk together.
4. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and mix well.
5. Add the tangzhong and knead well until the dough becomes smooth and homogeneous.
6. Add the softened butter to the dough and knead until the butter is completely incorporated.
7. Cover the dough and let it rise for about an hour.
8. Divide the dough into 6 equal parts and form sandwiches.
9. Place the rolls on a baking tray and leave to rise for another 30-45 minutes.
10. Brush the buns with a beaten egg.
11. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for approximately 20-25 minutes.

Tips for making Hokkaido milk bread

Here are some tips for making the perfect Hokkaido milk bread:

• Use high quality ingredients to get the best flavor.
• Follow the recipe carefully, without skipping any steps.
• Make sure the dough is well kneaded and the butter is fully incorporated.
• Let the dough rise until it has doubled in volume.
• Brush the surface of the rolls with a beaten egg to obtain a golden and shiny crust.

Variations of Hokkaido milk bread

Hokkaido milk bread is very versatile and can be customized to personal taste. Here are some variations you can try:

• Hokkaido milk bread with chocolate filling
• Hokkaido milk bread with jam filling
• Hokkaido milk bread with custard filling
• Hokkaido milk bread with sesame seeds

Tips for Serving Hokkaido Milk Bread

Hokkaido milk bread can be served in many different ways. Here are some tips for serving it:

• Toasted with butter and jam for breakfast
• Cut into cubes and used to make sandwich bread
• Served as an accompaniment to soup or a meat dish
• Cut into slices and use to make delicious cheese toasties

Where to find Hokkaido milk bread

Hokkaido milk bread can be found in many specialty grocery stores. Additionally, many bakeries and pastry shops offer it as a specialty. You can also try making it at home with the recipe provided in this guide.

Conclusions and final reflections

Hokkaido milk bread is a soft and delicate bread that has its roots in the Japanese baking tradition. Due to its texture and delicate flavor, it has become very popular throughout the world. With the recipe and tips provided in this guide, you can make the perfect Hokkaido milk bread in the comfort of your home.

So grab your bowl and start kneading!