Traditional Chinese Red Bean Paste Bun (Dou Sha Bao)
Dou Sha Bao are soft, fluffy steamed buns filled with sweet red bean paste — a staple of Chinese home cooking often eaten at breakfast or as a snack. The dough is yeasted and requires one rise before shaping and steaming, putting total time at around two hours. Each bun has a pillowy texture with a mildly sweet, earthy filling.
Equipment
- Steamer
- Mixing Bowl
- Rolling pin
- Cloth or Plastic Wrap
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour preferably bleached for softness
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¼ cup milk warm, at about 110°F (43°C)
- ½ cup water warm, at about 110°F (43°C)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Filling:
- 1 cup red bean paste sweetened, preferably homemade or high-quality store-bought
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, instant yeast, and sugar. Mix well.
- Gradually add warm milk and water. Mix until it forms a sticky dough.
- Add vegetable oil into the dough, kneading it in the mixing bowl for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise for approximately 1.5 hours or until dough doubles in size.
- Punch down the dough and roll it into a log on a floured surface. Divide into 10 equal portions and shape each into a ball.
- Flatten each ball slightly. Place approximately 1 tablespoon of red bean paste in the center. Pinch the edges to seal into a bun shape.
- Line a steamer with parchment paper and place buns inside, with enough space apart. Cover and let them rest for an additional 30 minutes.
- Steam the buns for 20 minutes, maintaining a consistent steaming temperature.
- Turn off the heat and let steam settle for 5 minutes before removing the lid to prevent collapsing.
Notes
Lori’s Tips:
- For a richer flavor, substitute some water with coconut milk.
- Use a food processor to help knead dough for easier handling.
- You can store the buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat them using a steamer.
Nutrition
Calories: 205kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 5gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 5mgPotassium: 59mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 17mgIron: 2mg
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