matcha red bean bread

Matcha Red Bean Bread: A Step-by-Step Guide

Indulge in the perfect harmony of earthy matcha and sweet red bean with this homemade Matcha Red Bean Bread recipe. Here’s a detailed guide to baking these fluffy, flavorful treats.

### Ingredients

For the dough:

- 300g bread flour

- 30g sugar

- 1 tsp salt

- 1 tsp instant yeast

- 2 tbsp matcha powder (high quality, for vibrant color)

- 120ml warm milk

- 1 large egg

- 30g unsalted butter (softened)

For the filling:

- 200g canned red bean paste (drained, or sweetened to taste)

### Instructions

1. Prepare the dough: In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, yeast, and matcha powder. Add warm milk and egg, knead for 5 minutes until smooth. Gradually incorporate softened butter, knead for 10–15 minutes until elastic and silky.

2. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

3. Shape the bread: Punch down the risen dough. Divide into 8 equal portions, roll each into a ball. Flatten each ball, wrap 1–2 tbsp red bean paste inside, and seal the edges tightly.

4. Second rise: Place the buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let them rise for 30–40 minutes until puffy.

5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Brush the buns with a thin layer of milk or egg wash for a glossy finish. Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.

6. Cool: Let the bread cool on a wire rack. Enjoy them slightly warm for the best texture!

### Tips

- For a richer matcha flavor, add an extra 1/2 tsp matcha powder.

- Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a decorative touch.

- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

This recipe yields soft, aromatic bread with a delightful sweet-bean center—perfect for breakfast or a snack!