Purple sweet potato steamed bun (Mantou)

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Tham Jessica (@jessieinthekitchen)

A beautiful and nutritious steamed bun recipe combining sweet potato dough with white dough.

Prep Time
1hr 20min
Cook Time
11min
Total Time
1hr 31min
Purple sweet potato steamed bun (Mantou) recipe

Ingredients

12 Servings
(1 serving = 1 bun)

Purple Sweet Potato Dough

  • 200g
    Hong Kong flour
  • 125g
    purple sweet potato (steamed and mashed)
  • 60g
    sugar
  • 1/4tsp
    salt
  • 1tbsp
    cooking oil
  • 1tbsp
    warm water
  • 1/2tsp
    baking powder
  • 1tsp
    instant yeast

White Dough

  • 200g
    Hong Kong flour
  • 40g
    sugar
  • 1tbsp
    cooking oil
  • 140mL
    warm water
  • 1tsp
    baking powder
  • 1tsp
    instant yeast

How to make Purple sweet potato steamed bun (Mantou)

  1. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut into small cubes. Steam for 15 minutes or until they can be easily mashed with a fork.

  2. In a large bowl of your electric mixer, add all the ingredients and beat until combined. If the dough feels too dry, add another tablespoon of water and continue beating at medium-low speed until the dough is smooth, shiny, and elastic.

  3. Leave the dough on the table covered with plastic wrap or a bowl, and let it rest for 5 minutes.

  4. While the white dough is resting, make the sweet potato dough following the same steps as the white dough.

  5. Roll the two pieces of dough into large, thin rectangles of the same size. Layer the white dough underneath and the sweet potato dough on top, or vice versa. Brush some water on the overlapping dough to let the two pieces stick together. Roll the dough to form a log, from top to bottom, making sure to tuck and roll the dough tightly.

  6. Cut the log into small sections about 2 inches wide with a sharp knife. Place steaming paper underneath each piece, then place them in a bamboo steamer. Let them proof for 30 minutes or until doubled in size, ensuring there is enough room for the rolls to rise without sticking together.

  7. Prepare a pot with water for steaming. Turn on the heat and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, place the bamboo steamer over the pot, cover tightly, and steam at medium heat for 11 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the buns sit in the steamer for another 5 minutes before opening the lid to prevent deflation due to temperature shock. Uncover the lid and serve warm.

    Step 1.1: Prepare a pot with water for steaming

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

91.2kcal (4.56%)

Protein

1.7g (3.42%)

Carbs

14.1g (5.14%)

Sugars

8.3g (16.66%)

Healthy Fat

2.5g

Unhealthy Fat

0.5g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Ensure the dough is smooth, shiny, and elastic before resting.

  2. Allow enough space between the buns in the steamer to prevent them from sticking together after rising.

  3. Let the buns sit in the steamer for 5 minutes after turning off the heat to prevent deflation.

FAQS

  1. What is the best way to store purple sweet potato steamed buns?

    To store purple sweet potato steamed buns, let them cool completely after steaming. Then, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just wrap each bun in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply steam them for a few minutes until warmed through.

  2. Can I make substitutions for the ingredients in the purple sweet potato steamed bun recipe?

    Yes, you can make several substitutions in this recipe. If you don't have Hong Kong flour, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture may vary slightly. For a gluten-free option, consider using a gluten-free flour blend. If you want to reduce sugar, you can cut it down by half or use a sugar substitute like stevia. Additionally, you can replace purple sweet potato with other types of sweet potatoes or even pumpkin for a different flavor.

  3. How can I ensure my purple sweet potato steamed buns are fluffy and light?

    To achieve fluffy and light purple sweet potato steamed buns, make sure to properly proof the dough. After rolling the dough into logs, let them proof for 30 minutes or until they double in size. Also, ensure that your yeast is fresh and active, as this is crucial for the dough to rise properly. Steaming at the right temperature and allowing the buns to sit in the steamer after cooking will also help prevent deflation.

  4. What are some good pairings for purple sweet potato steamed buns?

    Purple sweet potato steamed buns pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes. They can be served as a side with savory meals like stir-fried vegetables, dumplings, or even grilled meats. For a sweet treat, enjoy them with a drizzle of honey or a side of coconut cream. They also make a delightful snack on their own or with a cup of tea.

  5. How long does it take to cook purple sweet potato steamed buns?

    The cooking time for purple sweet potato steamed buns is approximately 11 minutes once the water is boiling. However, you should also account for the 30 minutes of proofing time before steaming. After steaming, let the buns sit in the steamer for an additional 5 minutes to prevent deflation. Overall, you should plan for about 45 minutes from start to finish, including preparation and cooking.

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Tham Jessica

(@jessieinthekitchen)

I loved to cook and enjoyed learning about all sort of cuisines. Today, I am still in the kitchen and every chance I get, I...

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