Description
Steamed Red Bean Paste Buns are a delightful Asian treat featuring a fluffy, airy dough wrapped around a sweet, smooth homemade red bean paste filling. These buns are steamed to perfection, creating a light and subtle sweetness perfect for a snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Red Bean Paste Filling
- 1 cup raw red bean
- 3 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cups water (for cooking beans)
Instructions
- Prepare the Red Bean Paste: Rinse the dried red beans under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the beans in water for at least 8 hours. Drain and cook the soaked beans in a saucepan with 3 cups of water, simmering for about 1 hour or until soft and easily mashed with a fork. Add 3 tablespoons of sugar and 1 tablespoon of butter, then mash the beans using a masher or food processor until a smooth, thick paste forms. Let cool and set aside.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 2 teaspoons active dry yeast, 1 cup warm water, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Knead the mixture using a stand mixer with a dough hook or by hand until a smooth dough ball forms. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until the dough doubles in size.
- Shape the Buns: Punch down the dough and divide it into 10 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten into a circle using a rolling pin.
- Fill the Buns: Spoon a generous amount of the cooled red bean paste into the center of each dough circle. Gather the edges of the dough and pinch together to seal, forming a smooth bun.
- Set for Final Rise: Place each filled bun on parchment-lined baking sheets or parchment squares suitable for steaming, leaving enough space for expansion. Allow them to rest and rise slightly as the steamer heats up.
- Steam the Buns: Arrange the buns in a bamboo steamer lined with parchment paper. Steam over boiling water for about 15 minutes until the buns become puffy and cooked through. After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and keep the lid tightly closed. Let the buns rest in the steamer for an additional 5 minutes to set and avoid collapse.
- Serve: Remove the buns carefully from the steamer and enjoy warm or at room temperature as a delightful snack or dessert.
Notes
- You can prepare the red bean paste well in advance or purchase premade paste from Asian grocery stores for convenience.
- Ensure the dough is well kneaded and fully risen to achieve a soft, fluffy texture.
- Do not open the steamer lid during steaming or resting, as this will cause the buns to collapse.
- Adjust sugar in the red bean paste to taste depending on desired sweetness.
- You can substitute active dry yeast with instant yeast for a faster rise time (around 10 minutes).
- Prep Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Asian