Ingredients:

  • 25g bread flour
  • 120ml water
  • 380g high-protein bread flour
  • 50g coconut sugar
  • 7g instant yeast
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 120ml unsweetened soy milk, lukewarm
  • 0.25 tsp turmeric
  • 75g vegan butter, softened and cubed
  • 1 tbsp unsweetened soy milk (for wash)
  • 1 tsp maple syrup (for wash)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Tangzhong by whisking 25g flour and 120ml water in a saucepan over medium heat until it thickens into a gelatinous paste. Cool to room temperature.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the 380g flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and turmeric. Make a well in the center and pour in the lukewarm soy milk and the cooled Tangzhong. Note: Ensure the milk isn't hot to the touch, or you might kill the yeast.
  3. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then start adding the 75g cubed vegan butter one piece at a time. Knead the dough by hand or with a mixer for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and pulls away from the sides. Note: The dough will be very soft, but avoid adding extra flour.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let it sit in a warm spot for 1 hour 30 mins until it has clearly doubled in size. Note: This timing varies based on the temperature of your kitchen.
  5. Gently punch the air out of the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces (about 100g each). Roll each piece against the counter in a circular motion until the top is taut and smooth. Note: Tension on the surface is what gives you a tall rise.
  6. Place the balls on a lined baking tray, leaving at least 3 inches between them. Cover lightly and let them rise for another 45 mins until they look puffy and slightly fragile. Note: They should spring back very slowly when touched.
  7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Whisk the 1 tbsp soy milk and 1 tsp maple syrup, then gently brush it over the tops. Bake for 20 mins until the tops are deep golden and the bottoms sound hollow when tapped. Note: The maple syrup will darken quickly, so watch them at the 18 mins mark.