The Appeal of Fried Mantou

Mantou is a beloved Chinese steamed bun, typically soft and slightly sweet. The process of frying it creates a perfect contrast between the crispy golden exterior and the tender, fluffy interior. The outer shell gets crunchy, creating an irresistible bite, while the inside stays airy and soft, which makes for an exciting texture combination.

What truly elevates this dish is the addition of sweetened condensed milk. The rich, sweet creaminess of the condensed milk drizzled over the mantou adds a luscious, indulgent finish that complements the fried bun’s mild sweetness. This combination is comforting and satisfying, making it a popular snack or dessert in many Chinese households.

The Mantou Dough: Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

Making mantou dough is incredibly straightforward, requiring only a few basic ingredients: warm water, sugar, yeast, all-purpose flour, vegetable oil, and a pinch of salt. The yeast is activated by dissolving it in warm water with sugar, creating a frothy mixture that helps the dough rise.

Once the yeast mixture is combined with the flour, oil, and salt, the dough is kneaded until smooth and elastic. This ensures that the dough is soft and pillowy, which is key to achieving the light and fluffy texture inside the mantou. After kneading, the dough is left to rise for about an hour, allowing it to double in size.

Steaming the Mantou

After the dough has risen, it is punched down and rolled into a log shape. The dough is then divided into 12 equal portions and shaped into individual buns. These buns are placed on a parchment-lined tray and steamed for about 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.

Steaming is a crucial step for mantou, as it allows the dough to rise further and become light and airy. It also gives the mantou its traditional texture—soft, fluffy, and slightly chewy. Once steamed, the mantou buns are set aside to cool completely before frying.

Frying for the Crispy Finish

The true magic of Fried Mantou happens when the steamed buns are fried. After they’ve cooled, they are gently fried in vegetable oil at 180°C (350°F) for 2-3 minutes per side. Frying at this temperature ensures that the mantou turns golden brown and crispy on the outside without burning, while the inside remains soft and fluffy.

The crispy exterior creates a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the light, airy interior. The frying process also adds a slightly nutty flavor to the mantou, making it even more delicious. After frying, place the buns on paper towels to absorb any excess oil, ensuring that they remain light and not overly greasy.

Serving with Sweetened Condensed Milk

Once the mantou has cooled slightly, drizzle each bun generously with sweetened condensed milk. The condensed milk adds a rich, creamy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the crispy fried mantou. Its smooth, velvety texture makes every bite even more indulgent.

The condensed milk not only sweetens the mantou but also adds an extra layer of creaminess that elevates the dish from a simple fried bun to a comforting, indulgent treat. It’s best to serve the Fried Mantou while it’s still warm to enjoy the full contrast of textures—the crispy exterior and the fluffy interior, all coated in sweet condensed milk.

Why You’ll Love Fried Mantou with Condensed Milk

Fried Mantou with Condensed Milk is the ultimate sweet indulgence, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The contrast between the crispy outer shell and the soft, fluffy inside of the mantou is irresistible. The sweetness and creaminess of the condensed milk make each bite feel like a treat, turning a simple snack into a decadent dessert.

What makes this dish even better is how easy it is to make. With just a few ingredients and steps, you can create a comforting, satisfying dessert that’s sure to please everyone. Whether you’re looking to make a quick snack for yourself or impress guests at a gathering, Fried Mantou with Condensed Milk is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that’s guaranteed to be a hit.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While Fried Mantou with Condensed Milk is delicious on its own, you can also serve it with additional toppings or pair it with other dishes. Try adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch or serve it alongside a cup of hot tea for a traditional Chinese dessert experience.

For variations, you can experiment with different fillings inside the mantou before steaming, such as red bean paste, lotus seed paste, or even a savory filling like pork or mushrooms for a more savory version. But for the classic, simple fried version with condensed milk, it’s hard to beat the traditional approach.

Conclusion

Fried Mantou with Condensed Milk is an easy-to-make, indulgent Chinese treat that combines the crispy, golden exterior of fried mantou with the creamy sweetness of condensed milk. It’s a simple dish that delivers maximum satisfaction, perfect for casual gatherings, special occasions, or a sweet indulgence at home. The contrast of textures and the sweetness from the condensed milk makes this a beloved snack or dessert that’s sure to become a favorite. Give it a try and enjoy this deliciously crispy and creamy treat!