Japanese Steamed Muffins

I can provide you with a recipe to prepare Japanese-style steamed muffins, also known as “mushi-pan”. These treats are very soft, light, and can be customized with various flavors and additions. Following Japanese tradition, I will use simple ingredients and a steaming cooking technique, but I will add an Italian touch in the choice of flavors or additives. For example, you could try adding lemon zest for a Mediterranean aroma.

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 100 g granulated sugar
• 200 ml milk
• 30 ml vegetable oil (for example, peanut or sunflower seed oil)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 250 g sifted flour
• 1 and a half teaspoons baking powder
• (Optional) Grated lemon zest for an Italian touch

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until you obtain a foamy and light mixture.
2. Add the milk and vegetable oil and continue mixing.
3. Incorporate the vanilla extract and grated lemon zest (if you wish to give an Italian aroma).
4. In a separate bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder.
5. Combine the dry ingredients with the liquid mixture and stir until you have a smooth batter without lumps.
6. Prepare your steamer or a pot with a steam cooking adapter. Fill it with water and bring to a boil.
7. Pour the batter into the muffin liners, filling them only 3/4 full.
8. Place the liners in the steamer or steam basket.
9. Cover and steam for about 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the muffin comes out clean.
10. Remove from the steamer and let cool on a wire rack before serving.

Fun Facts

Mushi-pan are very popular in Japan and are often served as dessert or as a snack. They are simple to customize: you can add candied fruit, chocolate chips, jams or creams to vary the flavor. Furthermore, they represent a healthier alternative to oven-baked muffins, as they do not require butter and are steamed, maintaining internal moisture that makes them particularly soft.