Baking Great Bread at HomeNaturally leavened pillowy softness
Henry's Sourdough Japanese Milk Bread(Shokupan)
by Henry Hunter Jr.
Sweet levain meets tangzhong for the ultimate naturally leavened sandwich bread
Rise Time
Varies
Bake Time
Varies
Yield
1 loaf
Perfection is not required
"Great bread isn't about perfect technique—it's about understanding the dough."— Henry Hunter Jr.
Authentic Bread Flavor
All the pillowy softness of traditional milk bread, naturally leavened with sourdough starter. Subtle tang, incredible tenderness, and it stays fresh for days.
Equipment Needed
Ingredients
Build the Sweet Levain
The sweet is the key to this recipe. Adding sugar feeds the yeast, speeds fermentation, and results in a sweeter, less sour flavor profile.
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Make the Tangzhong
The gelatinizes the starches in the flour, allowing them to hold more moisture for an incredibly soft crumb.
Watch the Technique
Watch: How to make tangzhong paste
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Mix the Dough
Building gluten in enriched doughs takes patience. The goes in last so it doesn't interfere with gluten development.
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Bulk Fermentation
Keep the dough at 74-78°F. If your kitchen is cool, use a or your oven with just the light on.
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Pro Tip
The dough is ready when it has roughly doubled in volume, looks puffy and smooth, small bubbles are visible on the surface and sides, and it feels light and airy when you lift the container.
Final Proof
The longer proof time compared to commercial yeast is normal for sourdough. Watch the dough, not the clock.
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Pro Tip
The dough should look puffy and pillowy, jiggle gently when you shake the pan, and spring back slowly when poked (leaving a slight indent). At cooler temperatures, this could take 4-5 hours. Don't rush it.
The Final Step
Bake the Bread
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) with a rack in the lower third, about 20-30 minutes before baking.
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Troubleshooting
Baker's Notes
Common questions and solutions for perfect results
Temperature is the invisible ingredient. I use the Goldie and DoughBed from SourHouse to keep my starter and dough at the perfect temperature, every time.
SourHouse Temperature Control Products
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