bean paste buns

How to Make Red Bean Paste Buns: A Simple Guide

Red bean paste buns, a beloved soft and sweet treat, are surprisingly easy to make at home. Here’s a basic recipe to guide you.

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

Steps:

1. Prepare the dough: Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm milk, let sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Mix in the egg, then gradually add flour to form a shaggy dough. Knead on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth, then add butter and knead until elastic. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.

2. Shape the buns: Punch down the risen dough and divide into 8 equal balls. Flatten each into a circle, place 1-2 tbsp red bean paste in the center, and pinch the edges to seal, rolling into smooth balls.

3. Proof and bake: Arrange buns on a baking tray, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes. Brush with egg wash and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes until golden.

Tips: For extra flavor, add a pinch of salt to the dough or sprinkle sesame seeds on top before baking. Enjoy these buns warm as a snack or breakfast!