Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup red bean paste
Special equipment needed:
- Steamer
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and active dry yeast. Mix well.
2. Add the warm water and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rest for 1 hour in a warm place until it doubles in size.
5. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball.
6. Flatten each ball with a rolling pin and place a spoonful of red bean paste in the center.
7. Pinch the edges of the dough together to seal the red bean paste inside.
8. Place the buns on a steamer basket lined with parchment paper. Cover the steamer with a lid and let the buns rest for 10 minutes.
9. Steam the buns for 15-20 minutes until they are cooked through.
10. Remove the buns from the steamer and brush them with a little bit of vegetable oil to give them a shiny appearance.
Time:
Preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Steaming temperature: 212°F
Serving size:
12 buns
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 180
Total fat: 5g
Saturated fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 100mg
Total carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary fiber: 2g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Whole wheat flour can be used instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
- Brown sugar can be used instead of white sugar for a richer flavor.
- Sweet potato or pumpkin puree can be used instead of red bean paste for a different filling.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger to the dough for a spiced flavor.
- Use different fillings such as custard, chocolate, or fruit preserves.
- Add sesame seeds or chopped nuts on top of the buns for a crunchy texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the dough is well-kneaded to ensure a soft and fluffy texture.
- Use a damp cloth to cover the dough while it's resting to prevent it from drying out.
- Don't overfill the buns with red bean paste to prevent them from bursting open during steaming.
Storage instructions:
Store the buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Steam the buns for 5-10 minutes until they are heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the buns on a plate and sprinkle them with powdered sugar or drizzle them with honey.
Garnishes:
Top the buns with fresh fruit such as strawberries or kiwi slices.
Pairings:
Serve the buns with hot tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve the buns with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad for a balanced meal.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a little bit of water until it becomes smooth.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little bit of flour until it becomes manageable.
- If the buns are too hard, they may have been overcooked. Reduce the steaming time next time.
Food safety advice:
Make sure the red bean paste is cooked properly before using it as a filling to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
Red bean paste buns are a popular Chinese dessert that originated in the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD).
Flavor profiles:
The buns have a sweet and slightly nutty flavor from the red bean paste filling.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the buns as a dessert or a snack.
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Region: Chinese