Asians > Japanese > Japanese Sweets > Manjū

Sesame Manjū Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup red bean paste

Special equipment needed:
- Steamer basket or bamboo steamer

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and sesame seeds.
2. Add water and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients and mix until a smooth dough forms.
3. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball.
4. Flatten each ball into a disc and place a teaspoon of red bean paste in the center.
5. Pinch the edges of the dough together to seal the filling inside.
6. Place the manjū in a steamer basket and steam for 15 minutes.
7. Remove from the steamer and let cool for a few minutes before serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
Steam at medium-high heat.
Serving size:
This recipe makes 12 sesame manjū.

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 120
Total fat: 5g
Saturated fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 85mg
Total carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Total sugars: 6g
Protein: 2g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Red bean paste can be substituted with other sweet fillings such as chocolate, fruit jam, or peanut butter.
- Sesame seeds can be substituted with other seeds such as poppy seeds or sunflower seeds.

Variations:
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for extra flavor.
- Use matcha powder instead of sesame seeds for a green tea flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to seal the edges of the dough tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during steaming.
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more water. If it's too wet, add a little more flour.
- Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.

Storage instructions:
Store leftover sesame manjū in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat, steam the manjū for a few minutes until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Arrange the sesame manjū on a plate and sprinkle with extra sesame seeds for garnish.

Garnishes:
Extra sesame seeds or powdered sugar.

Pairings:
Green tea or black tea.

Suggested side dishes:
Fresh fruit or mochi.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too sticky, dust your hands with flour before handling.
- If the manjū are cracking during steaming, the dough may be too dry. Add a little more water to the dough and try again.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the manjū thoroughly to prevent foodborne illness.

Food history:
Manjū is a traditional Japanese sweet made with flour, sugar, and filling. It originated in China and was introduced to Japan in the 14th century.

Flavor profiles:
Sesame manjū has a sweet and nutty flavor from the sesame seeds and red bean paste.

Serving suggestions:
Serve sesame manjū as a dessert or snack.

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Region: Japanese

Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Savory, Aromatic