I love steaming a batch of these “Fu” red bean buns for Lunar New Year because they look festive and taste even better. The buns turn out white, fluffy, and lightly sweet, with a smooth homemade red bean filling inside. Topped with edible “Fu” paper, they’re symbolic, beautiful, and surprisingly easy to make.
These celebratory buns are inspired by traditional Mantou, made using a single-proof method for convenience. The dough is slightly sweet and extra soft, while the rich red bean paste adds a comforting, classic flavor that everyone loves.
Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Soft, fluffy, and lightly sweet dough
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Smooth and fragrant red bean filling
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Festive New Year presentation
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Beginner-friendly single-proof method
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Symbolic “Fu” decoration for good fortune
If you love working with red bean paste, you might also enjoy trying these homemade favorites made with the same sweet, smooth filling:
They’re all delicious ways to transform simple red bean paste into beautiful, comforting treats — from fluffy steamed buns to crispy fried desserts and soft glutinous rice rolls.
Ingredients (Makes about 8–10 buns)
Dough
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500g all-purpose flour
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60g sugar
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5g high-sugar instant yeast
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260g warm water (about 30°C)
Filling & Decoration
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400g homemade red bean paste
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Edible “Fu” glutinous rice paper decorations
Instructions
1. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine 500g flour, 60g sugar, and 5g high-sugar yeast. Mix well.
Gradually add 260g warm water while stirring until shaggy dough forms and no dry flour remains.
Knead into a firm dough. It may feel slightly stiff and difficult to smooth at first — this is normal. Cover and let rest for 5 minutes to relax the gluten.
Knead again until the dough becomes smooth, fine, and free of air pockets. A smooth dough is key to fluffy buns.
Note: Because this dough contains a high amount of sugar, you must use high-sugar tolerant yeast. Regular yeast may not ferment properly.
2. Divide and Fill (Single-Proof Method)
This is a one-rise method, so do not pre-ferment the dough.
Roll the dough into a log and divide into equal portions, about 80g each. Shape into balls.
Roll each portion into a round wrapper with thinner edges and a slightly thicker center.
Place an appropriate amount of red bean paste in the center. Gather and pinch to seal tightly. Tuck the seam underneath and gently roll into a smooth round bun.
Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
3. Final Proof
Arrange the shaped buns in a steamer, leaving space between each.
Cover and let proof in a warm place until doubled in size. The buns should feel light. When gently pressed, the surface should spring back quickly without collapsing.
Note: Do not over-proof. Over-fermented buns may collapse during steaming.
4. Steam & Add “Fu” Decoration
Bring water to a full boil before placing the steamer over the pot.
Steam over medium heat for 15 minutes.
When time is up, do not immediately remove the buns. While still hot, gently place the edible “Fu” rice paper onto the surface of each bun. The heat and steam will help it adhere naturally.
Cover again and let steam (with heat off) for 2 more minutes to set the shape and prevent shrinking.
Note: The red part of the decoration uses edible coloring, and the white portion is dissolvable rice paper similar to traditional candy wrappers — fully edible.
5. Serve
Open the lid and remove the buns. Enjoy warm for the best texture. The buns will be fluffy and slightly sweet, with smooth, fragrant red bean filling inside — perfect for welcoming good fortune in the New Year.
Cooking Tips
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Use warm water around 30°C; overly hot water can kill the yeast.
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The dough is slightly firm by design — this helps maintain shape after steaming.
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Always steam after the water reaches a full boil.
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Let the buns rest briefly after steaming to prevent sudden shrinkage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought red bean paste?
Yes, just make sure it’s thick and not too wet.
Why did my buns collapse?
They were likely over-proofed or exposed to sudden temperature changes.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Steam fully, cool, and refrigerate. Re-steam for 5 minutes before serving.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Freeze after steaming and cooling. Re-steam from frozen for about 8–10 minutes.
Can I skip the “Fu” decoration?
Of course. The decoration is optional but adds festive meaning and presentation.
New Year “Fu” Red Bean Steamed Buns (Soft & Fluffy Mantou)
Ingredients
Dough
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 60 g sugar
- 5 g high-sugar instant yeast
- 260 g warm water about 30°C
Filling & Decoration
- 400 g homemade red bean paste
- Edible “Fu” glutinous rice paper decorations
Instructions
Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine 500g flour, 60g sugar, and 5g high-sugar yeast. Mix well.
- Gradually add 260g warm water while stirring until shaggy dough forms and no dry flour remains.
- Knead into a firm dough. It may feel slightly stiff and difficult to smooth at first — this is normal. Cover and let rest for 5 minutes to relax the gluten.
- Knead again until the dough becomes smooth, fine, and free of air pockets. A smooth dough is key to fluffy buns.
- Note: Because this dough contains a high amount of sugar, you must use high-sugar tolerant yeast. Regular yeast may not ferment properly.
Divide and Fill (Single-Proof Method)
- This is a one-rise method, so do not pre-ferment the dough.
- Roll the dough into a log and divide into equal portions, about 80g each. Shape into balls.
- Roll each portion into a round wrapper with thinner edges and a slightly thicker center.
- Place an appropriate amount of red bean paste in the center. Gather and pinch to seal tightly. Tuck the seam underneath and gently roll into a smooth round bun.
- Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
Final Proof
- Arrange the shaped buns in a steamer, leaving space between each.
- Cover and let proof in a warm place until doubled in size. The buns should feel light. When gently pressed, the surface should spring back quickly without collapsing.
- Note: Do not over-proof. Over-fermented buns may collapse during steaming.
Steam & Add “Fu” Decoration
- Bring water to a full boil before placing the steamer over the pot.
- Steam over medium heat for 15 minutes.
- When time is up, do not immediately remove the buns. While still hot, gently place the edible “Fu” rice paper onto the surface of each bun. The heat and steam will help it adhere naturally.
- Cover again and let steam (with heat off) for 2 more minutes to set the shape and prevent shrinking.
- Note: The red part of the decoration uses edible coloring, and the white portion is dissolvable rice paper similar to traditional candy wrappers — fully edible.
Serve
- Open the lid and remove the buns. Enjoy warm for the best texture. The buns will be fluffy and slightly sweet, with smooth, fragrant red bean filling inside — perfect for welcoming good fortune in the New Year.
Video
