Ingredients
Method
Preparation of Yudane
- In a bowl, mix the 50 g of bread flour with 40 ml of boiling water until it forms a dough. Cover with cling wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Mixing Dough
- The next day, pour 150 ml of room temperature milk into a stand mixer bowl.
- Add 15 g of sugar, 10 g of unsalted butter, and 3 g of yeast.
- Tear the chilled Yudane into small pieces and add it to the bowl.
- Add the remaining 200 g of bread flour and 5 g of salt.
Kneading Dough
- Attach the kneading hook to your mixer, starting at low speed before increasing to a speed of 5 or 6.
- Knead the dough for approximately 20 minutes until elastic.
- Roll the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, covering with cling wrap.
First Rise
- Let the dough rise for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shaping loaves
- Dust your finger with flour and poke the dough. If it doesn't bounce back, it's ready.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal parts.
- Roll each piece into a rectangle of approximately 5.9 by 7.8 inches.
- Fold the dough tightly towards the center and rotate it to form a log.
- Place into a lightly sprayed loaf tin facing the center and cover with a damp cloth.
Second Rise
- Let the dough rise until it reaches the size of the tin, about 30 minutes.
Baking
- Preheat the oven to 365°F (185°C).
- Bake the dough for approximately 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from the tin and let cool on a rack.
Notes
Store Shokupan bread in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. For longer storage, freeze slices and toast them as needed. Don’t rush the rising times; they’re essential for texture. Adjust your oven temperature if necessary.
