I am going to introduce you to something unique- deep-fried Chinese steamed buns. We usually made a large batch of steamed buns each time and freeze them for breakfast. Mantou does not have too many flavors itself. However, if you add some other seasonings, it can be incredibly delicious. Sometimes, I love to pan-fry mantou and drizzle it with some chili oil. In this recipe, we will use deep-frying to give it a crispy shell.
When the deep-fried mantou is served with regular fresh steamed buns, there is an interesting Chinese name- Golden and Silver Mantou. It is a very popular option on the Chinese table, especially for holidays like the New Year. In Chinese culture, gold and silver represent prosperity, wealth, and good fortune. We believe that serving these buns, especially during celebrations like Chinese New Year, brings luck and abundance to the household.
What is Mantou
To make the fried mantou, plain and ordinary Chinese steamed buns are needed first. Mantou is a traditional Chinese steamed bun that has become popular across many parts of Asia. It is made from wheat flour, yeast, and water, sometimes sugar too. While mantou is often served as a side dish or snack, it can also be used to make sandwiches, soup dumplings, or even deep-fried.
There are store-bought frozen versions available in Asian markets, or you can make your own at home by following this recipe: Chinese steamed buns. I made them at home with my easy-to-succeed one-proof method.
Choose the smaller ones.
Mantou can differ in size depending on how it is shaped. It can be round, square, or cone-shaped. When choosing or buying your Mantou, I would highly recommend choosing smaller ones for the deep-frying process. And before adding your mantou, heat your oil until hot so the buns can be colored quickly.
About the frozen version
It is always the best option to use fresh steamed mantou. But frozen ones can work too.
I will recommend reheating the frozen version by steaming before deep-frying for a soft and fluffy texture. Or at least set it in a room temperature until it turns warm again.
- 8 steamed buns , depending on the size of your serving plate.
- 4 cup vegetable oil , or more as needed
- 1/2 cup
condensed milk , for serving
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Divide your buns into two groups: one for steaming and the other for deep-frying.
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Steam one group until hot.
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In a pot, heat up enough oil for around 7 minutes over medium until medium hot; add the buns in to fry until golden brown. During the process, the buns will keep floating on the surface. Press them down to soak them in the oil for evenly deep-frying.
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Transfer out and filter the extra oil.
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How to serve: Pour the condensed milk in a small bowl and place the dipping bowl in the center of your serving plate and then lay the steamed buns and fried buns one by one.
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Serve hot!
Recipe published in 2014 and then updated in 2025
Calories: 398kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 48mg | Potassium: 141mg | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 100IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 109mg | Iron: 0.1mg
