• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

All Purpose Veggies logo

  • HOME
  • BY DIET
    • Gluten-Free
    • Vegan
    • Paleo
    • Low Carb
    • Low Calorie
    • Nut-Free
    • HighProtein
  • BY INGREDIENT
    • avocado
    • applesauce
    • cauliflower
    • chickpea
    • corn
    • banana
    • tofu
    • pumpkin
    • sweetpotato
    • zucchini
    • berries
    • citrus
    • carrot
    • nuts
    • MISCELLANEOUS
  • By Course
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
    • Snacks
    • Meals & Sides
    • Drinks
  • BY TYPE
    • Bowls
    • bread
    • pancakes
    • Brownies & Bars
    • Cakes
    • Cookies
    • Cold & Frozen
    • Deco
    • Mochi
    • mooncakes
    • Protein Bars
    • Protein Bites
    • Meals & Sides
    • Steamed
    • Drinks
  • Free Stuff
    • Printables
    • Subscribers Only
  • MORE
    • ABOUT ME
    • Articles
    • Roundups
    • Fun Baking Fails
You are here: Home / Diet / Nut-Free / Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread)

September 4, 2022

Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Vegan
Nut Free
No Dairy
No Eggs

Here’s a yeasted version of my no-knead tofu mantou recipe I posted a while back. Just like my previous recipe, this healthy mantou recipe incorporates silken tofu, which has a mild flavor that is unnoticeable when mixed in with the flour, but the yeasted dough is rolled in a way that forms a lot of layers, which makes it fun to eat. Also, this mantou recipe doesn’t require any eggs, dairy, and butter — perfectly vegan friendly and healthier thanks to the extra protein from the tofu.

yeasted tofu mantou steamed bread

Why I love this Recipe

  • No eggs, no milk, no dairy needed!
  • Incorporates tofu, making these healthy and also higher in protein than regular storebought buns.
  • Easy to make if you have a stand mixer
What You'll Find in this Post:
1. Why I love this Recipe
2. Ingredients Used to Make Tofu Mantou (Steamed Bread)
3. Equipment
4. More Tofu Recipes (HERE)
5. Step by Step Guide
6. Recipe Variations and Optional Add Ins:
7. How to Store Tofu Mantou
8. NOTE ON SUBSTITUTIONS
9. TIPS
10. Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread)
11. More Steamed Recipes (HERE)
yeasted tofu mantou steamed bread

Ingredients Used to Make Tofu Mantou (Steamed Bread)

**I’ve linked some of these ingredients to amazon.com to give you an idea of what they are, but you should also be able to find them in your local grocery store (usually, the natural & organic food section). They are also affiliate links, which means that I earn a commission as an Amazon Associate if you decide to purchase the items. The price will be the same for you, link or no link 🙂

  • Bread Flour – I used bread flour for this recipe (I use King Arthur Bread Flour most), which I prefer and highly recommend for the best texture and structure. Please read the note on the substitution section below if using other flours.
  • Instant Yeast – you can find instant yeast in the baking section near the flours. My favorite is SAF Instant Premium Yeast, which works quickly and consistently produces great results. I recommend using instant yeast over active yeast for this recipe since active yeast (unlike instant yeast) needs to be activated in water, which we don’t add until the very end.
Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou
Premium Saf-instant Yeast
  • Sugar – I used raw cane sugar, but you can use regular granulated white sugar, or healthier alternatives like coconut, date, or maple sugars which are less processed and more natural. I also sometimes like to use honey powder.
    • For yeasted breads, I would not recommend using sugar-free substitutes such as monk fruit sweetener or stevia powder since they can cause the bread to not rise properly. If you prefer a lower sugar recipe, you’re welcome to leave out the sugar. The bread might taste slightly plain, but it will not significantly impact the shape or texture of the bread.
  • Salt – Pink Himalayan salt is what I have at home, so it’s what I use, but you can use any kind for this recipe.
  • Baking Powder – helps to puff up the dough during the steaming process.
  • Tofu – high in protein and nutrient-dense, tofu contains minerals such as calcium, manganese, selenium, zinc, as well as B vitamins. It’s also a “complete protein” because it contains all 9 of the essential amino acids your body needs. NOTE: You can use non-silken tofu, but the silken tofu gives you the best, fluffiest result. I used the firm kind, like this one
Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou
Mori-Nu Silken Tofu, Firm, 12.3 Ounce
  • Olive Oil – I like using light olive oil since it has a neutral flavor, but you can also any cooking oil of your choice like coconut oil, or avocado oil instead

Equipment

  • I used a KitchenAid Stand Mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough. You’re also welcome to use a bread machine, or knead the dough by hand.
Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou
KitchenAid Stand Mixer

More Tofu Recipes (HERE)

Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou
Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou
How to Make Tofu Mochi Using a Mochi Maker
Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou
Healthy Tofu Glutinous Rice Balls Recipe (a.k.a Tofu Dango, Tang Yuan)
Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou
Tofu Steamed Buns with Mochi Filling (Yeasted, Japanese Style Recipe)
Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou
No Knead, No Yeast Japanese Tofu Steamed Buns Recipe with Red Bean Paste Filling
Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou
How to Make Tofu Mochi from Scratch in the Microwave
Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou
Healthy Japanese Cotton Cheesecake made with Greek Yogurt
Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou
Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread)
Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou
Easy 5-Ingredient Vegan Tofu Snowball Cookies (Gluten Free & Low Carb)
Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou
Flourless Pancakes – Extra Fluffy Pancakes made with Tofu (Tofu Pancakes)
Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou
High Protein White Bread Recipe Made Using Silken Tofu
Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou
How to Make Japanese Souffle Cheesecake with Tofu
Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou
The Best Tiramisu Japanese Cotton Cheesecake
Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou
Easy 5-Ingredient Pressed Tofu Cookies (Vegan & Made with Almond Flour)
Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou
How to Make Tofu Mochi Donuts, BAKED
Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou
Vegan Tofu Protein Balls (Healthy No Bake Energy Bites Recipe)
Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou
Cream-Cheese Stuffed Tofu Cookie (Made with Almond Flour)
Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou
3-Ingredient Vegan Steamed Buns “Mantou” Recipe Made Without Yeast

Step by Step Guide

How to Make Tofu Mantou

STEP 1

Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou

Mix all the dry ingredients (bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, and baking powder) in the bowl of the stand mixer.

STEP 2

yeasted tofu steamed buns recipe with filling

Add the tofu, right from the package. No need to wash or rinse.

STEP 3

Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou

Start to knead the dough at a low setting (speed 2) for about a minute. Add water 1 Tbsp at a time, or as much as needed, until all the ingredients are JUST BARELY combined, with no dry ingredients remaining.

STEP 4

Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou

Add the olive oil next, and continue to knead for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the dough pulls away from the bowl and forms a smooth, supple ball.

STEP 5

Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou

Remove the finished dough from the mixer bowl and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Let rise for 60-90 minutes until doubled in size.

It’s best if the bowl is put in a warm place, for example, inside an oven that’s been preheated for just a quick 10 seconds and spritzed with some water. Or, inside a microwave with a cup filled with hot water

STEP 6

Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou

When the dough is ready, punch down the dough then remove it from bowl. Place on a generously floured surface

STEP 7

Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou

Use a rolling pin to flatten into a large rectangle, about 18 x 10 inches in size

STEP 8

Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou

Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a tight cylinder (like a sushi roll or cinnamon roll). Pinch the ends to seal.

STEP 9

Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou

Use a sharp serrated knife to divide the log into 12 equal pieces.

STEP 10

how to make yeasted tofu mantou steamed bread

Place the buns on a parchment sheet or steamer paper, then cover and let rise for 20-30 minutes.

STEP 11

Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou

Transfer the buns to the steaming pan and steam for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

STEP 12

yeasted tofu mantou steamed bread

ENJOY!

Recipe Variations and Optional Add Ins:

  • Add color to the buns – matcha powder, food coloring, etc!
  • Other than coloring you can also add different flavorings to the dough before cooking. For example, you can add either a teaspoon of coffee extract or espresso powder, cocoa, cinnamon or Cardamom Powder. They’re not typically added in a traditional recipe, but you’re welcome to experiment!
  • Instead of eating them plain, fill the mantou dough with a sweet or savory filling

How to Store Tofu Mantou

  • These steamed buns can be kept covered at room temperature for up to 1-2 days, or in the fridge inside an airtight container for 3-5 days.
  • For longer storage, place in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou

NOTE ON SUBSTITUTIONS

  • Unfortunately, gluten-free flours cannot be substituted for bread flour in this recipe.
  • While bread flour is highly recommended, all-purpose flour can be used instead with 1 tsp of vital wheat gluten for every cup of flour.
  • You can use non-silken FIRM tofu, but the silken tofu gives you the best, fluffiest result. 

TIPS

  • Weigh your flour for the best results. 1 cup of bread flour = 120 grams / 4.23 oz. This is recommended since scooping the flour directly from the bag can can pack the flour into the measuring cup, and this means you’ll end up with more flour than what’s called for in the recipe. If you don’t have a kitchen scale, you can measure the flour by spooning pre-sifted flour into the measuring cup, then using the straight end of the spoon to level the flour across the top to sweep off the excess.
  • To make this recipe in the bread machine: add all the dry ingredients into the machine, stir briefly before adding the wet ingredients. The machine can be set for basic. Check the dough for consistency and adjust by adding additional water (or flour) before the end of the first kneading cycle. If you want to add additional nuts or dried fruits, leave them aside, and only them 3 minutes before the end of the second kneading cycle.
pin image - Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread)
save this recipe for later! Pin now at Pinterest
yeasted tofu mantou steamed bread

Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread)

Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantouAll Purpose Veggies
4.67 from 3 votes
Pin it Print it Leave a Comment
Prep Time 2 hrs
Cook Time 30 mins
Course Breakfast
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 14 buns
Calories 164 kcal

Equipment

  • KitchenAid Stand Mixer

Ingredients
 
 

Bread Dough

  • 4 cups bread flour (480 g) sifted and leveled*
  • 1 tsp instant yeast
  • 3 Tbsp sugar**
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 12.3 oz package of silken firm tofu***
  • 3 Tbsp water , or more as needed
  • 1 Tbsp light olive oil, melted coconut oil or avocado oil

Instructions
 

  • Mix all the dry ingredients (bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, and baking powder) in the bowl of the stand mixer.
  • Add the tofu, right from the package. No need to wash or rinse.
  • Start to knead the dough at a low setting (speed 2) for about a minute. Add water 1 Tbsp at a time, or as much as needed, until all the ingredients are JUST combined, with dry ingredients remaining.
  • Add water one tablespoon at a time*, until all the ingredients are just barely combined, with no dry ingredients remaining.
    *I used 3 Tbsp water, but more may be needed depending on the protein content of the flour, the water content in the tofu, as well as the humidity and temperature of the kitchen. Be sure to add one tablespoon at a time, so you don’t overhydrate the dough.
  • Add the olive oil next, and continue to knead for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the dough pulls away from the bowl and forms a smooth, supple ball.
  • Remove the finished dough from the mixer bowl and place in a lightly greased bowl.
  • Cover and let rise until doubled, about 60-90 minutes***
  • When the dough is ready, punch down the dough then remove from bowl. Place on a generously floured surface
  • Use a rolling pin to flatten into a large rectangle, about 18 x 10 inches in size
  • Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a tight cylinder (like a sushi roll or cinnamon roll). Pinch the ends to seal.
  • Use a sharp serrated knife to divide the log into 14 equal pieces.
  • Place on a piece of parchment square, or a sheet of steamer paper.
  • Let rise for 20-30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, boil water and prepare the steamer
  • Transfer the buns to the steaming pan and steam the buns for 15 minutes
  • Enjoy!

Notes

*Weigh your flour for the best results. 1 cup of bread flour = 120 grams / 4.23 oz
**You can use brown sugar or regular granulated white sugar in this recipe, but for yeasted breads, I would not recommend using sugar-free substitutes such as monk fruit sweetener or stevia powder since they can cause the bread to not rise properly. 
***You can use non-silken FIRM tofu, but the silken tofu gives you the best, fluffiest result. 
****It’s Best if the bowl is put in a warm place, for example, inside a microwave oven with a bowl of hot water set next to the bowl.

Nutrition

Calories: 164kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 6gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 214mgPotassium: 89mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 0.003mgCalcium: 39mgIron: 1mgZinc: 1mg***Net Carbs: 29g
Keyword bread, tofu, yeasted
Did You Like this Recipe?I’d love to know more about it! Please leave a rating or comment below so I know what to add and which recipes to share with you next!

More Steamed Recipes (HERE)

Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou
Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou
Easy Coffee & Almond Milk Steamed Buns with Creamy Coffee Paste Filling
Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou
No Knead, No Yeast Japanese Tofu Steamed Buns Recipe with Red Bean Paste Filling
Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou
Sweet Potato Mantou Recipe (Healthy, Vegan Steamed Buns)
Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou
Cauliflower & Honey Steamed Buns Made with Almond Flour (Paleo)
Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou
Steamed Pumpkin Mochi Cake / Nian Gao Recipe for Chinese New Year
Healthy Tofu Mantou (Chinese Style Yeasted Steamed Bread) - tofu mantou
Homemade Black Sesame & Almond Milk Spiral Mantou (Vegan Steamed Buns Recipe)

Filed Under: Nut-Free, Steamed, Vegan, Winter Tagged With: asian-inspired, chinese, no-bake, NutFree, steamed, tofu, Vegan, wheat-flour, winter, yeasted

  • subscribe now mochi donut e-book

Favorite Recipes

Steamed Pumpkin Mochi Cake Nian Gao Recipe for Chinese New Year

Steamed Pumpkin Mochi Cake / Nian Gao Recipe for Chinese New Year

easy vegan zucchini yeast bread sandwich bread

Easy Vegan Zucchini Yeast Bread Recipe (Savory & Low Sugar)

Blueberry Bread Loaf (Healthy Yeast Bread Recipe )

Blueberry Yeast Bread (No eggs, milk or butter required!)

Pumpkin bagel recipe stuffed with cream cheese

Healthy Pumpkin Bagels Stuffed with Cream Cheese (with Step-by-Step Photos)

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

ABOUT ME

Hi! My name is Bora, and I love baking desserts and veggies. Sometimes together.

My mission is to create recipes that put veggies on the top of the dessert food chain♥︎

Read More >

NAVIGATE

all purpose veggies diet page
menu banner to navigate to by courses page

FROSTINGS & DECO

healthy chocolate peanut butter frosting for cakes low fat in a bowl

Easy Chocolate Peanut Butter Powder Frosting (Healthy & Low Fat)

filling - microwave custard 4 yolks

How to Make Vanilla Custard Filling in the Microwave (Easy, Low Calorie Recipe)

See More >>

Instagram

link to my instagram apv page on 2020-12-31

Categories

Tags

5ingredient almond-butter almond-flour anko applesauce asian-inspired banana berries blender bread chinese chocolate coconutflour creamcheese DairyFree donut eggfree energy bars energy bites fall glutenfree green HighProtein i icecream immune_boosting Keto LowCalorie LowCarb mochi no-bake NutFree nuts oat Paleo proteinpowder pumpkin steamed stuffed sweetpotato Vegan wheat-flour winter yeasted yogurt
subscribe now mochi donut e-book

stay in touch

Join my mailing list to get your Free e-book, updates and more!

* indicates required

back to home button
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TERMS OF USE
  • DISCLAIMERS

COPYRIGHT © 2022 ALLPURPOSEVEGGIES