Mantou, Chinese steamed buns
Soft, fluffy, plain steamed buns with a lightly sweet flavour, perfect for dunking in curries or stuffing with fillings.
- Time1 hr 40
- LevelMedium
- Costabout £0.04 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
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Method
- 1
Mix the flour, yeast, sugar and baking powder in a large bowl. Add the warm water and oil and stir to a rough dough.
- 2
Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth and springy.
- 3
Put the dough in an oiled bowl, cover and leave somewhere warm for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
60 min - 4
Knead briefly to knock out the air, then divide into 8 pieces. Shape each into a smooth ball or a short oval. Sit each on a square of baking paper.
- 5
Cover and leave to puff for 20 minutes.
20 min - 6
Steam in batches over simmering water in a steamer for 12 minutes, keeping the lid on. Do not lift it early or the buns may sink.
12 min - 7
Turn off the heat and wait 2 minutes before opening the lid. Serve warm, they should be pale, soft and springy.
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.