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Red Bean Steamed Buns 3

New Year “Fu” Red Bean Steamed Buns (Soft & Fluffy Mantou)

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.
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Course Breakfast
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4

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.

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