Fluffy and delightful, Red Bean Milk Buns are a treat perfect for any time of the day. These soft milk bread buns filled with sweetened red bean paste make for an excellent companion to your morning or afternoon coffee or tea. Their unique texture and flavor profile set them apart, making them a favorite among those seeking a sweet snack or dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Sweet: The combination of fluffy bread and sweet red bean paste creates a delightful contrast that is sure to please your taste buds.
- Versatile Snack: Enjoy these buns as a breakfast item, an afternoon tea accompaniment, or even as a dessert after dinner.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up a batch of these buns even if you’re not an experienced baker.
- Impressive Presentation: Shaping the buns into flowers adds a charming touch that will impress your family and friends.
- Customizable Filling: While this recipe features red bean paste, you can experiment with other fillings like chocolate or fruit preserves to suit your preferences.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, it’s essential to gather the right tools. Having everything ready makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Dough hook
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Scissors
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: A stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading easy and effective, ensuring a well-mixed dough without much effort.
- Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet is vital for even heat distribution while baking, resulting in perfectly cooked buns.
- Parchment paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
Ingredients
Fluffy milk bread with sweetened red bean paste. Perfect with your morning or afternoon coffee or tea!
For the Bun Dough
- 18 ounces sweetened red bean paste
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon milk powder (optional)
- 1 cup whole milk (warm)
- 1/3 cup heavy cream (warm)
- 1 egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
How to Make Red Bean Milk Buns
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a stand mixer with a dough hook, combine the bread flour, sugar, salt, instant yeast, and optional milk powder. Next, add in the warm whole milk, heavy cream, and egg. Knead on low speed for about 10 minutes until the dough is tacky; avoid adding more flour. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest for 2 hours or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Portion the Dough
Once rested, flour a work surface and divide the dough into 9 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball by tucking and pinching in the sides towards the center. Loosely cover them with plastic wrap.
Step 3: Form the Red Bean Buns
Take one piece of dough and stretch it into a circle about 4 inches in diameter while keeping the center thicker. Place approximately 1/4 cup of sweetened red bean paste in the center. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling towards the center and pinch to seal securely. Roll it gently between your hands to smooth out any seams before placing it seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat this process with all remaining dough pieces.
Step 4: Optional Flower Shape
For an attractive flower shape, dust your hands with flour and slightly flatten each bun. Use scissors to make five slits into each bun’s surface without cutting all the way through.
Step 5: Second Rise
Allow the shaped buns to rest for another 30 minutes to 1 hour in a warm area until they almost double in size. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F.
Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake
Mix together one egg yolk and one tablespoon of whole milk; brush this mixture over each bun’s surface. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added flavor and crunch. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm for the best experience!
How to Serve Red Bean Milk Buns
Red Bean Milk Buns are not only delightful on their own but can also be paired with various accompaniments for a more satisfying experience. Here are some serving suggestions that complement the sweet, fluffy nature of these buns.
Pair with Beverages
- Tea: Enjoy warm Red Bean Milk Buns with a cup of green or black tea for a refreshing contrast.
- Coffee: The sweetness of the buns pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of coffee, making them perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Add Fresh Fruits
- Sliced Mango: The tropical sweetness of fresh mango enhances the flavor profile of the buns.
- Berries: Serve with strawberries or blueberries for a burst of freshness and color.
Create a Dessert Platter
- Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or matcha ice cream for a delicious dessert experience.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can balance the sweetness of the buns and add texture.
How to Perfect Red Bean Milk Buns
Perfecting your Red Bean Milk Buns involves mastering the dough and baking process. Follow these tips to achieve fluffy and delicious results.
- Knead Thoroughly: Ensure you knead the dough well for at least 10 minutes to develop gluten, which gives the buns their structure.
- Control Temperature: Keep your ingredients warm, especially milk and cream, as this helps activate the yeast effectively.
- Avoid Over-Flouring: If the dough feels tacky, resist adding more flour; it should be slightly sticky for the best texture.
- Allow Proper Rising Time: Letting your dough double in size is crucial. Be patient during the first rise; this ensures fluffy buns.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality bread flour and fresh ingredients, as they significantly impact flavor and texture.
- Don’t Skip Egg Wash: Brushing with egg yolk and milk adds a beautiful golden color and shine to your buns when baked.
Best Side Dishes for Red Bean Milk Buns
Red Bean Milk Buns can be enjoyed with various side dishes that complement their sweet flavor. Here are some great options to consider:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and balances sweetness.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly seasoned steamed vegetables offer a healthy contrast to the richness of the buns.
- Savory Soup: A light broth-based soup, like miso or vegetable soup, pairs well with soft bread.
- Pickled Vegetables: The tanginess of pickles can enhance flavors and add crunch to your meal.
- Yogurt Dip: A smooth yogurt dip can provide creaminess that complements the sweet taste of red bean paste.
- Nuts Mix: A handful of roasted nuts adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that contrasts nicely with soft buns.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Red Bean Milk Buns can be a delightful experience, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Bold mixing method: Not using a stand mixer can lead to uneven dough consistency. Ensure you mix the dry ingredients first and then gradually incorporate the wet ingredients for better texture.
- Bold dough resting: Skipping the resting time after kneading can result in dense buns. Always let the dough rise until it doubles in size for fluffy results.
- Bold portioning inaccuracies: Unevenly portioned dough pieces will bake inconsistently. Use a kitchen scale to ensure each piece is equal for uniform cooking.
- Bold sealing technique: Failing to seal the buns properly can cause them to open during baking. Pinch the seams tightly and roll them into balls for secure sealing.
- Bold oven temperature: Baking at an incorrect temperature can lead to undercooked or overcooked buns. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if necessary.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Red Bean Milk Buns
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container after 2 hours.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Red Bean Milk Buns
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, wrap buns in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate with a damp paper towel, heat for 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Steam for about 5 minutes using a steamer basket for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Red Bean Milk Buns that may help you.
How do I know when my dough is ready?
The dough should double in size after resting. You can also perform the poke test: gently poke the dough, and if it springs back slowly, it’s ready.
Can I use other types of bean paste?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different sweet bean pastes like mung bean or adzuki bean for varied flavors.
What can I serve with Red Bean Milk Buns?
These buns pair well with tea or coffee, and you can enjoy them plain or filled with other spreads like chocolate or nut butter.
Can I make these Red Bean Milk Buns vegan?
You can replace milk and cream with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and coconut cream. Omit the egg wash or use a plant-based milk wash instead.
How should I store leftover Red Bean Milk Buns?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them as directed above.
Final Thoughts
Red Bean Milk Buns are not only fluffy and delicious but also versatile enough to complement various beverages. Feel free to customize your filling by adding nuts or varying the sweetness level of the red bean paste. Enjoy baking these delightful treats!
Red Bean Milk Buns
Fluffy and delightful, Red Bean Milk Buns are a sweet treat that can brighten any moment of your day. These pillowy milk bread buns are filled with smooth, sweetened red bean paste, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even as a dessert, these buns are not only satisfying but also visually appealing when shaped into flowers. With straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create these delightful treats right in your own kitchen. Whether served with tea or coffee or enjoyed on their own, Red Bean Milk Buns are sure to impress family and friends alike.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 9 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 18 ounces sweetened red bean paste
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 cup warm whole milk
- 1/3 cup warm heavy cream
- 1 egg
- 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine bread flour, sugar, salt, instant yeast, and optional milk powder. Add warm milk, cream, and egg; knead for about 10 minutes until tacky.
- Cover the dough and let it rise for about 2 hours until doubled in size.
- Divide the dough into 9 equal pieces and shape each into a ball.
- Flatten each ball into a circle and place red bean paste in the center; fold and seal securely.
- For flower shapes, cut slits into the surface before letting the buns rise again for another 30 minutes to an hour.
- Brush with egg wash, sprinkle sesame seeds on top, and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun (90g)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg