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MILK BREAD FOR BREAD MACHINE WITH NO TANGZHONG

Milk bread is a beloved staple in Korea, Japan, and many Asian countries. With its buttery flavor and pillowy-soft, light texture, it’s incredibly delicious and hard to resist! This version stays true to the original recipe but is now made effortlessly in a bread machine.

HOW IS MILK BREAD DIFFERENT FROM OTHER BREADS?

Milk bread stands out from other breads with its extra moisture, buttery taste, subtle sweetness, and incredibly light texture. This unique softness comes from a starter called Tangzhong, which helps the bread retain more moisture than standard recipes. If you prefer a shortcut, dry milk powder can be used in place of the starter to simplify the process.

Another key difference is in the dough preparation: the dough is rolled between rises, giving milk bread its signature feathery, stringy texture instead of the typical crumbly finish of sandwich breads. This makes it ideal for toasts, PB&J sandwiches, or even egg salad sandwiches.

INGREDIENTS

Wet Ingredients + Salt

  • 3/4 cup 2% low-fat milk (warm to bath water temperature or use the preheat function)
  • 1/4 cup room temperature water
  • 60g unsalted butter (1/4 cup), melted
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp sea salt

Dry Ingredients

  • 365g unbleached bread flour (2 3/4 cups)
  • 50g sugar (3.5 Tbsp)
  • 2 Tbsp milk powder
  • 7g instant yeast (1 packet = 2 tsp)

For coating bowls and pan

  • 1 Tbsp unsalted butter

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Melt the butter in the microwave (50% power, 20-25 seconds).
  • Warm the milk to a bath water temperature, and use room temperature water and eggs—especially if your bread machine lacks a preheat function.
  • Add the wet ingredients (milk, water, melted butter, egg) and salt to the bread pan. It’s best to add the salt at this step to avoid inhibiting the yeast.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients (flour, sugar). Add this mixture to the pan on top of the wet ingredients.
  • Make a small well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the yeast inside the well. Sprinkle the milk powder around the yeast.
  • Place the bread pan into the machine and start a full Basic Dough cycle. This cycle will take approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes (including preheating and two rises). If your machine doesn’t have a dough cycle, you can use a stand mixer following the steps of a regular milk bread recipe. Once the dough cycle is finished, it should look soft and slightly puffy.
  • After the dough is done, punch it down and transfer it to a flat surface (like granite or wood). Divide the dough into two equal portions. Sprinkle a little flour and knead each portion before shaping them into tight balls.
  • If your bread machine has a custom rise function, place the dough balls back into the bread pan and let them rise for 30 minutes. If not, place the dough balls in separate bowls, cover with plastic wrap or a towel, and let them rise in a warm location or a 100℉ oven for 20 minutes.
  • Once risen, roll each dough ball into a thick rectangle (about 12 inches long and 4-5 inches wide). Fold the top third down and the bottom third up to create a square-like shape. Roll the dough into a log, starting from one end.
  • Lightly butter the sides of the bread pan and place the two dough logs inside.
  • Set the bread pan back into the machine and allow the dough to rise for 1 hour or until the dough reaches about 70% of the pan’s height. If there’s no custom rise function, let the dough rise at room temperature or in a 100℉ oven for about 40 minutes.
  • Preheat the bread machine and bake for 50 minutes. Set the crust to your preferred setting (I recommend medium). For a glossy finish, you can brush the top of the dough with milk or egg whites before baking.

TIPS & NOTES

  • If you don’t want to make the Tangzhong starter, you can substitute with dry milk powder to retain moisture in the bread.
  • Make sure your milk is warm (but not hot) to encourage proper yeast activation.
  • For best results, use room temperature ingredients, as cold milk or eggs can slow down the dough rising process.
  • Bread made in the machine may not achieve the same golden top as oven-baked bread, but the flavor and texture will be just as soft and delicious.

HOW TO USE THE NINJA FOODI

Congratulations on your decision to purchase the Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker & Air Crisper! You’ve made an excellent choice. If you’re still unsure, this article is here to help you make up your mind

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN NINJA FOODI MODELS

The Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker & Air Crisper comes in a variety of models and sizes, which can make choosing the right one a bit overwhelming. New models are regularly released, each offering different functions and features. To help with your decision, here’s a breakdown of the essential details.

Ninja Foodi Sizes The Ninja Foodi comes in three main sizes: 5 quart (4.7 liters), 6.5 quart (6 liters), and 8 quart (7.5 liters). While the circumference is the same across all sizes, the height varies.

  • 5qt: Best for smaller meals like one-pot dishes, soups, and small roasts. It’s not ideal for layered or large meals, but it can handle two layers with the right accessories.
  • 6.5qt: This is the most versatile size, perfect for almost any recipe. It strikes a good balance between size and functionality, with plenty of compatible accessories.
  • 8qt: The largest model, great for big meals, soups, and large cuts of meat. However, the height can be an issue if you’re on the shorter side (like 5’2″).

Functions of the Ninja Foodi Ninja Foodi models vary in the number of functions they offer. While all models include basic functions, newer versions tend to offer additional ones at a higher price.

Standard Functions (Available on all models):

  • Pressure Cook
  • Steam
  • Slow Cook
  • Sear/Sauté
  • Bake/Roast
  • Air Crisp
  • Keep Warm

Additional Functions (Available on select models):

  • Sous Vide: Cooks food in a water bath at precise temperatures, ideal for tender chicken or steak.
  • Yogurt: Makes homemade yogurt from milk and a starter culture.
  • Dehydration: Uses the crisping lid at low temperatures to dehydrate food, proof bread, or even make yogurt.
  • Broil/Grill: Available on most models, it can broil or grill food with intense heat.
  • Proof: Newer models (OL series) include this feature for proofing bread at a controlled low temperature.
  • Steam & Crisp: A combination function for steaming followed by crisping, perfect for whole chickens and bread (available on newer models).
  • Steam & Bake: Similar to Steam & Crisp, but uses the bake function after steaming, ideal for baking bread.

NINJA FOODI PRESSURE COOKER & AIR CRISPER COMPARISON CHARTS

NINJA FOODI PRESSURE COOKER & AIR CRISPER 6.5 QUART COMPARISON CHART

Here is the downloadable chart : Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker & Air Crisper 6.5 Qt Model Comparison

NINJA FOODI PRESSURE COOKER & AIR CRISPER 8 QUART COMPARISON CHART

If you prefer to download the pdf 8 quart comparison chart, here is the link: Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker & Air Crisper 8 quart comparison chart

GETTING STARTED WITH THE NINJA FOODI

BEFORE FIRST USE

  • Washing Parts: After unpacking the Ninja Foodi, ensure that all washable parts are cleaned. The silicone ring, basket, rack, and inner pot are dishwasher-safe (top rack), but avoid putting the pressure cooker lid and the base in the dishwasher.
  • Cleaning the Anti-Clog Cap: The Ninja Foodi lid has an internal silver anti-clog cap that prevents food from clogging the pressure valve. It should be removed and cleaned after each use. A toothbrush works well for cleaning this part by hand.
  • Condensation Tray: A condensation tray needs to be placed under the Ninja Foodi. This tray catches any water or condensation during pressure or steam cooking. Be sure to clean it regularly to avoid mold buildup, especially when using the pressure lid. Condensation does not occur when the tender-crisp lid is used.

PRESSURE TEST

To familiarize yourself with your Ninja Foodi and ensure it works correctly, it’s recommended to do a Pressure Test:

  • Add 3 cups of water to the inner pot.
  • Secure the pressure lid and turn the black valve to “seal.”
  • Set the Ninja Foodi to High Pressure for 3 minutes.
  • Start the process, and the Ninja Foodi will begin heating the water. You’ll see a rotating square light as it heats, which can take about 8-10 minutes.

During this test, some steam might escape from the black valve or the red button, which is normal. However, if steam leaks from the entire lid, stop the Ninja Foodi and check that the silicone seal is correctly positioned in the lid. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, contact NinjaKitchen for assistance.

WHAT DO ALL THESE ABBREVIATIONS MEAN?

When you start using your Ninja Foodi, you might come across abbreviations in recipes that can be confusing. Here’s a quick guide:

  • PIP (Pot-in-Pot): Refers to a cooking method where you place a smaller pot or bowl inside the main pot to cook food. It’s especially useful when making dishes like rice or cakes alongside other meals in the same cooking cycle.
  • PC (Pressure Cook): Refers to using the pressure cooking function. Typically, if no pressure level (high or low) is mentioned, assume it refers to High Pressure.
  • NR (Natural Release): This means allowing the pressure to release on its own, without manually venting it. The process can take several minutes.
  • IR (Instant Release): This is when you manually release the pressure using the valve to quickly stop the cooking process.
  • AF (Air Fry): Refers to using the Air Crisp function to achieve a crispy finish on foods, often at a high temperature (e.g., 390°F for 5 minutes).

These abbreviations are part of a growing “pressure cooking language” that will make more sense once you familiarize yourself with the Ninja Foodi and its features.

CONCLUSION

With its versatility and ease of use, the Ninja Foodi is a game-changer in the kitchen. By understanding its functions and following these tips, you can unlock its full potential and elevate your culinary skills. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, the Ninja Foodi is a valuable tool to simplify meal preparation and create delicious dishes that impress. Embrace the possibilities and enjoy the culinary journey with your Ninja Foodi!