At the table
Tear or slice the large bun to share. Check jujube pieces for pits; remove any paper liner or decorative supports before eating.
Confirm the dough and decorations are edible. Ask about milk, egg, lard and peanut oil, which occur in other recipes.
Animal, flower and ingot shapes vary by occasion. Colored and enriched doughs are separate versions; this plain jujube recipe contains no milk, egg or fat.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Animal, flower and ingot shapes vary by occasion. Colored and enriched doughs are separate versions; this plain jujube recipe contains no milk, egg or fat.
Typical ingredients
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Mild wheat sweetness and jujube fruitiness.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Firm soft steamed crumb with chewy fruit.
- How it’s made
- Knead flour, water, yeast and sugar into firm dough; let rise, knead with extra flour, form a round bun and pinch decorative tabs holding jujube pieces. Proof again and steam.
Animal, flower and ingot shapes vary by occasion. Colored and enriched doughs are separate versions; this plain jujube recipe contains no milk, egg or fat.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Shandong.
About this regional connection
Shandong: Local culinary association; not a claim of exclusive origin.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有莱州花馍（胶东花样馒头）吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
Laizhou decorative steamed bread
Laizhou’s mianhua belongs to the wider Jiaodong shaped-bread tradition. Families make and exchange decorative bread for festivals, weddings and other life events.