Steamed Japanese pastries

Japanese steamed cakes – a light and airy delicacy, perfect to be enjoyed alongside green tea or your favorite beverage. This intriguing recipe will take you on a culinary journey filled with textures and flavors, bringing a touch of Japanese gastronomic tradition into your kitchen.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
- 75 grams of flour (preferably cake flour, with a lower protein content)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons skim milk
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or white sugar if you prefer a milder flavor)
- 1 tablespoon oil (sunflower or canola oil is recommended)
- 1 ½ tablespoons cocoa powder (choose a high-quality cocoa for an intense flavor)

Step by step to success

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the flour is sifted to avoid lumps. Sifted flour will lead to a fluffier and airier final result.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Use a spatula or whisk to mix the two ingredients well. This step is essential to ensure an even distribution of the baking powder, which will help the cakes rise.

3. Preparing the wet mixture: In another bowl, beat the egg with the milk, brown sugar, and oil. Use a whisk or hand mixer to combine these ingredients. Make sure the sugar dissolves completely, so beat the mixture for about 1-2 minutes. Add the cocoa powder and mix until smooth.

4. Combining the ingredients: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Gently mix with a spatula or whisk, just until the batter becomes homogeneous. It is important not to overmix, as this can lead to denser cakes.

5. Preparing the molds: Prepare 4 muffin molds, lining them with parchment paper. This step will make it easier for the cakes to release after steaming and will facilitate cleaning.

6. Steaming: Fill each mold with the batter, leaving a little space at the top, as the cakes will rise in size. Place the molds in a preheated steamer over medium heat. Cover with a lid and let them cook for 8-10 minutes. Check if the cakes are done using a toothpick test – if it comes out clean, they are ready!

7. Cooling and serving: Once the cakes are cooked, let them cool for a few minutes before removing them from the molds. You can serve them warm, alongside a cup of green tea or a fruit smoothie. A unique idea would be to sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top before serving for an attractive appearance.

Useful tips
- Variations: You can experiment with flavors by adding vanilla extract or lemon zest for an extra touch of refinement. You can also add small pieces of chocolate or nuts for a crunchy texture.
- Storing the cakes: These cakes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: Each serving contains approximately 98 calories, making it a healthy and filling option. The flour and cocoa provide a source of complex carbohydrates and antioxidants, while the egg supplies essential proteins.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use another type of milk?: Certainly! You can use almond or cashew milk for a vegan version.
2. What if I don’t have a steamer?: You can improvise a steamer using a pot with a deeper bottom, placing a steaming rack or a clean towel in it, ensuring it doesn’t touch the water.
3. How much can I modify the recipe?: You can experiment with various flavors and ingredients, but remember to maintain the basic proportions to achieve the right texture.

Japanese steamed cakes are not just a simple recipe, but also a culinary experience that can take you back in time to the cooking traditions from different corners of the world. So, be creative, enjoy the cooking process, and most importantly, the delights you will create!