Red Bean Buns
Red bean buns are a traditional Chinese sweet treat filled with sweetened red bean paste, known for its rich yet not overly sweet flavor. Encased in a soft and chewy dough, these buns offer a delightful texture and a taste of Asian culinary heritage. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, afternoon tea, or dessert, red bean buns bring warmth and satisfaction, showcasing the essence and unique charm of Asian cuisine.
As a beginner, you may worry about challenges like tough dough or unsuccessful proofing when making red bean buns. Here are some detailed tips to help you avoid these issues:
1.Don't Over-knead the Dough:
Knead the dough until it's smooth and elastic, but avoid overdoing it. Excess kneading can toughen the dough and affect its texture.
2.Control Proofing Time and Temperature:
Ensure proper proofing by allowing the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free environment. It should roughly double in size, which usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. A trick is to place it in a microwave with a bowl of hot water to create a warm, humid atmosphere.
3.Maintain Dough Moisture:
If the dough feels dry, adjust by adding a bit more water or oil during kneading to keep it moist. Dry dough can lead to hard, dry buns after steaming.
4.Even Filling Distribution:
When filling the buns, ensure the red bean paste is evenly distributed in each bun to avoid uneven textures. Seal each bun tightly to prevent leakage during steaming.
5.Kitchen Equipment:
If you don't have a traditional steamer, use a steaming rack, electric steamer, or even the steaming function of an oven. Adjust temperature and timing to ensure soft, properly cooked buns.
6.Timing and Steaming:
Avoid steaming buns for too long or at too high a heat, as this can result in hardening of the bun's exterior. Adjust steam time based on bun size and steaming equipment.
7.Resting After Steaming:
After steaming, let the buns rest with the lid on for a few minutes in residual heat. This helps maintain their softness and prevents rapid cooling that can make the skin tough.
8.Storage of Raw Red Bean Buns:
Store uncooked raw red bean buns in the freezer, preferably placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet or plate until slightly frozen and solidified, then transfer them to a sealed bag or container.
Raw red bean buns can be kept frozen for approximately 1 to 2 months. Freezing extends their freshness and allows for quick steaming when needed (no need to thaw).
9.Storage of Cooked Red Bean Buns:
After cooling to room temperature, store cooked red bean buns in a sealed bag or container in a cool, dry place.
Cooked red bean buns have a relatively short shelf life and are best kept at room temperature for no more than 1 to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, but note that refrigeration may slightly harden the buns.
When reheating, simply microwave briefly or steam for a few minutes to restore their soft and fluffy texture.
By following these tips, you can create delicious red bean buns with a soft, sweet texture that showcases the essence of Asian culinary culture. Adjust ingredients and techniques to suit your taste preferences, ensuring each batch of buns turns out perfectly. Good luck!
INGREDIENTS
MAIN INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3.5 ounces red bean paste
ACCESSORIES
- 0.07 ounces yeast
- 0.07 ounces baking powder
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon warm water
DIRECTIONS
STEP 1
Dissolve the Yeast:
Dissolve 0.07 ounces of yeast in some warm water.
Tip:
Use fresh active yeast and activate it in warm water. Make sure the yeast mixture becomes frothy and releases a distinct yeast aroma.
STEP 2
Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour, the dissolved yeast, 0.07 ounces of baking powder, and 2 teaspoons of sugar.
Add 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon of warm water and continuously stirring until the mixture forms loose dough pieces.
Tip:
Adding a moderate amount of sugar to the dough enhances its sweetness and aroma, making the red bean buns softer and sweeter.
STEP 3
Prepare the Red Bean Filling:
Roll 3.5 ounces of red bean paste into a long strip, then cut it into evenly sized small pieces.
Tip:
Opt for high-quality red bean paste with a balanced sweetness. If you prefer a smoother texture, consider making your own red bean paste to control sweetness and texture.
STEP 4
Knead the Dough:
Sprinkle a little flour on the board to prevent sticking.
Place the dough pieces on the board and knead until smooth.
Roll the dough into a long strip and cut it into pieces, each weighing about 1.6 ounces.
Use a rolling pin to flatten each piece into a round shape.
STEP 5
Assemble the Red Bean Buns:
Take a round dough piece and place a small piece of red bean paste in the center.
Using your fingers, pinch the edges of the dough towards the center, rotating the dough as you pinch to completely encase the red bean paste, forming a round ball.
Ensure all edges are tightly sealed to prevent leaking during steaming.
STEP 6
Proof the Buns:
Arrange the prepared red bean buns neatly on a steaming tray, ensuring there is enough space between each bun.
Let the buns proof in a warm environment for about 2 hours, until their size has significantly increased.
STEP 7
Steam the Buns:
Place the proofed buns in a steamer.
Cover with the lid and steam over medium heat for 15 minutes.
After steaming, turn off the heat but do not immediately open the lid. Let the buns sit in the steamer for about 5 minutes to prevent them from collapsing due to sudden temperature changes.
STEP 8
Serve:
Carefully remove the red bean buns from the steamer and let them cool slightly before serving.
Recipe analyzer
- Recipes: Red Bean Buns
- Main Ingredients:6
- Servings per recipe:1
- Servings size:477 g
-
Energy (calories):1280 kcal
-
Protein:48.94 g
-
Fat:4.57 g
Why gray?
-
Carbohydrates:257.54 g
-
Protein: 14%185 kcal
-
Fat: 3%39 kcal
-
Carbohydrates: 83%1057 kcal
The ratio shows whether the proportion of both fatty acids in your diet is optimal. Red color means too much of Omega 6 or too little of Omega 3. The data are rounded off and approximate.
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