Shokupan translates to “Japanese Milk Bread”

Why Make This Recipe

Shokupan, or Japanese Milk Bread, is famous for its soft, fluffy texture and slightly sweet flavor. This delicious bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying on its own. Plus, making Shokupan at home is easy and rewarding. The smell of fresh bread will fill your kitchen, making everyone eager to try a slice.

How to Make Shokupan

Ingredients

• 500g bread flour
• 30g sugar
• 10g salt
• 10g instant yeast
• 40g unsalted butter, softened
• 300ml whole milk
• 100g water (for Yudane)
• 50g bread flour (for Yudane)

Directions

1. Start by making the Yudane: In a small pot, mix 50g of bread flour with 100g of boiling water. Stir until it forms a thick paste and let it cool.
2. In a bowl, combine 500g of bread flour, 30g of sugar, salt, and yeast.
3. Add the cooled Yudane, 300ml of milk, and softened butter to the dry ingredients.
4. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for about 10 minutes until smooth.
5. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
6. Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
7. Place in a greased loaf pan and let rise again for about 30-60 minutes.
8. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
10. Let it cool before slicing and enjoy your soft Shokupan.

How to Serve Shokupan

Shokupan is versatile. You can serve it plain, with butter and jam, or use it for tasty sandwiches. It also makes excellent French toast or bread pudding. Whatever way you choose, it’s sure to be delicious!

How to Store Shokupan

To store your Shokupan, let it cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. It can stay at room temperature for about 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to slice it first for easy serving later.

Tips to Make Shokupan

• Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
• Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic for the best texture.
• For added softness, consider using a dough hook if you have a stand mixer.
• Don’t rush the rising times; this helps develop flavor and texture.

Variation

You can add ingredients like sesame seeds, black sesame paste, or matcha powder to give your Shokupan unique flavors. Try incorporating some spices like cinnamon for a twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, but bread flour gives Shokupan its characteristic chew and fluffiness.

2. What if I don’t have instant yeast?

You can use active dry yeast. Just dissolve it in warm milk first and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly before adding it to the dough.

3. Can I make this recipe without sugar?

You can omit the sugar, but the bread won’t be as sweet. Sugar also helps with browning and texture.

Shokupan (Japanese Milk Bread)

• Author: admin
• Prep Time: 60 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 95 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Japanese
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Shokupan is a soft and fluffy Japanese Milk Bread with a slightly sweet flavor, perfect for sandwiches or toast.

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Ingredients

• 500g bread flour
• 30g sugar
• 10g salt
• 10g instant yeast
• 40g unsalted butter, softened
• 300ml whole milk
• 100g water (for Yudane)
• 50g bread flour (for Yudane)

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Instructions

1. Make the Yudane: In a small pot, mix 50g of bread flour with 100g of boiling water. Stir until it forms a thick paste and let it cool.
2. In a bowl, combine 500g of bread flour, 30g of sugar, salt, and yeast.
3. Add the cooled Yudane, 300ml of milk, and softened butter to the dry ingredients.
4. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for about 10 minutes until smooth.
5. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
6. Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
7. Place in a greased loaf pan and let rise again for about 30-60 minutes.
8. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
10. Let it cool before slicing and enjoy your soft Shokupan.

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Notes

For best results, ensure ingredients are at room temperature and knead the dough until smooth. Consider adding unique flavors like sesame seeds or cinnamon.