Red Bean Bao Food

RED BEAN-STUFFED PANDA BUNS RECIPE BY TASTY

Steps:

• In the bowl of a stand mixer, stir together the milk, yeast, sugar, and flour with a rubber spatula until the dough starts to come together.
• Fit the stand mixer with the dough hook and mix the dough on medium-high speed for 10 minutes, until smooth.
• Cover the dough with a wet towel and let rest for 1 hour.
• Pull off about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll into a ball, then roll out into a log. Fold the outer ends of the log inward to overlap the center, then roll out into a log again. Repeat 2-3 more times, until the dough is very smooth.
• Press into a flat disc. Roll 1 tablespoon of red bean paste into a ball, then place in the center of the disc. Wrap the dough around the red bean paste to seal, then roll the bun into a ball and set on a small square of parchment paper. Repeat to make 12 total buns, leaving some excess dough for decorating.
• Add a bit of black food coloring to another portion of dough and roll out the dough as before, until the color is uniform.
• Use a finger to slightly dampen the outside of a bun. Decorate with 2 pieces of black dough for the ears, 2 pieces for the eyes, and 1 piece for the nose. Repeat with the remaining buns.
• Let the buns rest for 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, fill the bottom of a steamer with water and bring to a simmer over medium heat. (If you don't have a steamer, fill a large pot with a bowl at the bottom with water, then place a plate on top of the bowl, making sure the water does not come over the edges of the plate.)
• Add the buns to the steamer, leaving enough space for the buns to expand. Cover the pot and steam the buns for 9-10 minutes, or until the dough is cooked through. Turn off the heat and let the buns rest in the steamer for 5 minutes before serving.
• Enjoy!

DO SHA BAO FILLING (RED BEAN BUN FILLING)

Steps:

• Bring water to a boil in a saucepan, dissolve in sugar and shortening.
• Bring beans and bean liquid to a boil in a saucepan or large skillet.
• Add water-shortening-sugar mixture.
• Boil vigorously and mash for 15 minutes or until a paste begins to come together.
• Dissolve cornstarch in a little water and stir in to aid the formation of the paste.
• Refrigerate before use to improve consistency. For coarser paste, leave some beans whole. Use more shortening, less water, and/or a food processor for a smoother texture.