Homemade Jjinppang: Korean Steamed Red Bean Buns Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of bread flour
  • 1/4 cup of sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 tablespoon of milk powder
  • 1 teaspoon of instant yeast
  • 3/4 cup of warm water
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 16 pieces of parchment paper
  • For the sweet red bean paste:
  • 1 cup of red beans
  • 3/4 cup of sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 2 cups of water

Steps and instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix together the bread flour, sugar, salt, milk powder, and instant yeast.
  2. Slowly add warm water to the dry mixture while stirring.
  3. Add vegetable oil and knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
  4. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
  5. While the dough is rising, prepare the sweet red bean paste. Soak the red beans in water for 2 hours, then drain.
  6. In a pot, add the soaked red beans and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1 hour or until the beans become very soft and mushy.
  7. Add sugar and salt to the bean mixture, stir well to combine. Continue to cook until the mixture thickens to a paste-like consistency. Let it cool.
  8. After the dough has risen, divide it into 16 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a disc, then spoon about 1 tablespoon of the red bean paste onto the center of each disc.
  9. Gather the edges of the dough disc and pinch them together to seal. Place the bun, seam-side down, on a piece of parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
  10. Place the buns in a steamer, cover, and let them rest for about 15 minutes.
  11. Steam the buns over high heat for 15 minutes. Serve warm.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Replace the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
  • Add sesame seeds or chopped nuts on top of the buns for added texture.
  • Use a different filling such as custard, chocolate, or cheese instead of red bean paste.
  • Add a tablespoon of matcha powder to the dough for a green tea flavor.
  • Make savory buns by filling them with ingredients like ground meat, vegetables, or cheese.
  • Create a crust by brushing the buns with egg wash and sprinkling them with sugar before baking.
  • Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or other flavored extracts to the dough for a different aroma.
  • Experiment with different shapes for the buns like braided or twisted designs.
  • Make it vegan by substituting the milk powder with a plant-based alternative, and using a vegetable-based filling.
  • Instead of steaming, bake the buns in the oven for a different texture.

Recipe overview

Jjinppang is a popular Korean steamed bun filled with sweet red bean paste. With a fluffy and slightly sweet bread exterior that encases a rich and sweet bean filling, it's a perfect treat to satisfy your sweet cravings. Making Jjinppang at home is a fun and rewarding process where you get to prepare the dough from scratch and make a homemade sweet red bean paste filling. In this recipe, you will learn how to make these delicious steamed buns in simple steps. Starting from preparing the dough, letting it rise, to preparing the sweet red bean paste and assembling the buns. The result is a batch of warm, sweet buns that are soft, fluffy, and filled with the goodness of sweet red bean paste. Enjoy it fresh off the steamer, and experience a delightful treat that's loved in Korean cuisine.

Common questions

  1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour? Yes, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute for bread flour in this recipe. However, the texture of the buns may be slightly different.
  2. Can I use dry yeast instead of instant yeast? Yes, you can use dry yeast instead of instant yeast. However, you will need to activate the dry yeast by proofing it in warm water with a teaspoon of sugar before adding it to the dry ingredients.
  3. Can I use store-bought red bean paste? Yes, you can use store-bought red bean paste if you prefer. However, making your own sweet red bean paste from scratch will give the buns a fresher and more authentic taste.
  4. Can I make the dough in a bread machine? Yes, you can use a bread machine to make the dough. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the dough setting and add the ingredients accordingly.
  5. Can I freeze the buns? Yes, you can freeze the steamed buns. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, steam the frozen buns for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
  6. Can I make smaller or larger buns? Yes, you can adjust the size of the buns according to your preference. For smaller buns, divide the dough into more pieces. For larger buns, divide the dough into fewer pieces.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Jjinppang, a beloved Korean steamed bun filled with sweet red bean paste, is a true product of the people's love for comfort food. In the chill of winter, street vendors would entice passersby with the steaming aroma of these delightful buns. They soon became an integral part of Korean winter street food culture. The name itself, 'Jjinppang', translates to 'steamed bread', and its simplicity carries the warmth of home and hearth. The red bean paste, often handmade with care, symbolizes the diligence and patience of Korean homemakers. Through time, these buns have transcended seasonal boundaries and are enjoyed year-round, a testimony to their timeless popularity.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.