Teresa's Recipes
Anpan (Japanese Sweet Red Bean Buns)
Anpan is a cherished Japanese sweet that has been delighting taste buds since the late 19th century, when it was first created by a baker inspired by Western bread-making techniques. These soft, pillowy buns are filled with a velvety smooth sweet red bean paste called 'anko', which provides a perfect balance of sweetness. With a beautiful golden crust and an inviting aroma, anpan is a delightful treat often enjoyed during afternoon tea or as a snack. Each bite is a journey to Japan, celebrating the harmony of tradition and flavor. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Japanese confections or trying something new, these buns are sure to bring joy to your palate.
Ingredients
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) Instant yeast
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons, softened Unsalted butter
- 1 cup, warm (about 110°F or 43°C) Milk
- 1 cup Sweet red bean paste (anko)
- 1, for egg wash Egg
- 1 tablespoon (for egg wash) Water
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 8
- Dish Type: Dessert
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 4g
- Carbs: 36g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Sugar: 8g
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined.
- Add the softened butter and warm milk to the dry ingredients. Mix using a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release air. Divide it into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball.
- Flatten each ball with your palm to create a disc. Place a generous spoonful of sweet red bean paste in the center of each disc.
- Carefully gather the edges of the dough and pinch them together to seal the filling, shaping each bun into a smooth ball.
- Arrange the filled buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the buns with the egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake the anpan in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.
Tips
- For a twist, try adding a spoonful of matcha powder to the dough for a green tea flavor.
- You can also use other fillings like chocolate or custard to mix things up.
- Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.