Red Beans: The Sweet & Wholesome Darling of Asian Desserts

With a soft, crumbly texture and mild nutty, earthy flavour often sweetened with minimal sugar, red beans and red bean paste are Asia’s ultimate dessert ingredient. Enjoyed in steamed, baked and fried confectionaries, as well as sweet soups, shaved ice treats, popsicles and even with ice-cream.

Red Beans are Ancient

Red beans originated from the Himalayan region, and archaeological findings suggest the Chinese and Japanese peoples had cultivated red beans along with soybeans, since as early as the Bronze Age. 

The first recipe with red bean paste appeared in the oldest Chinese cookbook, dated 1200BCE – a Zongzi dumpling with assorted filling that included the paste, to commemorate the Duanwu Festival. The recipe still lives on today, alongside a great plethora of yummy pastries and desserts from the Far East to Southeast Asia.

Red Beans & Red Bean Paste are Packed with Goodness

Red beans contain high amounts of protein, fibre, antioxidants and a host of beneficial nutrients. Great for digestion and helps you maintain a healthy heart and gut. Which means desserts made with red bean paste aren’t just tasty but healthy too!

You can get red bean paste premade and mildly sweetened. Or make your own by first soaking red beans overnight, boil them for an hour till the beans soften, pulverized in a blender till the boiled beans become a mushy texture, then stir in a non-stick pot until the moisture evaporates and the paste ‘firms’ up. Alternatively, you can skip the pre-soak period if you have a pressure cooker or a slow cooker. Check out this video recipe for reference.

You can also skip the blending, drain the boiled red beans and cool them off for dessert toppings!

Red Bean Goodies You Can Make

Steamed Red Bean Bao

Chinese steamed Bao-s come in a myriad of fillings and simple red bean paste is among the faves in Yum Cha culture. Bite into the fluffy bun and savour the soft and creamy red bean paste within. Make yours fresh with our recipe!

Matcha & Red Bean Mochi

Traditional Japanese Mochi is always a comforting treat! Soft and chewy outside with a sweet red bean paste filling, made extra refreshing in this recipe with Matcha powder. You can also ‘supersize’ your mochi enjoyment into a Daifuku!

Japanese Red Bean Pancake

Dorayaki red bean pancake is another traditional Japanese fave, with a soft yummy outside and sweet, nutty paste filling. Tasty, wholesome and perfect for snack times! Grab the full recipe here.

Chinese Red Bean Paste Pancake

Chinese cuisine has their own version of red bean pancake as well. Fried instead of baked, giving it a thin crispy skin and tender-sweet to munch! Try it with this recipe.

Fried Red Bean Rice Cakes

Speaking of fried goodies, here’s another Chinese street snack delight. Soft, crunchy and crumbly cakes with sesame fragrance and sweet, buttery red bean paste filling. Whip them up with our recipe!

Korean Red Bean Doughnuts

From the bustling food streets of South Korea comes this munchable red bean doughnut balls! Tender, buttery and a pleasure to bite, with sweet red bean paste filling that melts in your mouth!  

Japanese Shaved Ice Kakigori

Shaved ice treats with fruits, glutinous rice balls and other sweet goodies are a must-have Japanese summer treat, and adzuki red bean paste is among the beloved toppings. Here’s a matcha and red bean kakigori special for you to savour!

Malaysian Ais Kacang

Shaved ice desserts are taken to the next level in tropical Southeast Asia, often served like a tiny ice hill replete with all kinds of sweet ingredients such as cendol, local fruits, grass jelly, creamed corn and sweetened red beans. Have a taste of the most popular Malaysian Ais Kacang with our recipe!  

Red Bean Popsicles

Also from Malaysia are chilly flavoured popsicles, and the red beans variant is among the most enjoyed. Surprisingly easy to make with our authentic recipe!  

Red Bean Soup

Boiled red beans are awesome on their own as well. In this simple and cosy Malaysian Chinese dessert soup, coconut milk is added for a creamy touch, with jelly-like sago pearls for extra yummy texture, and dried tangerine or orange peel for a richer, fruity aroma.

More Wholesome Asian Desserts

Asian desserts are often made with all natural ingredients from local fruits, beans, herbs and more. Come discover these delightful, healthy sweethearts in this special feature!