A golden-brown Shokupan loaf cools on a wire rack, showing its soft, fluffy crumb and glossy crust.

Japanese Milk Bread Recipe

This Fluffy Japanese Milk Bread Recipe (Shokupan) delivers a soft, airy loaf with a slightly sweet flavor, thanks to the tangzhong method. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or even French toast, this homemade recipe stays fresh for days.

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Course: Breakfast, Sides, Snack

Cuisine: Asian, Japanese

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 30

Proofing Time: 1 45

Total Time: 2 35

Servings: slices

Calories: 160kcal

Cost: $6

Equipment

1 Stand mixer With dough hook attachment or kneading by hand
1 Medium saucepan For preparing tangzhong
1 Loaf pan 9×5 inch or Pullman loaf pan for authentic shape
2-3 Mixing bowls For dough preparation
1 Kitchen scale Recommended for precision
1 Plastic wrap Or damp kitchen towel for covering dough
1 Pastry brush For brushing milk on top

Ingredients

For the Tangzhong:

3 tablespoon bread flour
½ tablespoon whole milk

For the Bread Dough:

2 ½ cups bread flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 ¼ teaspoon active dry yeast Or instant yeast
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup warm milk ~110°F (43°C)
1 large egg At room temperature
3 tablespoon unsalted butter Softened
1 tablespoon milk For brushing (optional)

Instructions

Whisk flour & milk in a saucepan until smooth.
Cook over medium-low heat, stirring until thick (3-5 min).
Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let cool.
Mix flour, sugar, yeast, salt in a bowl.
Add tangzhong, milk, egg, and mix until combined.
Knead for 5 minutes, then add butter in pieces.
Continue kneading until smooth & elastic (7-10 min).
Shape dough into a ball and place in a greased bowl.
Cover and let rise until doubled (~1-1.5 hrs).
Divide dough into 3 equal pieces and rest for 15 min.
Flatten each into an oval, fold in thirds, roll into logs.
Place logs seam-side down in a greased loaf pan.
Cover and let rise until 1 inch above pan (~45-60 min).
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Brush with milk wash, bake for 30-35 min.
If browning too fast, tent with foil last 10 min.
Cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Nutrition