Shokupan (Japanese Milk Bread Loaf)

Add the water to a skillet and whisk in the 35 g of flour. Set the pan over medium-low heat and stir the mixture until the roux thickens to a gloppy, pudding-like consistency. Turn off the heat.

• Set aside and let cool until 120°F/48°C or less (so as to not kill the yeast when it’s added to the dough).

Heat the milk for 45 seconds in the microwave (roughly around 105 degrees F). Stir in the yeast and set aside. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until light foam surfaces and little bubbles are visible.

• Note: Proofing is done to test the viability of the yeast. If there is no foam surface or little bubbles the yeast is likely dead and should be discarded.

Meanwhile, add the remaining 565 g of flour, sugar, and salt to a large mixing bowl.

Then, add the yeast-milk mixture, the cooled tangzhong, and crack in 2 eggs. Mix the dough with your hands until a cohesive mass has just started to form then cut in the softened butter.

Mix for another 1-2 minutes, then let it rest for 15 minutes to allow the dough to relax.

Once rested, continue kneading in the bowl for another 10 or so minutes.

After kneading the dough, cut off a piece and test for gluten development by carefully stretching the dough very thin to check for a see-through 'window' before tearing.

• Note: The gluten window test is the key to understanding if the flour has been hydrated enough which is how gluten is developed. If the dough tears before getting to a slightly translucent window continue kneading for another couple of minutes.

Once you are done kneading, add the dough to the mixing bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise until roughly doubled in size, about 60-90 minutes. It could take more or less time depending on the yeast and room/dough temperature.

Once doubled in size, punch the dough down and turn out onto the counter. Work the dough into a large rectangle about the width of the pan and then tightly roll the loaf up into a log.

Pinch the seam at the bottom and place the seam side down into a nonstick or greased 13.5-inch Pullman loaf pan.

Cover lightly with plastic wrap and let rise for another 45 to 60 minutes until the dough has risen above the top edge of the loaf pan.

• Note: If using the cover for a square loaf, place it over the top before the bread has crested the edge of the pan.

Preheat the oven to 375°F/190°C with 15-20 minutes left of proofing.

Note: If you are not using a cover on the bread pan, you’ll need to egg wash the surface: Whisk an egg yolk with a splash of milk. Brush over the top of the proofed loaf.

Add the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.

• When finished, the exterior of the bread should be golden brown. Test the interior with a cake tester or a thermometer to see if the interior has reached 200°F/93°C.

Slide the loaf onto a wire rack and let it cool completely (to avoid a gummy interior texture) before slicing and enjoying.