Sweet Red Bean Steamed Buns (Anman)
Indulge in the delightful world of Sweet Red Bean Steamed Buns, also known as Anman, a beloved treat originating from China and Japan. These fluffy, cloud-like buns are filled with a rich and sweet azuki bean paste, creating a harmonious blend of texture and flavor. Perfect as a snack or dessert, they are best enjoyed right out of the steamer, but can also be refrigerated for several days. Reheat them for a warm treat or enjoy them cold for a refreshing bite. Additionally, any leftover azuki paste can be stored in the fridge or frozen for future use, making these buns a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. With their inviting aroma and soft, pillowy texture, Sweet Red Bean Steamed Buns are sure to please any palate, whether you're new to this traditional dish or a seasoned fan.
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
azuki beans
1 1/3 cups (soaked overnight)
water (for soaking)
4 cups (for soaking beans)
sugar (for azuki paste)
1 cup (added to cooked beans)
salt (for azuki paste)
1/2 teaspoon (added to cooked beans)
all-purpose flour
1 1/3 cups (for bun dough)
sugar (for bun dough)
3 1/2 tablespoons (mixed in with dry ingredients)
salt (for bun dough)
1 pinch (mixed in with dry ingredients)
instant yeast
3/4 teaspoon (mixed in with dry ingredients)
baking powder
3/4 tablespoon (mixed in with dry ingredients)
milk
1 1/3 fluid ounces (added to bun dough)
water (for bun dough)
3 1/3 fluid ounces (added to bun dough)
vegetable shortening
1 tablespoon (added to bun dough)
Instructions
1
Prepare the Azuki Paste: Soak the azuki beans in a large pot of water overnight.
2
The next day, drain the beans, then bring them to a boil in fresh water for 10 minutes.
3
Once boiled, drain the beans again and return them to the pot with 4 cups of water.
4
Bring this new mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about an hour until the beans are soft.
5
Drain the cooked beans one final time, then place them back in the pot. Add the sugar and salt, and simmer while stirring until the mixture thickens.
6
Remove from heat and let cool before using.
7
Prepare the Buns: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, yeast, and baking powder until well combined.
8
Gradually add the milk and water, mixing until a dough starts to form.
9
Incorporate the vegetable shortening, then knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little extra flour as needed.
10
Cover the dough with a cloth and allow it to rest for about 30 minutes, allowing it to rise slightly.
11
Once rested, divide the dough into 10 equal pieces and flatten each one.
12
Take 1-2 tablespoons of the cooled azuki paste, roll it into a ball, and place it in the center of a flattened dough piece.
13
Gently pinch the dough around the paste, twisting to seal it completely. Repeat this process for all dough pieces.
14
Let the filled buns rest for 15 minutes before steaming.
15
Prepare a bamboo steamer over boiling water, adding a little white vinegar to the water to prevent discoloration of the buns.
16
Steam the buns for 15-20 minutes until they are puffy and fully cooked. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
3g
Protein
1.5g
Fiber
8g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Anman?
Anman is the Japanese name for Sweet Red Bean Steamed Buns, which consist of a fluffy dough filled with sweetened azuki bean paste.
Where did Sweet Red Bean Steamed Buns originate?
These buns are a beloved treat originating from China and Japan.
How long should I soak the azuki beans?
The azuki beans should be soaked in a large pot of water overnight.
What are the primary ingredients for the bun dough?
The dough is made from all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, instant yeast, baking powder, milk, water, and vegetable shortening.
Why is vinegar added to the steaming water?
Adding a little white vinegar to the boiling water helps prevent the discoloration of the buns during the steaming process.
How long do the buns need to steam?
The buns should be steamed for 15-20 minutes until they are puffy and fully cooked.
How many buns does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to produce 10 equal-sized steamed buns.
Can I store leftover azuki bean paste?
Yes, any leftover azuki paste can be stored in the refrigerator for several days or frozen for future use.
How long should the dough rest before filling?
After kneading, the dough should be covered and allowed to rest for about 30 minutes to rise slightly.
How long do the buns rest after being filled?
Once the buns are filled and sealed, they should rest for an additional 15 minutes before steaming.
What should I do if the dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky during the kneading process, you can sprinkle in a little extra flour as needed.
Are these buns served warm or cold?
They are best enjoyed right out of the steamer while warm, but they can also be enjoyed at room temperature or even cold.
How many calories are in one Sweet Red Bean Steamed Bun?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these Sweet Red Bean Steamed Buns are vegetarian-friendly.
What is the protein content per bun?
Each bun contains approximately 3 grams of protein.
How much sugar is in the azuki bean paste?
The paste is made using 1 cup of sugar for 1 1/3 cups of dried azuki beans.
Can I reheat the buns?
Yes, you can reheat the buns for a warm treat if they have been refrigerated.
How do I seal the buns?
Place the paste in the center of the dough, then gently pinch the dough around the filling and twist to seal it completely.
What type of yeast is used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 3/4 teaspoon of instant yeast.
What is the fat content per bun?
Each bun contains approximately 3 grams of fat.
How much fiber does each bun provide?
Each bun provides about 1.5 grams of fiber.
What is the role of vegetable shortening in the dough?
Vegetable shortening is incorporated into the dough to help create a smooth, soft, and pillowy texture.
How do I know when the azuki beans are ready?
The beans are ready when they have simmered for about an hour and have become soft.
How much sugar is added to the bun dough?
The bun dough includes 3 1/2 tablespoons of sugar.
What is the purpose of baking powder in the dough?
Baking powder is used alongside yeast to ensure the buns become puffy and light during steaming.
How much salt is used for the azuki paste?
1/2 teaspoon of salt is added to the azuki paste to balance the sweetness.
What kind of flour should I use?
All-purpose flour is recommended for making the bun dough.
Can I use water instead of milk in the dough?
The recipe uses both milk and water; milk adds richness and a whiter color to the finished buns.
How much sugar is in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 8 grams of sugar.
What is the texture of the finished buns?
The finished buns have a soft, fluffy, and pillowy texture with a rich, sweet filling.