what is milk bread

Milk bread is a type of soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet white bread that is especially popular in Japan and other parts of Asia. It is often called Japanese milk bread, Hokkaido milk bread, or shokupan. The bread is distinguished by its feathery crumb, moist interior, slightly sweet taste, and soft exterior. The secret to its unique texture is a technique called the tangzhong method, which involves pre-cooking some of the flour and milk into a thick paste before mixing it into the dough. This method helps create a bread that is incredibly soft yet chewy and has a long-lasting moistness. Milk bread often contains enriching ingredients like milk, butter, eggs, and sugar, which make it richer and more tender compared to regular breads. Originating in Japan, milk bread gained popularity after World War II due to wheat imports and became a staple in Japanese households. It is widely available in Asian bakeries and is used for breakfast, sandwiches, and snacks. In summary, milk bread is an enriched, ultra-soft white bread known for its fluffy texture and mild sweetness, achieved through the tangzhong cooking technique and enriched dough ingredients. It is a beloved everyday bread in Japan and other Asian countries.