April 13, 2026

How to Make High-Protein Salt Bread | Chewco Salt Bread Recipe

Salt bread, or shio pan, is a popular Japanese-originated, East Asian bread roll known for its buttery, savory flavor and unique texture. Discover how to make high-protein salt bread with Chewco!


Part A – Sponge (Pre-ferment)

Ingredients

  • High-gluten flour
  • Dry yeast
  • Sugar
  • Water

Method

  1. Scale all ingredients based on 100% high-gluten flour as the reference base.
  2. Mix all ingredients slow and medium speed until smooth.
  3. Adjust water to reach a dough temperature of 24°C.
  4. Cover and ferment at 28°C RH for ~2 hours until expanded with a light alcoholic aroma and airy structure.

Part B – Final Dough

Ingredients


Method

  1. Add sponge and dry ingredients (excluding margarine and water) using sponge flour as 100% reference base.
  2. Mix 3 min slow, then 5 min fast.
  3. Add water gradually, adjusted to reach hydration of ~55–60% of total flour base.
  4. Add margarine at ~8–9% of flour base, mix 2 min slow until fully incorporated.
  5. Continue mixing ~6 min fast until dough is elastic and smooth.
  6. Confirm full gluten development using windowpane test.
  7. Target final dough temperature: ~27°C.
  8. Rest dough for ~20 min at room temperature.


Processing

  1. Divide dough into equal portions based on final product weight standard (100% batch scaling reference).
  2. Round lightly to preserve gas retention.
  3. Rest briefly for relaxation.
  4. Freeze shock at -17°C for ~20 min.
  5. Shape into sea salt bread form.

Final Proof

  • Proof at 32°C 
  • Proof until dough expands to approximately 150–170% of original size (~30 min)


Baking

  1. Preheat oven for stable heat distribution.
  2. Set oven temperatures:
    • Top heat: 220°C
    • Bottom heat: 180°C
  3. Apply sea salt evenly on top and spray light water mist for steam effect.
  4. Load trays evenly for airflow consistency.
  5. Bake until golden brown and fully set (~15 min or until structure is firm and crust is evenly colored).
  6. Remove and cool immediately on rack.


Topping / Glaze

Ingredients

  • Butter

Method

  1. Apply butter based on 100% surface coverage requirement after cooling.
  2. Optional: return briefly to oven for light reheating to activate shine and aroma.