bean paste meal buns

How to Make Red Bean Paste Buns: A Simple Guide

Red bean paste buns are a beloved soft and sweet treat, perfect for breakfast or snacks. Here’s an easy step-by-step guide to making them at home.

Ingredients: For the dough, you’ll need 300g all-purpose flour, 3g active dry yeast, 30g sugar, 1 egg, 120ml warm milk, 30g butter, and a pinch of salt. For the filling, use 200g store-bought or homemade red bean paste.

Steps:

1. Activate yeast: Mix yeast with warm milk and sugar; let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.

2. Make dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, egg, and yeast mixture. Knead into a smooth dough, then add softened butter and knead until elastic (about 10 minutes).

3. First rise: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–2 hours until doubled.

4. Shape buns: Punch down the dough, divide into 8 equal pieces, and flatten each into a circle. Spoon 1–2 tbsp red bean paste into the center, wrap the dough around it, and pinch the seams to seal.

5. Second rise: Place buns on a baking sheet, cover, and let them rise for 30 minutes.

6. Bake: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Brush buns with egg wash and bake for 15–18 minutes until golden.

Tips: For extra flavor, add a pinch of vanilla to the dough. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your homemade, fluffy red bean paste buns!