Fluffy Korean Red Bean Buns With Sweet Homemade Filling

Red bean buns are the bakery staple I always grabbed warm, and the dough is what makes them, soft and faintly sweet like milk bread. I cook the bean paste thick so it stays put inside the pillowy shell.

The homemade filling uses simple ingredients and is easy to prepare, making these buns a perfect treat for both experienced bakers and beginners.

Delicious Steamed Korean Red Bean Buns

These fluffy Korean red bean buns are made from a soft and airy dough, which beautifully complements the sweet red bean filling. With preparation and cooking, these buns take about 1 hour and serve 12 buns. Enjoy them warm as a snack or a fun dessert!

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon instant yeast
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup warm water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup adzuki beans (cooked and sweetened)
2 tablespoons sugar (for the filling)
1/4 teaspoon salt (for the filling)
Cornstarch for dusting
Parchment paper strips for steaming

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, instant yeast, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add warm water and vegetable oil, mixing until a dough forms.
Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
Make the Filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the red bean filling. In a saucepan, combine cooked adzuki beans, sugar, and salt. Cook over low heat until the mixture is thickened, then mash until smooth. Allow to cool.

Shape the Buns: Once the dough has risen, divide it into equal portions (about 12). Flatten each portion, place a spoonful of red bean filling in the center, and pinch to seal, shaping it into a bun.
Steam the Buns: Prepare a steamer lined with parchment paper strips, then place the buns in the steamer, allowing enough space between them. Steam over boiling water for about 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
Serve: Gently remove the buns from the steamer and let them cool slightly. Serve warm and enjoy your fluffy Korean red bean buns!