Chinese toast recipe

How to Make Chinese-Style Sourdough Bread: A Comprehensive Guide

Chinese-style sourdough bread, or "zhong zhong tu si," is beloved for its soft, fluffy texture and subtle sweetness, perfect for breakfast or snacks. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting this bakery favorite at home.

Ingredients: For the starter, combine 100g bread flour, 100g water, and 1g yeast; ferment for 4–6 hours until bubbly. For the main dough, add 250g bread flour, 50g sugar, 3g salt, 50g milk powder, 50g egg, 50g butter, and 50g water to the starter. Knead until smooth and elastic, then let rise until doubled in size (about 1–2 hours).

Shaping & Proofing: Divide the dough into equal portions, roll each into an oval, and fold it into a cylinder. Place in a greased loaf pan, cover, and proof for 60–90 minutes until the dough reaches 80% of the pan’s height.

Baking: Brush the top with egg wash for a golden crust. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes. Tap the bottom—if it sounds hollow, it’s done. Cool completely before slicing to maintain its soft texture.

Tips: Control fermentation temperature (around 25–28°C) to avoid over-proofing. Adjust liquid ratio based on flour absorption for the ideal dough consistency. Enjoy plain or with butter, jam, or as French toast!

This method guarantees a light, airy loaf with a tender crumb—sure to impress family and friends.