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Fluffy Sweet Chinese Steamed Bun Dough for Red Bean filling

Fluffy Sweet Chinese Steamed Bun Dough for Red Bean Filling

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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Proofing 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 10 medium-sized buns

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl For combining your ingredients
  • Measuring cups and spoons Precision is key in dough making
  • Whisk or Fork To blend dry ingredients
  • Dough scraper or spatula Helps with kneading and cleaning up
  • Stand mixer with dough hook (optional) For easier kneading
  • Damp towel or plastic wrap To cover the dough while proofing
  • Rolling Pin Helps flatten the dough rounds evenly
  • Steamer Basket or Bamboo Steamer Essential for that signature fluffy texture
  • Parchment Paper or Napa Cabbage Leaves Prevents buns from sticking in the steamer

Ingredients
  

For the Dough

  • 2½ cups 300g all-purpose flour (or bao flour if available)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¾ cup 180ml warm milk (110°F or 43°C)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Red Bean Filling (Optional)

  • 1½ cups sweet red bean paste homemade or store-bought

Instructions
 

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

  1. In a bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top, stir gently, and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to give your dough that signature steam bun rise.

Step 2: Make the Dough

  1. In a large bowl (or stand mixer bowl), mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and vegetable oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead by hand for 10-12 minutes or with a mixer on medium speed for 6-8 minutes. The dough should be smooth, soft, and just slightly tacky.

Step 3: First Proof

  1. Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Divide and Shape

  1. Punch down the dough and transfer it to a clean surface. Divide into 10 equal portions. Roll each piece into a ball, cover, and let rest for 5 minutes (this helps the dough relax for easier shaping).

Step 5: Add the Red Bean Filling

  1. Flatten each dough ball into a circle about 4 inches in diameter. Place 1-2 tablespoons of red bean paste in the center. Carefully gather the edges and pinch the top to seal. Flip the bun seam-side down and shape gently into a round bun.
  2. For a more advanced twist, you can pleat the dough edges like a steamed pork buns style, giving a beautiful finish similar to traditional chinese bread.

Step 6: Second Proof

  1. Place the buns on parchment squares inside your steamer basket. Leave space between each bun. Cover and let proof for 30 minutes.

Step 7: Steam the Buns

  1. Fill your steamer base with water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, place the steamer basket over the water and steam the buns on medium-high heat for 12-15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the buns rest, covered, for 5 minutes before opening the lid to avoid shrinkage.

Step 8: Serve Warm

  1. These buns are best served warm. The dough is lightly sweet, the red bean filling is smooth and nutty, and the texture is dreamy.