colorful scrolls

How to Make Colorful Steamed Buns: A Complete Guide

Colorful steamed buns, or *caihua juan*, are not only delicious but also visually appealing, perfect for brightening up any meal. Here’s a simple guide to making them at home.

Ingredients: All-purpose flour, yeast, sugar, warm water, and natural food colorings (like beetroot for red, spinach for green, turmeric for yellow).

Steps:

1. Prepare the dough: Mix 500g flour, 5g yeast, and 2g sugar. Gradually add 250ml warm water and knead into a smooth dough. Let it rest for 1 hour until doubled in size.

2. Divide and color: Split the dough into equal portions. Knead natural colorings into each part until evenly colored. For example, blend spinach leaves for green or boil beetroot for pink.

3. Shape the buns: Roll each colored dough into a long strip. Twist two or three strips together or stack them and roll up like a Swiss roll. Cut into 8-10cm pieces.

4. Second proof: Place the buns on parchment paper and let them rise for 20 minutes.

5. Steam: Cook in a steamer over high heat for 15-20 minutes. Turn off the heat and let them sit for 5 minutes before opening the lid to prevent deflation.

Tips: For extra flavor, add a pinch of salt or a spoonful of milk to the dough. Serve warm with soy sauce or butter. These buns are fun to make with kids and a great way to use seasonal veggies for natural coloring!