Hokkaido milk bread or (shokupan) is said to be the softest, lightest and fluffiest bread you will ever eat. It uses a special method called Tangzhong, which makes it extra special among others. If you have been eating your boring bread, try the Hokkaido milk bread and you’ll definitely love its delicious taste. Get to know more about it here.
1. Origin
Not much information has been known with the origin of Hokkaido milk bread. Others say the recipe originated in Japan especially with its recipe from Tokyo. However, other claims it is from the Chinese. Furthermore, the milk used is from Hokkaido. The Hokkaido milk bread is sold in Japanese and other Asian bakeries.
2. Tangzhong Method
This method involves using flour-water-milk roux called Tangzhong. Mix 1 part of bread flour with 5 parts of water at 65°C to form a paste or dough. Let tangzhong cool at room temperature. When the tangzhong is added to the other ingredients, this allows some time for the bread to rise and be fluffy.
3. Sweet Milky Flavor
What makes the Hokkaido milk bread even more special is the milk used. Most desserts with milk use the one from Hokkaido. It is natural and fresh on the farm so, expect a sweeter taste than any other milk. The ones sold in bottles at supermarkets are similar to the ones sold directly on the farm.
4. Many ingredients
Baking the Hokkaido milk bread has a lot of ingredients needed. These are white bread flour, sugar, milk, butter, whipping cream, egg, yeast, salt and others. Remember, the ingredients may be different from the recipe you are following the others. However, these ingredients can easily be found in the supermarket.
5. Long process
Baking Hokkaido milk bread basically involves making the tangzhong method and making the dough. Before baking, make sure that you have studied the process well to save time, especially if it is your first time. Making the dough is quite a long process. Read the recipe thoroughly and follow rigorously.
6. Popular in Asian food blogs
Because people love food, many are fascinated by the unique taste of Hokkaido milk bread. It is widely known in Japanese bakeries and has gained popularity in neighboring countries. There are various recipes to choose from. Now, food bloggers also feature this bread in their blogs. Homemade Hokkaido milk bread can be a lot of fun.
7. May add mini chocolate chips
After all the process in baking the Hokkaido milk bread, you may want to add some chocolate chips especially if you are making your bread into rolls. This would increase the sweetness of the bread. You can even decorate the bread using the mini chocolate chips and form some cute animals.
You will certainly love the good food in Hokkaido!
Have a good trip and travel!
