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Red bean paste buns or dou sha bao are a type of Chinese steamed bun (known as mantou) filled with sweet red bean paste, which is made from adzuki beans.

These buns are soft, fluffy, and slightly chewy, making them a popular treat in Chinese cuisine.

Sweet Memories: The Enduring Love for Red Bean Paste Buns

Red bean paste buns may seem ordinary, but they hold a special place in many people’s hearts. As new and exciting buns emerge, like Chinese Sugar Buns and adorable Piggy Buns, it’s natural to worry that these classics might fade into the background.

Yet, I know they’re truly unforgettable. I once had a bag of red bean paste tucked away in the fridge, but when I went to use it, it was gone.

My daughters had secretly devoured it! They love anything with red bean paste, from red bean cakes to mochi, and these buns are no exception.

Instead of shaping it into a traditional bun, I make it into a braided or floral shape.

Don’t worry—my steps are easy to follow! If you find it challenging, you can always refer to the black sesame bun method for the classic wrapping technique.

The fillings

Red bean paste is a sweet filling made from adzuki beans, commonly used in Chinese desserts. It has a rich, earthy flavor and can be smooth or chunky in texture.

It’s often used in tang yuan (glutinous rice balls), such as Red Bean Paste Tang Yuan, as well as in mochi varieties like Pumpkin Mochi.

Additionally, red bean paste is featured in various Chinese cakes (bing), including Bean Sticky Rice Cake and Chinese Pumpkin Cake. This versatility makes it a beloved ingredient in many traditional sweets.

If you have the time, I highly recommend making your own red bean paste at home. This way, you can control the sweetness and customize the ingredients.

I sometimes use store-bought paste since it’s easy to find in China—you can buy it tonight and have it by tomorrow morning.

For alternative fillings, you might try purple sweet potato paste, taro paste, black sesame paste, or winter melon paste.

Ingredients:

12 pieces Red bean paste (10 g each)
300 g All-purpose flour
3 g Instant yeast
10 g Sugar
160 g Water (room temperature)
5 g Lard (1 small spoon, if you prefer, you can substitute it with cooking oil like sesame oil)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Portion the Filling: Divide the red bean paste into 12 equal pieces (10 g each) and roll them into balls. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, mix 300 g all-purpose flour, 3 g instant yeast, and 10 g sugar.
Add Water: Gradually incorporate 160 g of room temperature water, stirring until the mixture forms a shaggy dough.
Incorporate Lard: Add 5 g of lard. Transfer to a work surface and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Shape the Buns

Divide the Dough: After rising, punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces (about 25 g each), shaping them into balls.
Roll Out the Dough: Flatten each ball into a square (about 10 cm on each side).
Cut the Squares: Make a cross-shaped cut in each square without cutting through the center, creating 4 sections.
Add Filling: Place a ball of red bean paste in the center of a section. Fold one diagonally opposite section over the filling, then cut the other two sections into strips, leaving them attached at the top.
Fold the Strips: Fold each strip over towards the section with filling in order, pinching the edges tightly to seal the bun.

Step 4: Prepare for Steaming

Arrange the Bunsand rise: Place each shaped bun on a small piece of parchment paper. Arrange them in the steamer with space in between. Cover with the lid and let the buns rise for about 1 hour, or until they have doubled in size.

Step 5: Steam the Buns

Prepare the Steamer: Bring water to a rolling boil.
Steam the Buns: Steam the buns for 15 minutes, then let them rest for an additional 3 minutes after turning off the heat.
Remove and Cool: Carefully remove the buns from the steamer and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Print Pin

Red Bean Paste Buns Recipe

Red bean paste buns are a type of Chinese steamed bun (known as mantou) filled with sweet red bean paste, which is made from adzuki beans.
These buns are soft, fluffy, and slightly chewy, making them a popular treat in Chinese cuisine.

Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 45 minutes

Servings 4

Calories 294kcal
Ingredients
12 pieces Red bean paste 10 g each
300 g All-purpose flour
3 g Instant yeast
10 g Sugar
160 g Water room temperature
5 g Lard 1 small spoon, if you prefer, you can substitute it with cooking oil like sesame oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Portion the Filling: Divide the red bean paste into 12 equal pieces (10 g each) and roll them into balls. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, mix 300 g all-purpose flour, 3 g instant yeast, and 10 g sugar.
Add Water: Gradually incorporate 160 g of room temperature water, stirring until the mixture forms a shaggy dough.
Incorporate Lard: Add 5 g of lard. Transfer to a work surface and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Shape the Buns
Divide the Dough: After rising, punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces (about 25 g each), shaping them into balls.
Roll Out the Dough: Flatten each ball into a square (about 10 cm on each side).
Cut the Squares: Make a cross-shaped cut in each square without cutting through the center, creating 4 sections.
Add Filling: Place a ball of red bean paste in the center of a section. Fold one diagonally opposite section over the filling, then cut the other two sections into strips, leaving them attached at the top.
Fold the Strips: Fold each strip over towards the section with filling in order, pinching the edges tightly to seal the bun.
Step 4: Prepare for Steaming
Arrange the Bunsand rise: Place each shaped bun on a small piece of parchment paper. Arrange them in the steamer with space in between. Cover with the lid and let the buns rise for about 1 hour, or until they have doubled in size.
Step 5: Steam the Buns
Prepare the Steamer: Bring water to a rolling boil.
Steam the Buns: Steam the buns for 15 minutes, then let them rest for an additional 3 minutes after turning off the heat.
Remove and Cool: Carefully remove the buns from the steamer and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Video

Nutrition
Calories: 294kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 90mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 63IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 4mg

Sweet Memories: The Enduring Love for Red Bean Paste Buns

The fillings