Japanese Milk Bread

Step 1

To make the tangzhong: Combine all of the ingredients in a small saucepan, and whisk until no lumps remain.

Step 2

, Place the saucepan over low heat and cook the mixture, whisking constantly, until thick and the whisk leaves lines on the bottom of the pan, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 3

, Transfer the tangzhong to a small mixing bowl or measuring cup and let it cool to lukewarm.

Step 4

, To make the dough: Combine the tangzhong with the remaining dough ingredients, then mix and knead — by mixer or bread machine — until a smooth, elastic dough forms; this could take almost 15 minutes in a stand mixer.

Step 5

, Shape the dough into a ball, and let it rest in a lightly greased bowl, covered, for 60 to 90 minutes, until puffy but not necessarily doubled in bulk.

Step 6

, Gently deflate the dough and divide it into four equal pieces; if you have a scale each piece will weigh between 170g and 175g.

Step 7

, Flatten each piece of dough into a 5" x 8" rectangle, then fold the short ends in towards one another like a letter. Flatten the folded pieces into rectangles again (this time about 3" x 6") and, starting with a short end, roll them each into a 4" log.

Step 8

, Place the logs in a row of four — seam side down and side by side — in a lightly greased 9" x 5" loaf pan.

Step 9

, Cover the loaf and allow it to rest/rise for 40 to 50 minutes, until puffy.

Step 10

, Towards the end of the rising time, preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 11

, To bake the bread: Brush the loaf with milk and bake it for 30 to 35 minutes, until it's golden brown on top and a digital thermometer inserted into the center reads at least 190°F.

Step 12

, Remove the loaf from the oven and cool it in the pan until you can transfer it safely to a rack to cool completely.

Step 13

, Store leftover bread, well wrapped, at cool room temperature for 5 to 7 days; freeze for longer storage.